By Christina Perryman
Candlelight Theatre in Delaware has a serious case of “Transylvania Mania” and audiences can catch it as well with the theater’s newest production of Mel Brooks’s “Young Frankenstein.”
“Young Frankenstein” is based on the 1974 film starring Gene Wilder, Teri Garr, and Peter Boyle. The musical comedy (book by Brooks and Thomas Meehan with music by Brooks) centers on Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, a brilliant brain doctor trying to distance himself from his kooky ancestors. Circumstances change once Frederick inherits his grandfather Victor’s estate and reads his writings. The young Frankenstein is inspired to create a monster of his own – with hilarious results. The show opened on Broadway in 2007 and runs at Candlelight through April 19 under the excellent direction of Jessica Bostock.
Leading the cast is Anthony Connell as Frederick, a role he also played at Candlelight in 2015. Connell has a voice like an angel. He is very funny, slowly transforming from a by the book professor to an arguably mad scientist. Victoria Healy also reprises her role of Frau Blucher from the 2015 show. Healy is a terrific comedic actor. She brings such energy and presence to the character. One of my favorite performers is John Murphy as Igor. Murphy’s facial expressions and mannerisms are hilarious. Tess Sinatra is super as Elizabeth, Frederick’s fiancé. Sinatra’s performance of “Please Don’t Touch Me” is amusing, the perfect diva.
Aaron Shown is a great Monster. Caroline Turner (Inga), James Aloysious (Victor), Edward Emmi (Hermit), and Malik Muhammad (Inspector Kemp) also gave strong performances.
Candlelight’s ensemble includes Lila Angle, Heather Bounds, Mae Burrus, Timothy Lamont Cannon, Ev Dowling, Galen Graham, Ryan Lynd, Zach Martin, Mary McAvoy, Liv Scarborough, Alisa Stamps, Shaun Yates, and Dylan Henderson.
“Young Frankenstein” has many stellar musical numbers, directed by Julia Kershetsky, with choreography by Bostock and tap choreography by Robyn Watson. Songs include “Roll in the Hay,” “He Vas My Boyfriend,” “Listen to Your Heart,” and my personal favorites “Together Again,” “Transylvania Mania,” and Irving Berlin’s “Puttin’ On The Ritz.” Those three songs had outstanding choreography.
I was impressed with the wigs (wigs, hair, and makeup by Clayton Stacey), the costumes (Phoebe Gavula) and the set (Jeff Reim). Elizabeth’s dresses were stunning, the castle was striking and the monster costume was fantastic. The lighting (by Matthew J. Kator) was exceptional during the scene when the monster was brought to life, as was the sound (Adriana Santilli). It felt like we were in a thunderstorm in some far-off village.
Tickets include a sumptuous meal including a salad, shrimp cocktail, baked salmon, chicken Franceses, sauteed broccoli, mashed potatoes, and pesto pasta plus various desserts.
If you go:
Young Frankenstein” runs at Candlelight Theatre, 2208 Millers Road, Wilmington, Del., through April 19. Tickets start at $72 depending on the date. Thursday, Friday, and Saturday nights doors open at 6 p.m. Dinner is served until 7:30 and the show starts at 8 p.m. On Sundays, doors open at 1 p.m. Food is served until 2:30 and the show begins at 3. Wednesday matinees are offered on March 18 and April 8. Doors open at 11 a.m., food until 12:30 p.m. and show starts at 1 p.m. For tickets or information, visit https://candlelighttheatredelaware.org/ or call the box office at 302-475-2313. Next up for Candlelight is Joe Kesselring’s “Arsenic & Old Lace,” opening May 9.