There is a new theater in town, and it is introducing a new Halloween classic into the theater world.

"'Frankenstein' is such a classic," said Dave Mortensen, co-producer and founding member of Mortal Fools Theatre Project. "High schools read it, colleges read it, and this version reflects the book more than the 'Frankenstein' perpetuated by movies. We really feel like this is a play that should be part of a classic Halloween repertoire."

Mortal Fools differs from other theaters by having a core group of actors to call on after deciding on a script.

"We are trying to develop a consistency and quality of the training in the performance," Mortensen said. "It's not buying a dress and working to fit into it. We are buying a dress that's ready to wear. The plays we pick are tailored to the ensemble's strengths."

According to Jennifer Reed, one of the play's producers, the resident ensemble separates Mortal Fools from other acting companies.

"We're not just like any other theater company," Reed said. "There is a lot of talent here in Utah, and we really were able to pick the best of the best actors, which is the heart of our mission -- excellent actors."

The ensemble, made up of mostly faculty from Brigham Young University and Utah Valley University, is expected to perform two shows per year -- with one performance in the fall and another in the spring.

"Halloween is so much fun here in Utah County," Mortensen said. "We thought Halloween was a great time to premiere the show and the company."

And what better way to premiere than with a giant, green monster?

"This is going to be the highlight of the Halloween season," Mortensen said. " 'Frankenstein' is a classic and this play stays true to that. It's exciting to watch Mary Shelley's novel brought to life on stage."

But don't expect any glimpses of the monster before opening night. According to Mortensen, they are keeping him under wraps until the premiere.

"That is one thing we are keeping secret, and it will be a surprise to the audience," Mortensen said.

Through Mortal Fools, Mortensen hopes to keep theater in Provo thriving.

"We are just trying to keep the history of Provo alive," Mortensen said. "We are trying to keep the Provo City Theatre from going dark."