Ogunquit Playhouse's YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN to Open 7/10

Transylvania mania is about to take over the Ogunquit Playhouse when Mel Brooks' hysterical musical comedy Young Frankenstein hits the stage July 10 through July 27. The Ogunquit Playhouse is recreating the Broadway musical, complete with Tony-nominated sets by Robin Wagner and the original Broadway costumes by multi-Tony Award winner, William Ivey Long. Eye-popping special effects and show stopping musical numbers, including "Puttin' on the Ritz" complete with tap dancing monsters, round out this monstrously fun show.

Young Frankenstein is based on the Mel Brooks comedy film, which is an affectionate parody of the classic 1930's horror film. The reluctant heir to the Frankenstein legacy, played by Broadway and television star John Bolton, makes a bumbling transformation into the mad doctor with the help of all the characters from the hit film. The original Broadway production was nominated for three Tony Awards and a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album, in addition to winning the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical. It ran on Broadway from 2007 to 2009 and toured the U.S in 2010 and 2011. Susan Stroman directed and choreographed the original Broadway production and her team is on site in Ogunquit to recreate the Broadway extravaganza.

Mr. Bolton starred on Broadway this season as The Old Man in A Christmas Story: the Musical, which will return to New York later this year. For his performance in A Christmas Story, Mr. Bolton received the Footlight Award and a Drama Desk nomination. He has also appeared in the original Broadway companies of Spamalot, Contact and Titanic, all three of which won the Tony Award for Best Musical. Mr. Bolton's television roles include four seasons on Gossip Girl, plus guest starring roles on Boardwalk Empire, The Good Wife, Law and Order: Criminal Intent and many others.

The role of Elizabeth will be played by Lesley McKinnell. Ms. McKinnell was seen recently in the first and second National Tours of Wicked. Cast as Igor is Nathan Klau who was in the first National Tour of Jersey Boys as well as tours of the Lion King, Joseph..., Anything Goes and many others. Playing The Monster is Bradley Nacht who has appeared on Broadway and in many National Tours including Billy Elliot, The Addams Family, The Producers and The Full Monty. Sandy Rosenberg has been cast as Frau Blucher. Ms. Rosenberg has appeared on Broadway in Lady Digby, The Scarlet Pimpernel and Mamma Mia. The voluptuous Inga will be played by Lara Seibert who has performed on Broadway in Hugh Jackman: Back on Broadway, A Christmas Story and Young Frankenstein. Tom Souhrada joins the cast as Inspector Kempt. Mr. Souhrada has appeared in many Broadway and National Tour including Mary Poppins, Evita, My Fair Lady, The King & I, and The Boy Friend which was directed by Julie Andrews.

The Ogunquit Playhouse is thrilled to have Jeff Whiting on board as Director and Choreographer. Mr. Whiting was Associate Director of the original Broadway production of Young Frankenstein under Susan Stroman. His Broadway credits include The Scottsboro Boys, Hair, Wicked, Young Frankenstein and Big Fish. Mr. Whiting is the Artistic Director of The Open Jar Institute which is dedicated to theatre training.

The Music Director for the Ogunquit production is Jonathan Parks who recently worked on the National Tour of Young Frankenstein. He has also served as the resident Music Director for the Lake Dillon Theatre Company in Dillon, Colorado.

The Mel Brooks musical Young Frankenstein is a co-production with Long Island's Gateway Playhouse. Special ticket packages are still available and are the best way to guarantee the best seats for the lowest price. Single ticket prices range from $39 to $78 per show. For tickets call the Box Office at 207-646-5511 or online at Ogunquitplayhouse.org.

Following Young Frankenstein, the season continues with Andrew Lloyd Webber and Tim Rice's irresistible family musical Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat from July 31 to August 25. Ballroom with a Twist is back by popular demand for one week only, August 27 to August 31. West Side Story, on stage from September 4 to September 28, soars as the greatest love story of all time and remains as powerful and timely as ever. Buddy, The Buddy Holly Story, the most popular musical in Ogunquit Playhouse history, returns by popular demand to close the season from October 2 to October 20!

The Ogunquit Playhouse is America's Foremost Summer Theatre, a 501c3 not-for-profit organization, producing the finest Broadway musicals each season, with performances Tuesday through Sunday, from May 22 to October 20, 2013. Follow the Ogunquit Playhouse on Twitter (@OgunquitPH) and become our fan on Facebook (facebook.com/OgunquitPlayhouse) for behind-the-scenes info, photos and fun throughout the season. For a complete list of show times, pricing and more information about the season, visit www.ogunquitplayhouse.org.

Photo by: Jeff Bellante