Review: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at The Performing Arts San Antonio

"It's alive!" Halloween comes early to The Performing Arts San Antonio (PASA) as they take on their most ambitious show yet with YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. Adapted to the stage from Mel Brook's 1974 movie of the same name, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN has plenty of quirky pizzazz to keep you laughing. The infamous Dr. Victor Frankenstein is dead but his scientific discoveries live on through his grandson, Frederick Frankenstein. Having inherited his grandfather's castle in Transylvania, Frederick is eager to put his brilliant mind to use and create a monster of his own. Featuring a cast of zany but lovable characters, YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN at PASA is monstrously entertaining.

Under the extraordinary direction by Vaughn Taylor, the cast made perfect use of the stage. They created ingenious ways to transform the set into different settings of varying complexities. The visual images provided by Michelle Gansler strongly enhanced the production and helped set the tone throughout the show.

With a cast of varying levels of experience, it did warrant for some unevenness throughout the production. However, that did not deter the fierce energy throughout the show. PASA's intimate venue provided for an up close and personal performance making one feel like they too were in the haunted castle and witness' to the electrifying experiments of both past and present.

Twyla LaMont played the eccentric fiancé of Dr. Frankenstein with exceptional flair. It was impossible to take your eyes off of her in every scene she was in such was the strength of her performance. A true favorite of the night was her renditions of "Surprise" and "Please Don't Touch Me." The audience could not help but smile each and every time she entered a scene knowing they were in for a treat. Jeremy Torres portrayal of Dr. Frankenstein's hunchbacked sidekick, Igor, was phenomenal. His comedic timing was on-point and it was his colorful spirit that added life to the show during its darker moments. As the doctor's beautiful assistant, Inga, Lauren Campion proved to be a true triple threat. She was entirely believable and her chemistry with Frederick was genuine.

This large-scale musical was chock-full of memorable moments and had some incredible songs to boot. The offbeat humor and wacky storyline proved to be an ideal escape from the real world. It doesn't take the brain of a mad scientist to realize this production is well worth your time and money.

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN is playing at The Performing Arts San Antonio until October 28, 2018. Tickets can be purchased online by visiting the theatre's website or by calling 210-557-1187.

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