Amusing YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN Launches 2010-2011 Gammage Season

Mel Brooks' THE PRODUCERS ruled Broadway after its 2001 opening. After 12 Tony wins, it ran for 2502 performances and took its place as a musical comedy mainstay. When YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN opened in 2007 it seemed the natural progression. In both shows, strong performances and staging carry a limited book and score. But this latest venture, while entertaining, falls well short of THE PRODUCERS' success.

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN simply lacks THE PRODUCERS' incredible appropriateness for the stage. THE PRODUCERS originated as a movie about putting on a Broadway musical. It even included a show-stopping 11:00 production number. It almost adapts itself. The film of YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN was a different type of comedy. And while camp is never more at home than onstage, it doesn't approach THE PRODUCERS' perfection of source material.

It might be unfair to hold YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN to that standard, but assembly of the identical team ensures comparison. Mel Brooks on music and lyrics, Mr. Brooks and Thomas Meehan on the book, and hero of the group, choreographer and director Susan Stroman. It's her deft staging and world-class choreography that improve both shows and bring a legitmacy to the projects that separates them from the many, many other movie based musicals. She will likely be recognized as the standard bearer for this generation of director/choreographers. And it's her involvement that pulls YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN out of irrelevance.

The first national tour arrived in Tempe this week and fully realizes Ms. Stroman's work. The talented cast hits the ground running, commits to an athletic pace, and engages the material, both high comedy and low. Christopher Ryan as Fredrick Frankenstein is assigned the difficult task of following both the film's Gene Wilder and Broadway's Roger Bart. He's charming and navigates the role expertly. The scene stealers of this production, however, are Cory English as Igor (EYE-gore) and Joanna Glushak as Frau Blucher. These two find every crack and crevise of comedy from entrance to exit. Especially wonderful are Igor's attempts to assume responsibilty for the various noises bellowing from the hidden monster. Synthia Link's Inga is delightful and worth mentioning, and the ensemble deserves special note. Rare is the show that challenges the "triple threat" performer like YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. One moment participating in intricate slapstick, then gorgeous and precise choreography, and then back to funny voices and accents. These elements carefully woven are the cornerstone of Stroman's staging and this cast pulls it off.

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN will always draw and lose comparisons to THE PRODUCERS. But despite living in a shadow, if performed well, it is a fun and entertaining evening.

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN continues through OCT 3 at Tempe's Gammage Auditorium. www.asugammage.com