AUBURN — There will be musical comedy mania in Transylvania starting Aug. 10 as the Community Little Theatre (CLT) presents Mel Brooks’ stage creation “Young Frankenstein.” This will be CLT’s first production of the musical hit, which opened on Broadway on Nov. 8, 2007, and ran for 484 performances. Two successful national tours followed, and a London production is currently playing to positive reviews.
A send-up of the original 1931 “Frankenstein” movie and based on the 1975 Mel Brooks movie by the same name, the show is reminiscent of the wacky world of vaudeville. “It’s just a really fun show,” says director Chris Hodgkin. “When I direct a show, my motto is ‘fun without sacrificing quality.’ This show certainly lives up to that — it is very well written and a whole lot of fun to watch,” he added.
The show follows Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced “Fronk-en-steen”), grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, who inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced “Eye-gore”), and lab assistant Inga (pronounced . . . “Inga”), Frederick finds himself in the mad-scientist shoes of his late grandfather. He brings to life a creature (an incredibly large creature) who then escapes and terrifies the residents of Transylvania. Musical hilarity ensues.
“The show is very faithful to the movie,” notes Hodgkin. “Anyone who liked the movie is going to love the musical.” All the memorable characters and situations of the movie are included with a lot more music and some added theatrical flair. In addition to a show-stopping tap number danced to the tune of Irving Berlin’s “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” the show also includes numerous original songs such as “He Vas My Boyfriend,” “Roll in the Hay,” “The Brain” and “Transylvania Mania.”
Hodgkin has assembled an impressive cast composed of CLT veterans and some new talent. Appearing on the CLT stage for the first time are Zack Handlen, who plays Dr. Frederick Frankenstein; Brittany Blakemore as Elizabeth Benning; and Michael Blakemore, who plays The Monster. Other principal roles are played by CLT veterans John Blanchette as Inspector Kemp; John Nutting as Harold the Hermit; Mason Lagasse as Igor; Colleen Katana as Inga; and Jennine Cannizo as Frau Blucher (cue the horses!).
Other cast members include James Mckinley, Ethan Rombalski, Lynn O’Donnell, Brooke Shelley, Andrew Lachapelle, Jacob Morin, Megan Record, Noah Keneborus, Ricky Brewster, Shelly Carver, Sophie Messina, Bailee Sabine, Melissa Guimond, Michelle Andrews, Mindy Hodgkin, Olivia Morel and Soleil Fournier.
The production crew includes Steve Barter, music director; Kira Gavin, choreographer; Eli Christman, stage manager; Cody Watson, assistant director; Celeste Philippon, producer; Dan Kane, set construction; Lynn O’Donnell, set decor; Sophie Messina, social media; Richard Martin, lights and mentor; Sophie Wood, production assistant and spotlight operator; Jim McKinley, specialty props; Renee Davis, makeup; Mackenzie Richard, hair and wigs; Michelle Washburn, lights; Marissa Lussier, sound; Jen Rombalski, props; and Ashley Hodgkin, costumes.
A show that is “scientifically proven, monstrously good entertainment,” “Young Frankenstein” will be performed at 7:30 p.m. Aug. 10, 11, 16, 17 and 18, and at 2 p.m. Aug. 12 and 19, at the Great Falls Performing Arts Center on Academy Street in Auburn. Tickets, priced at $18 for adults, $15 for seniors and $12 for students, are available at the box office at 783-0958 or on CLT’s website at www.laclt.com. And don’t forget to “put . . . the . . . candle . . . back!”
Michael Blakemore (The Monster) receives lots of attention from Jennine Cannizzo (Frau Blucher), left, Colleen Kataria (Inga), Zack Handlen (Frederick) and Mason Lagasse (Igor) during the Community Little Theatre dress rehearsal for Young Frankenstein in Auburn. (Daryn Slover/Sun Journal)
Zack Handlen (Frederick), top, Colleen Kataria (Inga) and Mason Lagasse (Igor) rehearse for the Community Little Theatre production of Young Frankenstein in Auburn. (Daryn Slover/Sun Journal)
Mason Lagasse (Igor), left, and Zack Handlen (Frederick) rehearse for the Community Little Theatre production of Young Frankenstein in Auburn. (Daryn Slover/Sun Journal)
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