Young Frankenstein, currently on tour and playing at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis, is a Mel Brooks musical-and no amount of criticism, praise, or exhaustive explanation could sum it up better than that one statement. With book, lyrics, and music by Brooks, and based on his 1974 movie of the same name, this show radiates his style and sense of humor. For those who appreciate his blend of slapstick, raunchy humor, and physical comedy, this show is an excellent choice for an evening of fun entertainment. There was no doubt, on opening night, that Twin Cities audience members love it, as their loud and enthusiastic response throughout the evening demonstrated.
The story is parody of Mary Shelley's Frankenstein and of series of films based on that work. Dr. Frederick Frankenstein-who insists on pronouncing his name Fronkensteen to distinguish himself from his famous and eccentric family history-is called back to Transylvania to settle his late grandfather's estate. Although Frankenstein initially insists that he wants nothing to do with the family business of mad science, he's greeted by two willing assistants, Igor and Inga, as well as the family mansion's housekeeper, Frau Blücher, and quickly finds himself entranced by the possibility of carrying on his grandfather's work and bringing the dead back to life. When he succeeds, inadvertently implanting a cretin brain into an oversized man's body, the town of Transylvania Heights is sent into a tailspin.
The cast of the national tour is led by three actors who are reprising their Broadway roles. Roger Bart plays Frederick Frankenstein, and as the closest thing to a straight-man, brings an endearing quality to the man who can't seem to figure out what it is he wants or loves, other than science. Shuler Hensley reprises his Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle-nominated role as The Monster, and he manages to give the character, who speaks mainly in nearly-unintelligible grunts and squeals, dimension and humanity. Cory English as Igor gives Brooks' comedy style life with fantastic comedic timing and unabashed commitment to the character's zaniest moments. All three have terrific chemistry with each other and with the material.
The three featured women in the cast are no less impressive. Anne Horak as Inga is infectiously charming and funny from her first moment onstage, and her strong voice holds up well to the physical demands of her role. Beth Curry as Elizabeth is evocative of the role's originator, Megan Mullally, but brings her own charisma and talent as well, creating a character who is as bewilderingly as easy to love as she is to cringe over. Joanna Glushak plays Frau Blücher, and while her acting is often over the top, it's certainly called for in the role, and her voice is among the strongest in the cast.
Another star of the show is William Ivey Long's costume design, beautifully detailed and evocative of both the setting and the comedic style of the show. The sets are enjoyable, not overdone but worth taking note of. The use of strobe lights and flashes of lightning were a bit much at times, even a bit blinding now and then, but overall, the design of this show complimented and highlighted its stars and material.
The show is not without its flaws. The humor is, as one would expect from Mel Brooks, raunchy and crass, which may not be everyone's cup of tea. Despite a strong and entertaining start, the material does taper off to a slightly less engaging level partway through the first act, after the main characters have all been introduced, and never seems to climb back up to the degree of excitement seen in the beginning. But for those who want an entertaining night of theatre that doesn't need to be taken too seriously and will evoke a great deal of laughter, and who are comfortable with moments of slapstick humor and dirty jokes, Young Frankenstein is a great bet.
Young Frankenstein is currently on tour and playing at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis through Sunday, February 14. For more information and to order tickets, visit http://www.hennepintheatretrust.org/ or http://www.youngfrankensteinthemusical.com/
