Is it Frank-en-stein or Fronk-en-steen? That very important question is one of many answered in the musical “Young Frankenstein” playing now at Moraine Valley.
Based on the zany movie cowritten and directed by Mel Brooks, and with music and lyrics also written by the comedian, this show exposes the audience to a cast of kooky characters, funny phrases and plenty of innuendos to leave you in stitches.
A talented cast of Moraine Valley students and community members is led by sophomore Matthew Dever, who plays Frederick Frankenstein, a scientist who attempts to distance himself from his famous grandfather – Victor Frankenstein – but must visit Victor’s castle after his death. Dever effortlessly belted out each tune and later was accompanied by sophomores Sarah Matchen, who plays Inga, and Dylan Sichelski, as Igor (pronounced EYE-gore). The trio even harmonized during a few tunes to ignite goosebumps.
Right from the start, the cast embodies what Brooks termed a “screenplay in which good sense and caution are thrown out the window and madness ensues.” The exaggerated reactions by the townspeople, Frankenstein’s visual and verbal resistance to his family heritage and a “bouncy” hayride featuring Inga and Frederick all lead to the inevitable embrace of the main character reanimating the dead. He brings The Monster, played by community member and alumnus Philip Montanez, to life with the help of some platform shoes.
You get some silly songs throughout the show as well, including “Please Don’t Touch Me,” sung by the risqué fiancée of Frankenstein, Elizabeth Benning (played by sophomore Emma Foster) and “He Vas My Boyfriend” by the intimidating housekeeper Frau Blücher (played by third-year student Alex Hanson), who waxes poetic about her former lover, Victor. Both performers dazzled through their formidable solos.
Not only is the cast incredibly engaging, but the number of moving set pieces on stage was impressive. Walls fly from the ceiling, a “stone” bridge divides center stage and breaks away into both wings plus a lab with skulls, candles and cobwebs establishes the tone of a dank castle in small European Transylvania.
If the laughter of the crowd isn’t enough indication of the fun of this musical, then take one audience member’s assessment of the show: “a wacky adventure with some really good acting and singing,” as your invitation to enjoy a one-of-a-kind theater experience.
See the final weekend of academic theater’s Young Frankenstein Nov. 7-8 at 7:30 p.m. and Nov. 9 at 3 p.m. Get tickets 24/7 at morainevalley.edu/fpac/tickets or contact the box office Tuesday to Friday 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. at 708-974-5500.
For news media inquiries, contact Maura Vizza, Moraine Valley communications specialist and sports information coordinator, at (708) 974-5742 or Vizzam@morainevalley.edu.
