The characters we know and love from the Mel Brook’s classic hit movie are brought to life (yes, that’s a pun) in New Milford TheatreWork’s “The New Mel Brooks Musical: Young Frankenstein”. Directed by Jocelyn Beard, this cast of characters takes us to Transylvania where the grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, is encouraged to Join the Family Business (sung by Victor aka David Fritsch).
The musical contains songs and scenes not in the movie – so the classic lines are mixed with these entertaining additions. Keep in mind, this is Mel Brooks, the comedy is broad and bawdy and Ms. Beard wisely takes full advantage of the script’s not-so-subtle innuendos.
Joseph Devellis charmingly plays Dr. Frankenstein. In the beginning, he is the straight man in a sea of zany characters. Before the end of Act 1, he transforms into the mad scientist who brings to life The Monster (Michael Wright).
Matthew Horowitz expertly plays Igor, the hunchbacked sidekick. Between his vocals, physical flexibility, facial contortions and dead on (yes, another pun) comedic timing, Horowitz will have you roaring with laughter.
Maya Daley coquettishly plays Inga, Frankenstein’s assistant and performs some impressive yodeling. Rounding out the leading cast are Ashley McLeod as fiancé, Elizabeth Benning; Lana Peck as the housekeeper with a past, Frau Blucher and Shawn Brown as Inspector Hans Kemp.
The quirky ensemble embraces the insanity as they morph into a variety of characters. Patrick Spaulding as the Blind Hermit touchingly and humorously sings “Please Send Me Someone” while Collin Kent Larson nailed the smart-mouthed Shoeshine boy. The ensemble also includes, Jerusha Wright, Christina Van De Water, Elizeth Brito, Erin Walsh, Chris Marker, Helaine Miserendino, Tarah Vega, and Isidora Naples. The creative choreography by Marisa Caron was engaging and enhanced the Musical Direction by Mary Jane Phelan.
The New Milford TheatreWorks Theater is an intimate space with a small but functional stage. The creative set design by Shagbargh Hickory was an ingenious use of space. The stage elements consisted of a screen projection, disappearing stairs, a spiral staircase, rotating flats and a levitating platform.
By the end of the show, the audience was on their feet having thoroughly enjoyed. Young Frankenstein continues it run on May 10,11,12,18*,19,20,25,26,27, June 1,2, 2018. Tickets are going fast and *May 18th is sold out!
Curtain time is 8:00 p.m. Fridays & Saturdays, with a 2:00 p.m. on two Sunday matinees on May 20 and 27th. Tickets for all shows are $30 for reserved seating. Students and Military personnel with ID will be admitted for $25. Pay-What-You-Want Night is Thursday May 10.
Reservations can be made online at theatreworks.us or by calling the box office at (860) 350-6863.
TheatreWorks is located at 5 Brookside Avenue, just off Route 202 (next to the CVS), in New Milford, CT. Parking is located behind the Catherine E. Lillis Administration Building at 50 East Street, New Milford.
Photo credit: Richard Pettibone