BWW Reviews: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN - The Monster Takes Over Oakdale

When you attend a production of Mel Brooks' musical Young Frankenstein, your full intention must be for laughs because this show is anything but serious. Above everything, the large cast at the Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at Creative Ministries Performing Arts Center (CMPAC) is super talented and delivers their performances entertainingly and with heart.

Young Frankenstein is a musical parody of the horror film genre with the stage version based on the 1974 movie incarnation created by Mr. Brooks and Gene Wilder. The musial's story, which has Thomas Meehan collaborating on the book, follows Dr. Frederick Frankenstein as he attempts to complete his infamous grandfather's work to bring a corpse back to life. Let me tell you that you will thoroughly enjoy this production now playing through November 2nd.

Leading the Patrick Grossman directed cast - filled with CMPAC vets - is Steve Cottonaro as the younger Frankenstein. Mr. Cottonaro is excellent as the respected Dr. Frederick Frankenstein. In particular his rendition of "(There Is Nothing Like) The Brain" and "Man About Town" are well received by the enthusiastic audience.

Additionally, Mr. Cottonaro works well the fabulous Bailey Whitney who portrays Inga, Frederick's ditzy but well-meaning buxom blond assistant. Ms. Whitney brings roars of laughter with the song "Roll in the Hay" which she performs with Mr. Cottonaro and Carl Tese who hysterically portrays Igor, Frederick's trusty servant.

Also a highlight is Sean Burbige who portrays The Monster. Mr. Burbige is absolutely hilarious even at one point receiving an extended round of applause after his performance of "Puttin' on the Ritz". I only wish he was in the show longer as he joins the cast toward the end of Act One.

Marielle Greguski and Bidalia Albanese are also wonderful in their roles of Elizabeth, Frederick's diva fiancé, and Frau Blucher, the Frankenstein's gypsy-like housekeeper and former lover to the elder Frankenstein. The entire cast is truly top notch, really. And Ronald R. Green's costumes, along with Mr. Grossman's vision for the impressive set, made them look superb.

Will the miserable theatre snobs like this musical? Probably not... but you really should. It's entertaining, has a great cast, and, frankly, a fun night of theatre.

Young Frankenstein runs through November 2nd at the Noel S. Ruiz Theatre at Creative Ministries Performing Arts Center in Oakdale, Long Island. By Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, Direction and Set Design by Patrick Grossman, Musical Direction by Matthew W. Surico, Choreography by M.E. Junge, Sound Design by Brianne Boyd, Lighting Design by Danny Amy, Stage Management by Karen Tese, Costume Design by Ronald R. Green III. For more information and to purchase tickets, please call (631) 218-2810 or visit www.cmpac.com.

Photo by Lisa Schindlar; Steve Cottonaro (R) as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein and Sean Burbige (L) as The Monster.

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