By Amanda VanNostrand.
Frankenstein’s monster: The green face, dark hair and outfit pop out at most who hear the name. Young Frankenstein, however, may not be as familiar but here at Walnut Street Theatre in Philadelphia to provoke laughter and wow you is Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein The Musical. It is no surprise that its writer has been known for his directing, producing, writing, and acting skills: recipient of three Tony Awards and two Grammy Awards, this man obviously holds the talent that created this incredibly witty show. It will be playing until October 20th for the first time in the United States and is based on the 1974 Mel Brooks comedy horror film, Young Frankenstein, which is loosely based on Mary Shelley’s novel Frankenstein (1818). Lovers of this film, along with those who are ignorant of its existence, will appreciate what Young Frankenstein The Musical has to offer this fall season.
Young Frankenstein The Musical cleverly takes the story of Frankenstein’s grandson Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced Fronk-en-steen) and transports him to Transylvannia. Previously an American physician, when he inherits his grandfather’s estate he discovers that he holds dreams that (unwillingly) reflect his grandfather’s legend. As he plays with science and the after-life, he meets hilarious characters along the way: Igor, Frankenstein’s assistant with a hunchback (they’re ‘Together Again for the First Time!’); Inga, a smart, witty assistant who is looking for a job and a friend with benefits when she meets our main character; and Frau Blücher, the sensual and mysterious woman awaiting him at his grandfather’s estate. As the characters (begrudgingly) run in on the secret to raising the dead, the hysterics that follow them bring waves of entertainment.
Young Frankenstein The Musical brings music that is likely to be unfamiliar to viewers. The songs (Mel Brooks) creatively shape and revolve around the plot of the show, taking a great story and making it even better. The dance numbers (choreography by Mary Jane Houdina), costumes (Mary Folino) and set (Robert Kovach) will bring audience members into a world that resembles a Halloween nightmare. Although this place is not one most people would wish to wake up in, the fantastical world immerses its audience into an embrace of laughter, romance, and great storytelling. From a pleasant (somewhat sensual) hayride through the Transylvanian woods to the bookcase that is a secret passageway, all the way through to the great laboratory of the late Frankenstein, each scene is creatively done, subtly planting a feel of haunting and whim in viewers.
Philadelphia favorites bring this production to life: Ben Dibble never disappoints and as expected, he creates the perfect Dr. Frederick Frankenstein with his well-versed talents; Mary Martello plays the role of Frau Blücher and she plays this most hysterical character with ease and brings her comedy forth at every possible moment; Dan Olmstead plays the favorable The Monster, and his acting makes The Monster into a character that is terrifying at first but endearing and loveable by the end; Dr. Frederick Frankenstein’s two love interests – Casey Elizabeth Gill as Elizabeth, and Alanna J. Smith as Inga, both have stunning voices and bring overall talent to the stage, wrapping up the main characters into a highly talented bunch. The cast at this Walnut Street show is excellent, as always.
Young Frankenstein The Musical is a classical, spooky, musical mix. Entirely light and pleasant, the audience will appreciate each momentous occasion, each well-developed character that taps and sings across Walnut Street’s stage this fall.