** Somewhat Recommended ** The Frankenstein legend continues on in Joseph Zettelmaier’s newest gothic horror story, The Jigsaw Bride, playing at First Folio Theatre through November 14th. Although First Folio’s set is suitably gothic, the story itself is really kind of boring. I’ve seen several of Zettelmaier’s plays, and enjoyed all of them – but not this one. 2 ½ Spotlights
I found myself zoning out several times, especially during Act I, which is basically a series of conversations between Maria von Moos (Courtney Abbott), a scientist and Justine (Heather Chrisler), her subject/experiment. Unfortunately, I had a lot of difficulty in hearing Maria.
Maria von Moos is rather mysterious. She’s a noted scientist – or is she? She’s won numerous scientific awards – or has she? She dresses in men’s clothing – for comfort and convenience, she says. She appears to be quite wealthy – or is she?
Maria has just completed excavations of a ruined castle deep in the Alps. She went there seeking the secrets of Dr. Frankenstein but instead of scientific journals, she found a young woman asleep in the rubble with no memories of her life, her family or even how she got 
there. The only clues to her identity – her eyes which are two different colors, and multiple scars crisscrossing her body. Maria brought Justine, a feral creature, home with her, determined to extract her secrets.
One day, a friend of Maria’s, a man called Janos Vystario (Peter Sipla), came for a visit. He was fascinated with Justine. She was terrified of him feeling him staring at her scars. In a conversation with Maria, he offered her a bundle money for Justine. All that money was too much for Maria who drugged Justine.
After having that cup of tea with Maria, Justine woke up in a cage. Janos informed her that she was now in Vystario’s Menagerie of the 
Note: Guests must show proof of vaccination before entering the theater. Guests are required to wear masks while inside the building.
First Folio Theatre’s production of The Jigsaw Bride runs through November 14th at the Mayslake Peabody Estate, 1717 31st St., off Rt. 83, Oak Brook. Parking is free. Running time is 2 hours with an intermission. Performances times are Wednesdays at 8:00 pm; Thursdays at 3:00 and 8:00 pm; Fridays at 8:00 pm; Saturdays at 4:00 and 8:00 pm; Sundays at 3:00 pm. Tickets range from $44-$59. FYI (630) 986-8067 or www.firstfolio.org.