Fans of Mel Brooks’ work and a silly, funny and often politically incorrect theatrical experience are sure to love Young Frankenstein.
Playing at Melbourne’s Theatre Works, the over-the-top comical musical highlights everything wonderfully ridiculous about classic horror and big Broadway spectacles.
Based on Brooks’ and Gene Wilder’s 1974 film Young Frankenstein, this Brooks-created stage play tells of the adventures of Frederick Frankenstein (Josh Direen), a serious academic in New York who is happily engaged to wealthy socialite Elizabeth Benning (Britni Leslie).
He’s determined not to be connected to his mad scientist grandfather Victor who lives in Transylvania. So much so Frederick insists his surname be pronounced Fronk-en-steen – one of many ongoing jokes with names.
Life changes when Victor dies and Frederick has to go to Transylvania to settle his grandfather’s estate.
His long journey ends when he meets his grandfather’s lab assistant, the hunchback Igor (Alexander Glenk), pronounced Eye-gore. Igor is disappointed to hear that Frederick is only visiting for a short time before heading back to New York. He wants Frederick to continue Victor’s work of reanimating the dead. He has already hired the very attractive and vivacious Inga (Juliet Nicholson) as Frederick’s assistant.
Initially not wanting to have an involvement in such experiments, Frederick is eventually persuaded by Igor, Inga and Victor’s former housekeeper and lover Frau Blucher to continue Victor’s work.
The result is the Monster (Joti Van Carlos Gore) much to the horror of local townsfolk led by Inspector Kemp (Shannon Foley). Further complicating matters for Frederick is the arrival of Elizabeth (Britni Leslie).
This crazy story, which features plenty of sexual innuendo, is told through words, great musical numbers including Please Don’t Touch Me, The Transylvania Mania and Puttin’ on the Ritz, imaginative choreography and very clever staging.
Stagebugs Productions has done a great job in putting together a very talented cast of performers.
All excel in their roles and were a delight to watch. Jenkin’s presentation of He Vas My Boyfriend, Shannon Foley, singing Someone (as well as playing Inspector Kent, Foley also plays a Hermit) and Joti van Carlos Gore’s dancing skills were standouts.
The expressive and energetic performance of Josh Direen was another highlight. Despite appearing in most scenes his energy levels remain high throughout the show. His interactions with Juliet Nicholson’s Inga were a joy to watch as was Britni Leslie’s presentation of Deep Love. The interactions between Direen and Alexander Glenk’s Igor were equally enjoyable with Glenk showing both athletic and comic skills.
The work of the cast and the eight-performer ensemble ensures this production of Young Frankenstein is shamelessly outlandish and extremely fully.
Young Frankenstein is playing at Theatre Works until October 24. Visit the Theatre Works website for more information and tickets.
Jenny Burns attended a matinee performance on November 18 as a guest of the production company.
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