Annapolis Summer time Backyard Theatre’s manufacturing of Mel Brooks’ Younger Frankenstein is a hilarious musical tribute to the basic comedy. Based mostly on Mel Brooks’ 1974 film, with ebook by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan and music and lyrics by Mel Brooks, the musical follows Frederick Frankenstein as he inherits his grandfather Victor’s Transylvania citadel and makes an attempt to recreate his grandfather’s most notorious experiment, with zany outcomes. Directed by Stephen Emery, with music path by Sarah Mitchell and choreography by Mae Bartek, it’s a gloriously humorous present to finish ASGT’s sixtieth season.
J.T. Spivy performs Frederick with a comic book haughtiness, enthusiastically expounding on the wonders of “The Mind” whereas giving a comically brutal demonstration of the distinction between voluntary and reflex motion. Initially dismissive of his household legacy, he pronounces his final identify “Fronkensteen,” sharply correcting any variations; in “It May Work,” he enthusiastically reads his grandfather’s notebooks, seeing the probabilities. His delayed response to obvious failure, in addition to to being confined with the Monster (Dean Davis), is comedian excellence. In “Hold the Physician,” he embraces his identify and his creation.
Emily L. Sergo brings a lusty sensuality to Elizabeth, Frederick’s fiancée. Seeing him off to Transylvania, she wards him off from bodily contact, whereas itemizing the numerous wild issues he might dream of doing to her in “Please Don’t Contact Me.” “Shock” has her bursting into the citadel on the comically worst doable second. “Deep Love” is each touching and earthy in its appreciation of discovering actual love.
Andrew Keegan brings comedian enthusiasm to Igor, Frederick’s assistant. Assembly Frederick, he sings “Collectively Once more for the First Time” excitedly, hoping to observe of their grandfathers’ footsteps. He assaults Elizabeth’s fox stole and comically explores the totally different brains within the Mind Depository. He launches into “Transylvania Mania,” distracting the villagers from the Monster together with his dancing and singing.
Madelyn Keir performs Inga, Frederick’s lab assistant, with comedian innocence. Assembly Frederick in a wagon, she sings “Roll within the Hay” with splendidly humorous double entendres. In “Take heed to Your Coronary heart,” she gleefully suggests a method for Frederick to take his thoughts off his troubles. CeCe Newbrough performs the citadel’s housekeeper with a severity hiding deep feeling. Initially mispronouncing Frederick’s final identify and consistently providing him refreshments, she reveals her full connection to his grandfather in “He Vas My Boyfriend,” joyfully describing their raunchy relationship. In a reprise, she sings it with tenderness for the Monster.
Dean Davis brings a way of energy to the Monster, stomping across the stage, strangling Frederick, and principally grunting. His interplay with the Hermit (Drew Looney) is hilarious. “Puttin’ on the Ritz” has him faucet dancing whereas chewing on his cane and comically singing the title line, at instances motioning to his companions that he can’t imitate their dance steps. “Deep Love” is each tender and bawdy. Drew Looney brings wonderful comedian timing to the Hermit, with nice mishaps. His “Please Ship Me Somebody” is stuffed with longing. He radiates authority as Hans Kemp, main the villagers to analyze Frederick and punish him in “Hold Him Until He’s Lifeless” and frantically on the lookout for the escaped Monster in “He’s Free.”
The Ensemble (Ethan Albo, Nicholas Baranosky, Maura Campbell, Michelle Cantatore-Brown, Kasey Colligan, Thomas Digby, Brendan Guay, Alexander Hamilton, Emma Irvine, Stephen Nickens, Nicole Ricucci, and Kylie Sjolie) are villagers storming the citadel, Frederick’s college students asking him uncomfortable questions, and Elizabeth’s assistants.
Set designer Christian Londos and props designers Sally Lockley and Pat Browning have created an ingenious set. Stone partitions encompass the bottom flooring, revolving as wanted to disclose instrument panels and cabinets with cigars and brains in jars. The balcony has a bookcase, a chair, and a portrait of Victor. A gurney is wheeled out as wanted. Costume designer Lisa Chadwick evokes the film completely with a swimsuit and lab coat for Frederick, a black cloak with a hump that modifications place in each scene for Igor, and a black gown for Frau Blucher. Elizabeth appears glamorous in a inexperienced gown, orange coat, and fox stole, with a hilarious wig on the finish. The Monster appears intimidating with monumental sneakers, a big jacket, and inexperienced face and palms.
Lighting designer Jack Stanley makes use of spotlights at varied moments, in addition to strobe results for lighting and a few lab scenes. Particular results by Robert Browning, Ken Johnson, and Matt Fitzgerald assist improve the lab scenes and a comic book scene. Sound designer Steven Ney throws out varied sound results, together with the well-known horse neighing at any time when anybody mentions Frau Blucher.
Music director Sarah Mitchell maintains stability between the music and singing, whereas conductor Billy Georg leads the musicians (Linda Christensen, Jamie Kim, Mari Hill, Jeff Eckert, Dave Dimmock, Len Morse, Wes Freeman, Alex Edwards, John Hobson, and Audrey Chang) in performing the music. Choreographer Mae Bartek creates pretty, enjoyable dances, together with a “hands-free” one for “Please Don’t Contact Me,” an thrilling jitterbug for “Transylvania Mania,” and a stunning faucet and kick line for “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” Director Stephen Emery has plenty of motion and comedian power, from the well-known one-liners to new puns and double entendres. The performers sing with full power and hit all the correct comedian and emotional moments, resulting in plenty of laughs in addition to ideas about household and legacy. Followers of the film and novices alike will get pleasure from Younger Frankenstein.
Operating Time: Two hours and half-hour, together with one 15-minute intermission.
Younger Frankenstein performs by means of September 5, 2026, at Annapolis Summer time Backyard Theatre, 143 Compromise Road, Annapolis, MD. For tickets ($30), name the field workplace at 410-268-9212 or buy on-line.
