By Lisa Panzer
It’s ALIVE! PCS Theater is certainly “Puttin’ on the Ritz” with Mel Brook’s uproarious musical ‘Young Frankenstein’! Not to be missed, this never a dull moment ‘spectacular’, superbly directed by Amanda Pasquini, palpably sizzles, with hilarity, high-jinks and invigorating excitement!
Donna Dougherty as Frau Blucher.
Young Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced as “Fronk-en-steen”) (Mike Sokolowski) takes a leave of absence from his professorial work to attend to the inheritance of his notorious grandfather’s estate in Transylvania, but that legacy includes more than just the property. Abetted by humpbacked helper Igor (pronounced “Eye-gore”) (Matthew Moorehead), lovely yodeling lab assistant Inga (Devon Duffy), and marvelous Frau Blűcher (Donna Dougherty), Frederick brings his mad scientist grandfather Victor Frankenstein’s (pronounced normally) past experiments to life. But wait! Frederick’s monstrous creation (Ryan Kaczmarczyk) gets loose moving to its own groove, careening about town creating havoc, hysteria and a serious following of angry village people carrying torches and pitch forks formidably led by creaky-armed Inspector Hans Kemp (Zachary Zalis). Only an adjustment to the monster’s Abby Normal brain may bring him hope, love and of course the ultimate – musical theater!
Glen Macnow as Hermit
Several scintillating musical numbers dazzle the stage including “The Brain” featuring the fabulous high energy ensemble (Alison Liney, Hannah Jackson, Ali Walker, Samantha Solar, Marie McVeigh, Lydia Stavrakos, Kate Sapsis, Casey Lynch, Ben Lubker, Michael Pere, Shaun Furter, Andrew SanFilippo, Randy Marcheski, Paul Mansfield, Marissa Capuano, Abrham Bogale), supremely engaging Igor and phenomenal Frederick in “Together Again for the First Time”, delightfully bawdy “Roll in the Hay” featuring a terrifically talented Inga, with Frederick and Igor. Also fabulously done is the “He Vas My Boyfriend” solo by Frau Blűcher, “Please Send Me Someone” wonderfully performed by Glen Macnow as The Hermit, both “Deep Love” numbers by Amanda Atkinson as Elizabeth Benning and Kaczmarczyk as The Monster and more! Choreographer Tess Sinatra keeps things moving nicely with elegantly intricate dance numbers and Kennedy McAlister’s musical direction shines throughout.
Swift, well-coordinated scenes changes are orchestrated with panache. All stops are pulled out in utilizing a positively amazing arsenal of lighting (Bob Iodice), sound (Chris Barbier & Charlie Meyers), set (PJ Williams) and technical approaches to create a thoroughly enveloping, atmospheric theatrical experience. A variety of very attractive costuming (Betsy Berwick, Reba Ferdman, Dot Kowal, Barbara Scanlon), even for the peasant ensemble, is a treat for the eyes, adding an extra layer of luster to the show, and the level of attention and detail in the props arena (Denise Kolodziej) amazes. This lively, totally entertaining, well thought out production certainly merits the standing ovation occurring after the finale.
Check it out:
Young Frankenstein (West End Version)
Book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan
Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks
“Puttin’ on the Ritz” by Irving Berlin
Based on the 1974 film ‘Young Frankenstein’ written by Gene Wilder and Mel Brooks
Runs Dec. 15-30 (Please note a Saturday matinee is added on Dec. 30 and no performances on Sunday Dec. 24.) Thursdays at 7:30 PM, Fridays and Saturdays at 8:00 PM, Saturday and Sunday Matinees at 2:00 PM, Relaxed Performance on Friday, Dec.22, at 8 PM. Tickets are available at the box office or by calling 610-328-4271 or online.
Note: Rated PG13