by: Emma Fleming
On Thursday, April 4 at 7:30 p.m. in the Harold and Jean Miner Theatre, the Parkland College Theatre Program will host the opening night of Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein. Immediately following the show, there will be a talkback with the director and the cast to answer any questions that the audience may have. Other 7:30 p.m. show–times include Friday and Saturday, April 5 and 6, Friday and Saturday, April 12 and 13 and Friday and Saturday, April 19 and 20. The 3 p.m. matinee show–times are Sunday, April 14 and Sunday, April 21.
According to the Parkland website, Young Frankenstein follows the story of Frederick Frankenstein, who is the grandson of a well-known mad scientist. The musical comedy takes place in Transylvania, where Frederick inherits his grandfather’s castle. Chelsea Collier, the director of the show, told the Prospectus that, “It’s an adaptation of the Mel Brooks movie of the same name. Basically, mad scientist Dr. Victor Frankenstein has died, leaving his grandson Fred as the only living Frankenstein, but young Fred has spent his life trying to distance himself from his family’s dubious legacy. Now, with the encouragement of his new assistants Igor and Inga, as well as Victor’s housekeeper Frau Blucher, Fred is dusting off the old lab equipment and attempting to make a monster of his very own.”
The show, which is recommended for mature audiences due to graphic language and sexual content, mimics movies set in the 1930s and 1940s. “Fans of comedy, slapstick humor or the monster movies of the 1930s and 40s should see the show,” Collier said. “There is some suggestive content, so I would say the show isn’t for young children, but teens and adults will get a kick out of it.”
A highlight for the Young Frankenstein director is being able to work with her production team. “My favorite thing about any show is the people I get to work with. This production is a great mix of new faces and old friends,” Collier stated. “It was also my first opportunity as a director to work with a fight director. Madison Freeland has our actors choking, throwing, and pummeling each other in ways that are completely safe, look amazing, and add so much to the story.” Collier and Freeland have been helping a diverse set of actors embrace and portray their characters in ways that are believable to audience members. The cast, which includes Bradyn Wambach as Frederick Frankenstein, Krystal Moya as Elizabeth, Mallory Sellers as Inga, James Castree as The Monster, Jenny Lamberson as Frau Blucher, Autumn Ellis as Igor, David Heckman as Hermit, Evan Seggebruch as Detective Kemp and Noah Larson as Victor Frankenstein, has been working to develop their characters for the show.
When asked what attracted the director to this show, she mentioned that she was drawn to the idea of getting to direct at Parkland. “It was the opportunity to direct for Parkland that drew me in,” Collier stated. “I’ve acted in several productions for the College and had been wanting to direct on the main stage. I love comedy and science fiction, so the fact that the show is a mix of both made it really appealing.” According to the Music Theatre International website, the show still has all the “panache” of the movie, just with theatrical influences. For those who love comedy, science fiction or older movies, this show should be an appealing one.
Although the show appeals to Collier, she noted that directing hasn’t come without hardships. “It’s been quite a challenge. We have nearly 30 actors, multiple dance numbers, large set pieces and unusual special effects,” Collier said. “It’s a lot to figure out when the primary goals are telling a good story, getting people to laugh, and making sure everyone’s having a good time onstage and off.” To help with some of these tasks, Collier mentioned that her actors and crew have really taken initiative. “Fortunately, my production team as a whole are incredibly creative, hardworking and talented,” Collier said. “We’ve come up with some really entertaining solutions that make the show that much stronger and more interesting.”
There are many moving parts to this show which is something that should capture the attention of people with different interests. One of the aspects that Collier believes audience members should look forward to are the various dance numbers. “The dance numbers are a highlight for me,” Collier said. “Their catchy, silly, and great fun. I never leave rehearsal without humming one of the tunes.” To make these dance numbers happen, Collier has a select set of dancers and ensemble members. According to the Parkland website, the dancers include Thom Billam, Matt Christman, Zoe Dunn, Maya Hammond, Schuyler Harris, Whitney Havice, Erin Kaufman, HeatherAnn Layman, Emma Loewenstein, Lizz Morris, Remy Saymiknha, and the ensemble includes Kira Brinkley, Parker Evans, Alison Johnson, Jack Knittle, Jaclyn Loewenstein, Philip Meadows, Jordan Needham, Gabrielle Smith.
Collier added that people who are considering going to the show should not worry about whether they have read the book or seen the movie. “The script does a great job introducing the audience to the story,” Collier said. Although prior knowledge of the show is not necessary, there is a level of preparedness that audience members should be aware of. “Audiences should be prepared for some adult language, sexual innuendo, and stage violence (not blood or gore, though),” Collier said. “There will be some strobe effects and hazer effects. Also, if they’re in the know and would like to ‘neigh’ along with us at the right moment, we’re absolutely okay with that.”
Opening night is half-price ticket night, and tickets can be reserved on the Parkland website. Student and senior tickets are $14, adults are $16, and youth are $10. Head to the Parkland College Theatre website for more information.
