Whether “Putting’ on the Ritz” or enjoying a roll in the hay, the cast of the musical comedy “Young Frankenstein” are ready to set toes tapping and tickle funny bones Sept. 15 to Oct. 1 at the Players Guild of Dearborn.
A parody of the horror film genre, it is based on the 1974 Mel Brooks movie by the same name. It features a book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, and music and lyrics by Brooks.
Directed by Marc Walentowicz, with musical direction by Kevin Dewey and choreography by Janeen Bodary, the madcap comedy follows Frederick Frankenstein, the grandson of legendary Victor Frankenstein, who comes to Transylvania to settle the mad scientist’s estate. Frederick finds himself drawn into his grandfather’s experiments. Add in beautiful lab assistant Inga, his grandfather’s helper, Igor, an American socialite and a mysterious housekeeper, and the stage is set for a rollicking comic romp.
The cast includes Alex Gojkov as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, Jared Hoffert as the Monster, Dylan Hart as Igor, Madeleine Bien as Inga, Lindsay Frischmuth as Elizabeth Benning, Leslie Garber as Frau Blucher, Tony Primeau as Inspector Hans Kemp, Keith Rikli as the Blind Hermit and Elijah Buterbaugh as Ziggy.
The ensemble features Tim Carney, Charlotte Clavet, Leah Frazier, Amy Jones, Sarah Kornacki, Carissa Lokken, Holly Myers, Steve Nazarek, Odera Office, Samantha Reams, Kristen Sonberger, Sam Volpe and David Zolotarchuk.
Sonberger said fans of the movie should definitely come see the show onstage.
“Mel Brooks is a showman, and his jokes and characters are meant to be enjoyed live, rather than on a screen,” she said.
Rikli said that adding songs and dances brings the story to the next level.
“If you love Mel Brooks, you can’t miss this,” he said. “The material is hysterical and the magic is everywhere.”
Frazier said the stage version is well-written and funny.
“It’s a bold and hysterical new take on a well-known classic, the personality and humor of the cast shines and there are even more jokes,” she said.
Bodary said the show provides festive fall fun.
“It has a hayride, werewolves and a monster to get you in the Halloween mood,” she said.
Performances are 8 p.m. Sept. 15, 16, 22, 23, 29 and 30, and 2:30 p.m. Sept. 17 and 24 and Oct. 1 at the theater, 21730 Madison in Dearborn.
Tickets are $26, and are available by phone at 313-561-TKTS and online at playersguildofdearborn.org.
