BWW Reviews: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN Plays the Fox Theatre Through 5/23

I grew up looking forward to Friday nights, because that's when channel 30 would broadcast "Chiller Theater", providing a burgeoning horror fan like myself with the chance to view all the creepy classics that sprang from the loins of Universal Studios during the 1930's and 40's. I was eleven years old when Young Frankenstein played at the Westport cinema, and it was a treat to see my one of my favorite monsters lovingly parodied by Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder. So, it was with much anticipation that I looked forward to seeing the musical version of this beloved comedy from my childhood, and I think it's generally a very entertaining show, filled with a veritable slew of familiar gags, as well as some outstanding performances. But, it will probably be best appreciated by devotees of Mel's unique borscht-belt humor. Although, audience reaction to opening night was extremely enthusiastic; it certainly makes for an unusual experience when the crowd cheers for the opening titles (yes, it actually has opening titles).

If you haven't seen the original film, then you should probably rent it, but realize that it's not solely based on the first Frankenstein movie from 1931, but instead patch-worked together with elements that are drawn from the entire series. The plot follows Frederick Frankenstein as he, not only inherits his dead grandfather's laboratory and scientific journals, but also his intense desire to experiment with the creation of life itself. Of course, Brooks takes this basic concept and filters it through his own particular comic sensibilities, but that's what he's always done best.

The real reason to go to this show is to see Roger Bart's performance as Frederick. Whether he's wildly over the top or amusingly understated, he never fails to charm and delight, and he has Gene Wilder's vocal inflections down pat. Bart's not afraid to ad-lib either, and that's part of the real fun of seeing him take this role on tour.

Anne Horak is quite good as Inga, Frederick's busty lab assistant, who invites him to "Roll in the Hay" when they first meet. Joanna Glushak contributes exceptional work as Frau Blucher, and she gets to sing one of the best numbers in the show as she explains her relationship with Frederick's grandfather, telling him "He Vas My Boyfriend". Rye Mullis also does a nice job as the Monster, and has the most memorable song in the show as he attempts to sing and dance his way through the Irving Berlin standard "Puttin' on the Ritz". A couple of key roles were filled by understudies on opening night, but Melina Kalomas and James Gray performed admirably as Elizabeth (Frederick's fussy fiancee) and Ygor, respectively.

There's an awful lot to like about this production, including Susan Stroman's generally sparkling direction and splashy choreography, which does make the show seem much larger in size and scope. Robin Wagner's scenery, and specifically the cool backdrops and colorful laboratory equipment, are also very effective, and Peter Kaczorowski's lighting scheme adds immensely to the overall mood, with a gaggle of flashing strobe lights conjuring up the storm that brings the creature to life. The problem is that the show just goes on for far too long, and the music numbers, as big as they may be, just don't stack up melodically or lyrically with Brooks and Thomas Meehan's work on The Producers.

However, if you're a fan of the broad comic style of Mel Brooks, and especially his golden age output of the 1970's, then you need to see what all the fuss is about and catch Young Frankenstein at the Fox Theatre.

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