Review: The MUNY's Hilarious Production of YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN

I grew up looking forward to the weekend, because that's when channel 30 would broadcast "Chiller Theater", providing a burgeoning horror fan like myself with the chance to view all the creepy classics that sprang from the loins of Universal Studios during the 1930's and 40's. I was a preteen when YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN played at the Westport cinema for a year! Yeah, movies used to actually do that. So, it was a genuine treat to see one of my favorite monsters lovingly parodied by Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder. And, it was with much anticipation that I looked forward to seeing the musical version of this beloved comedy from my childhood on the grand stage of The Muny. I think it's an extremely entertaining show, filled with a plethora of familiar gags, as well as some outstanding performances. This well cast and delightfully staged production is full of gorgeously spooky scenery and fun musical numbers, and I highly recommend that everyone catch this particular presentation, because it's far and away more humorous and spirited than the touring show that came through several years ago.

If you haven't seen the original film, then you should probably check it out, but realize that it's not solely based on the first Frankenstein movie from 1931, but instead patch-worked together with elements that are drawn from the entire series. The plot follows Frederick Frankenstein as he, not only inherits his dead grandfather's laboratory and scientific journals, but also follows in the family business with his sudden and intense desire to experiment with the creation of life itself. Of course, Brooks and Wilder (book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan) took this basic concept and filtered it through their own particular comic sensibilities. And, with a further filtering through Mel Brooks' comic compositions, we have another successful musical version of one of his films.

One reason to go to this show is to see Robert Petkoff's charming performance as Frederick. Whether he's wildly over the top or amusingly understated, he never fails to deliver. Stephanie Gibson is awfully good as Inga, Frederick's buxom lab assistant, who invites him to "Roll in the Hay" when they first meet. Vicki Lewis contributes exceptional work as Frau Blucher, and she gets to sing one of the best numbers in the show as she explains her relationship with Frederick's grandfather, telling him "He Vas My Boyfriend". Timothy Hughes also does a very nice job as the Monster, and has the most memorable scene in the production as he attempts to sing and dance his way through the Irving Berlin standard "Puttin' on the Ritz", which transforms into an absolutely show-stopping moment. Jennifer Cody is a pleasingly diminutive charmer as Frederick's fussy fiancee, Elizabeth, and Steve Rosen is hilarious, and worth the price of admission alone, for his quick with a quip work as hunchback Igor. John Scherer adds to the merriment as both Inspector Kemp and the Hermit the creature encounters.

There's a whole lot to like about this production, including Marcia Milgrom Dodge's sparkling direction and Josh Rhodes' splashy choreography, which both give the show considerable size and scope. Charlie Alterman gets a great sound from the singers and orchestra as musical director. It's truly dynamic, and the tunes are just better with the lush treatment allotted them. Paul Tate dePoo III's scenic design, and specifically the awesome backdrops and colorful laboratory equipment, are also very effective. Rob Denton's lighting scheme adds immensely to the overall mood, with a gaggle of flashing strobe lights conjuring up the storm and machinery that brings the creature to life. Tracy Christensen's costume's are great eye candy, and Matthew Young's video designs add still another comic dimension to the proceedings.

The MUNY's YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN is a rollicking good time, and a really amusing show to boot. See it before it ends July 19, 2016.

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