My Young Frankenstein tour review

[Marway44]

Posted: 10/11/09 at 2:59pm

Hi gang!

I saw the YF matinee yesterday at the Bushnell in Hartford Ct. Having seen the Broadway version 12 times I know the production very well and had to see the tour. This is a little long but thorough.

First off, we had a full cast so I was thrilled since I really wanted to see Brad Oscar. The theatre was 99% full except for the first few rows on the extreme sides. The set design has not changed drastically. **SPOILERS AHEAD** The first difference was the classroom. The students did not sit, but they stood on either side of the chalk board. Their was no 'Mr. Hilltop' for the demonstration. Instead they used one of the students. It was different but worked perfectly. The boat was different as it was a scrim representing a boat with a cut out for the entrance, so it does not "sail away". The lab was almost the same but they moved the staircase to the center and Igor had his head with the skulls on stage left. The woods were not moving during "Roll in the Hay". They just had lights moving around the entire set. In the Grand Hall of the castle, their was no staircase on stage left, but it wasn't missed. The blind hermits cottage was just about the same, but for some reason no "soup" was in his pot. They made the noise of the hot soup but no liquid. Instead of props coming up from the stage, they just simply slid out, such as the pedestal in "The Ritz". Lastly the cave in the woods was also a scrim with a cave backdrop and a cut out for the entrance.

Now on to the performers. Roger Bart was even better than he was on Broadway. He added using the 'F' word in the hump scene between him and Igor in the laboratory. He added a visual after 'Inga' says "I only laughed once". He still screams alot but it wasn't so annoying as he lowered his voice alot to make things funnier. Cory English was terrific and also got better as Igor. Shluer was exactly the same monster that he was on Broadway, and terrific as ever. Brad Oscar was fantastic as 'Kemp' and the 'Hermit'. Not as terrific as Fred Applegate but a real close second. He belted "Please send me Someone" very well. Beth Curry was absolutely incredible as 'Elizabeth'. I was surprised at how young she was, since I'm used to Megan who was older than Roger, but she can SING like their's no tomorrow!! Her "Deep Love" brought the house down. Joanna Glushak was the perfect 'Frau Blucher', as she was so funny and over the top. Her "He Vas my Boyfriend" was great and she added a few visuals with the 'buck beer festival' part that had tears in my eyes. Lastly Anne Horak as 'Inga' was very similar to Sutton, in looks and voice. She was great but Sutton yodeled a little louder and with more certainty.

The ensemble was great and their were no weak links. The orchestra sounded great and full, and a few notes were tweaked here and their but worked fine. All in all it was just fantastic, and still so much fun. The show felt more fresh than it did as it was completing its Broadway run.

If it's going to be in your area, I recommend not missing it. The audience gave an immediate standing ovation unlike sometime when I saw it on Broadway where only some people or no people used to stand.

Please let me know if you have any questions, though I don't think I left anything out.

[BwayLeadman]

Posted: 10/12/09 at 2:37am

cool, thanks. I was wondering how this show would tour with it's elaborate set pieces.

[heil myself!]

Posted: 10/12/09 at 8:04pm

Great, thorough review! I figured this show would do well on the road.

Ha, how did Roger add an F-bomb to the lab hump bit? What was the line?

[BroadwayBound115]

Posted: 10/12/09 at 8:08pm

I remember he dropped the F-bomb alot in the Broadway show. He said it a few times when he locked himself in the room with the creature. It was great. I am so glad to hear this show is doing well on the road. Variety gave it quite a positive road. It's too bad its NYC life couldn't have been longer!

[South Fl Marc]

Posted: 10/12/09 at 8:47pm

I can't believe this crap is touring.
A great example of how not to turn a movie into a stage musical.

[Marway44]

Posted: 10/12/09 at 9:38pm

The line was after Frederick asks Igor about his hump being on the other side. They had their usual exchange about Igor telling Frederick he had no idea what he was talking about, and vice versa. They stared at each other for a long while, until finally Frederick said "F#$%" it!"

I did leave out that their is no more exploding light bulb that catches fire anymore. Now 2 photographers come running up behind the conductor and snap flash bulbs which spooks the Monster.