BWW Reviews: Monster-Sized Laughs for YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at Hobby Center

In classic Mel Brooks fashion, the continuous surge of gags and innuendos of Young Frankenstein are sure to keep audiences rolling throughout the musical's two-week run at the Hobby Center.  From the first lightning bolt during the overture, to the last growl of the Monster, the production is a captivating spectacle and heart-warming story packed with memorable characters. 

The musical is based upon the 1974 Mel Brooks comedy film of the same name, which is an inspired parody of the horror film adaptations of Mary Shelley's novel Frankenstein.  "Young" Frankenstein refers to Dr. Victor von Frankenstein's grandson and protagonist, Dr. Frederick  Frankenstein, who is the Dean of Anatomy and renowned surgeon at the "Johns, Miriam and Anthony Hopkins School of Medicine".  Roger Bart (The Producers, You're a Good Man Charlie Brown, The Frogs, Triumph of Love, Big River), who also originated the role in the Broadway production, perfectly portrays this reluctant, but fun loving doctor and is a constant delight throughout the show.

Trying to escape his Grandfather's reputation, Frederick insists his name be pronounced "Fronkensteen," but when he is required to travel to Transylvania to settle his Grandfather's estate, he is lured into the challenge and mystery of the "family business."

Frederick 's experiments are assisted by the hunchback Igor (played by Cory English, Young Frankenstein, Forum, Hello Dolly, Damn Yankees, Guys and Dolls, Gypsy) and a bubbly laboratory science graduate named Elizabeth who's résumé is preceded by her endowed physical assets (played by Beth Curry, Legally Blonde, Good Vibrations).

The pairing of English and Bart is comic genius as the two actors play off each other perfectly with line delivery that feels fresh and genuine as opposed to scripted gags.  Their duet, "Together Again" is also a highlight of the show. 

Rye Mullis (National Tour of The Scarlet Pimpernel) also shines in his role as the Monster.  Even despite the fact the majority of his lines are grunts, Rye never misses an opportunity for big laughs or to capture compassion for the plight of the Monster.  His physical acting brings the Monster to life through troubled walks and awkward movements.  I don't know how he holds his hands in such dislocated appearing positions for so long but it is a convincing effect.

Young Frankenstein is an unusual musical in the context that the book is stronger than the score.  There's absolutely nothing wrong with the show's energetic and engaging music - the book is just that good.  But honestly, what else would you expect from Mel Brooks?  The script is one joke followed by another with little nuggets of humor to keep your attention, including horses named "Black" and "Decker" or the fact that Frederick hurts "Kibble's bits."  Due to the adult nature of the comedy, however, I'd leave the kids at home.

Starting with the overture, the score invokes the feeling of an old fashioned horror movie while perfectly walking the line between parody and cliché.  However the production struggles to balance the volume of vocals with the accompaniment resulting in lyrics that are sometimes hard to understand.  Bart also delivers several lines softly spoken for effect but they are often barely audible. 

At the bottom of the program's listing of musical numbers there is a little warning to be advised of the use of strobe lights - and boy do they mean it.  The production is an overload of strobe lights. While the lighting effect creates fantastic simulations of lightning bolts, the constant bombardment of bright flashes throughout the show will leave you rubbing your eyes.   The use of the strobe lights is pushed over the top when the flashes are also used to portray the camera flashes from reporters.  This unnecessary, secondary use of the lights diminishes the special, spectacular effect of the strobe lights as lightning.

The set for Frederick's lab is also impressive featuring moving gears and complex tubes that light up.  My other favorite effect was a towering Frankenstein puppet as tall as the stage constructed by the ensemble.

The Broadway production of Young Frankenstein opened on November 8, 2007 at the Hilton Theatre and closed on January 4, 2009.  For his role as Frederick, Bart earned  Outer Critics Circle and Drama League Award nominations.  The show also won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical sharing the honor with Xanadu.

Young Frankenstein is presented by Broadway Across America and runs at the Hobby Center through June 6.  Tickets are available at the Hobby Center Box Office, all Ticketmaster locations, by calling 800-982-ARTS (2787) or at http://www.broadwayacrossamerica.com/. 

 

Photo © Paul Kolnik

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