Curiocity: 'Young Frankenstein' Is Truly Alive
I have to be honest. When I heard they were turning "Young Frankenstein" into a musical, I was more than skeptical.
Not that I doubted Mel Brooks' fine work -- and much anticipated follow-up to the smash-hit "The Producers" -- but I just couldn't wrap my mind around how a big, green monster was going to sing and dance.
Granted, it's been a long time since I've seen the cult classic film -- and not going to lie, I may or may not have fallen asleep during half of it -- but the parts I could remember just didn't immediately scream musical adaptation to me.
Boy, was I wrong.
Not only was "Young Frankenstein" a fantastic musical, but it was a surprising sensation. The story follows very closely to the film, stealing classic lines straight from the 1974 spoof. But then it kicks it up a notch, incorporating hilarious songs, magnificently impressive scene changes and just about every dance style you could imagine.
The story follows the tale of Dr. Frederick Frankenstein -- ahem, pronounced Fronkensteen -- as he journeys back to his roots and the name he's desperately trying to detach himself from. When the unfortunate news arrives that his grandfather -- a kooky doctor known for attempting to bring the dead to life -- has passed away, he must head back to take care of his estate.
Roger Bart -- a man you'll definitely recognize, who's been in everything from "Desperate Housewives" to "The Producers" -- plays the character of Frankenstein flawlessly. His adaptation of the famed Gene Wilder character has just a touch of George Costanza to it (especially when he's yelling) but is much more understated and strikingly sane for an insane doctor.
His ever-charming and oh-so-hilarious sidekick, Igor (of course, pronounced Eye-gor) makes the perfect partnership in both hilarity and utter lunacy. Cory English, a man who -- no offense -- plays deformed and hideous without fail, was beyond comical as this most-trustworthy of subordinates.
Some of my favorite parts of the musical were between Frankenstein and Igor, and from what I could tell, it seemed many of these scenes were ad-libbed in an effort to make the other crack up. In a win-win-win situation, not only did these two have trouble keeping it together, but it was non-stop laughs for the audience as well.
As the story goes, Frankenstein becomes convinced, with the help of Igor and his sexually-charged "assistant" Inga, that he, too, could bring a corpse back to life, just as his grandfather had in the past. A plan just crazy enough to work and a "family business" opportunity too good to pass up.
Between raising the dead, keeping his boyish urges in check and fleeing the town mobs, complete with pitchforks and torches, Frankenstein leads his distinguished group on a hilarious adventure. One we're lucky enough to be a part of.
The show was fantastic and I literally couldn't believe how much I was laughing. Note to families: There's quite a bit of sexual innuendos and well, lines that could make a porn star blush, so be aware you may be in for some awkward questions from younger viewers -- if you so choose to bring them. (I only say this because the family seated in front of me did not look prepared.)
The songs of the show stayed in my head all night. Joanna Glusak, who I had the pleasure of interviewing a few weeks back and was an absolute stitch, performed a number titled, "He Vas My Boyfriend" which was nothing but sheer hilarity.
Arguably one of the best parts of the film -- where the monster visits a small cottage in the woods inhabited by an old, blind man -- was turned into its very own song in, "Please Send Me Someone." A great combination of classic lines and musical comedy.
I also thoroughly enjoyed the performance of "Join the Family Business," which truly can only be described as a spectacle, if only for the giant Monster puppet that comes to life.
I could go on and on about the high points of this musical, but I'll be honest, it won't do it justice. This is just one show you have to see for yourself. If for no other reason then to see what happens when a nearly 7-foot-tall green man busts out some tap shoes.
"Young Frankenstein" will be playing until Feb. 14 at the Orpheum Theatre. Show times are 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday and 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday. Tickets are $28 to $78.
