Frederick Frankenstein feels the weight of his family name like no other. With a gift for science, trying to distance himself from his grandfather’s experiments seems like an impossible task. However when he’s called to settle his grandfather’s estate and discovers his lab where it all took place, Frederick catches the bug to reanimate, just as Vincent Frankenstein did before him. With the help of his friends (and lovers), he awakens The Monster and, well, you pretty much know the rest. Except this time, the story is put to song, dance and repackaged as a sex comedy.
My dad has been begging me to watch this movie for years so I couldn’t believe my eyes when I saw this pop up at Theatre Works. This show is the perfect sell for me to go back and explore the rest of Mel Brooks’ hilarious filmography.
A delightful parody of both the musical and the classical horror genre, Young Frankenstein pokes loving fun at the tropes we all know; the blonde bimbo, the superficial wife, the old crone, the violent monster and makes them the stars of the show. This show somehow becomes a fabulous version of the very things it’s making fun of, with the same campy songs and witty lyrics like Brooks’ other smash hit, The Producers.
StageBugs Productions have amped up the silly and under Christian Cavallo’s direction, have layered jokes onto jokes, to keep you laughing the whole way through.
Not only hilarious, the cast delivers powerful vocals and incredible dance numbers that I did not see coming. The ensemble picks every moment to add to the bit, creating multiple focus pulling moments in the best way.
Juliet Nicholson as Inga was the star for me. Impeccable comedic timing, a beautiful voice and just the right amount of nudge-nudge, wink-wink in every action. Paired with Josh Direen’s Dr Frederick Frankenstein, the pair’s vibrant chemistry was totally charming.
Direen leads the show with ease. I loved the choice to create a new look for the Doctor; a clean cut, 1950s radio presenter vibe instead of the classic mad scientist look. It worked really well with Direen’s pristine energy and straight-guy role in the show.
Shannon Foley as Inspector Kemp and Harold The Hermit and Belinda Jenkins as Fraur Blucher each delivered standout performances in each of their big character numbers.
Joti Van Carlos Gore’s performances as The Monster was a real surprise. His physicality of the creature was hilarious, but especially so in his big number towards the end. I won’t give anything away, but this man can dance.
The set is strong, but with a few clunky opening night transitions felt slightly in the way at times. The funniest part of the show the stage was set with nothing but a horse drawn carriage, and a few ensemble members stepping into the role of passing trees and bushes.
Young Frankenstein is a masterclass in silliness. It’s a romp through a story you already know, with all the charm of an old Hollywood musical. Despite feeling familiar and comforting, it’s also a refreshing addition to the musical adaption world.
To book tickets to Young Frankenstein, please visit https://www.theatreworks.org.au/young-frankenstein.
Photographer: Matthew Chen
