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The Muny Show this week
Young Frankenstein is a Brainy,
Zany Night of Comedy at the Muny
by Pat Lindsey
In typical Mel Brooks style, “Young Frankenstein” debuted on The Muny stage this week with zany humor that’s often silly, but always laughable. Rapid-fire jokes and sexual innuendos timely executed by an amazingly talented cast make this show a hit and one that will certainly return to The Muny in the future.
The show opens in a macabre setting in Transylvania with the villagers dressed in black and holding black umbrellas as they watch a coffin pass before them. The audience is then set for a horror show, but it’s soon transported to New York City, where the brilliant young Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced “Fronk-en-steen”) learns of his grandfather’s death and that he must go to Transylvania to claim his estate.
After arriving at the infamous Victor von Frankenstein’s castle, the young doctor discovers hidden passageways and his grandfather’s laboratory. He is then lured into following his grandfather’s mad scientist footsteps and creates his own monster.
Robert Petkoff (Dr. Frederick Frankenstein) is monstrously funny in the starring role. His comedic timing is perfect, as is his chemistry with his beautiful nurse Inga (Stephanie Gibson) and his stand-offish fiance’ Elizabeth (Jennifer Cody). Other supporting actors include Steve Rosen, the doctor’s hunchback assistant, John Scherer, the blind hermit, Vicki Lewis, the buttoned-up housekeeper who sings about her boyfriend, and Timothy Hughes, the big green monster. It’s a perfect cast that easily pulls off all the goofy punchlines and antics of the Mel Brooks script and wraps it all up in song and dance.
The highlight of the show is the traditional Muny big dance number. “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” Choreographer, Josh Rhodes, proves himself to be a master with this spectacular number that also features a chorus line of irresistible tap-dancing children.
A few songs and lines might be a bit shocking for Muny patrons who are accustomed to “Mary-Poppins”-type shows, but this one may be best-suited for adults who will understand the warped humor. It’s a hoot and a show not to be missed.
“Young Frankenstein” is playing on stage at The Muny through July 19. For more information, including tickets, visit: muny.org.
