The Little Theatre of Alexandria presents a spooky but at the same time light-hearted production of the Frankenstein legend in “Young Frankenstein,” a musical version of the iconic Mel Brooks film of the same name and directed superbly here by Frank D. Shutts II. Those who are familiar with the film will enjoy seeing their favorite scenes and gags from the movie enacted on stage.
For those new to the work, the plot runs thus: The scientist Dr. Frederick Frankenstein hears of his grandfather’s passing and travels from the U.S. to Transylvania Heights to settle his grandfather’s estate. He is aware of the villagers’ fearful perception of his “crazy grandfather’s delusional experiments,” a view he shares, but his loyal assistant Igor predicts: “I’ll bet you change your mind.” Indeed, the scion of the famous Frankenstein who created life develops an appreciation of his grandfather’s “brilliance in science,” brought forth into song in “Join the Family Business.”
Young Frederick undertakes his grandfather’s mission to create life from the dead using a brain with the assistance of the madcap Igor and his other assistant, the lovely Fräulein Inga. Things both go right and wrong as Frederick creates the Frankenstein creature, and his fiancée Elizabeth Benning (whom he left behind in America) will show up unexpectedly, to result in “a little surprise.”
The play draws heavily upon the “Frankenstein” novel of Mary Shelley as well as the 1930s Frankenstein films which would follow from Hollywood. What makes the musical enjoyable, however, is also its comedy, catchy songs, and dance production numbers. The Little Theatre of Alexandria honors each of these aspects of “Young Frankenstein” with aplomb!
In perhaps the strongest part of a very strong production, the Monster is portrayed with ebullient personality by actor Joshua Nettinga, for in Mr. Nettinga’s depiction, the monster shows great humanity and comes across in a surprisingly congenial way throughout the performance, even when in moments when he is “scary.”
Noah Mutterperl as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein portrays the doctor in a very engaging way; as Igor is funny and carries much of the humor in the show. Claire Jeffrey as Inga acts and sings her part with charm, even having a brief moment yodeling. James Maxted and Brian Ash bring great comic flair to their respective parts of the Hermit and Inspector Hans Kemp.
Messers. Mutterperl and Redford share a wonderful comic duet in “Together Again (For the First Time).” The 1930s-style period pieces “Transylvania Mania” and “Puttin’ on the Ritz” (the latter being the one song which appeared in the original film) are performed with great skill, especially the tap dancing in “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” (The stunning choreography is by Stefan Sittig.) Ensemble work of the “Transylvania Heights villagers” is superb, and they harmonize particularly well. A further enjoyable number is “A Little Surprise” by Liz Colandene as Frederick’s visiting fiancée Elizabeth. An additional delight to a delightful show: Judy Lewis as Frau Blücher provides a highly entertaining and comic “He Vas My Boyfriend.”
This production follows the London version, which has a smaller cast than the Broadway production and is just right for the size of Alexandria’s Little Theatre. The special effects and set design (Ken and Patti Crowley for the former, Robert S. Barr, Jr., for the latter) are low key but highly effective, in particular using the auditorium lighting of the theatre to great effect. Costumes by Jean Schlichting and Kit Sibley are evocative of East European rustic life as well as, on occasion, 1930s fashions (the time period is 1934, the informative program tells us). Finally, the live musicians give the score an enjoyable full Broadway feel (music direction is credited to Francine Krasowska and Christopher A. Tomasino).
“Young Frankenstein,” which runs through November 1, 2023, is performed in two acts with a 15-minute intermission. The show has risqué as well as frightening moments and thus may not be suitable for small children.
