This Halloween season, The Comtra Theatre presents Young Frankenstein, a twist on the haunting classic tale of Dr. Frankenstein. Based on the film directed by Mel Brooks, audience members are brought to life like the monster as they follow the infamous Victor Frankenstein’s grandson, Frederick, (who pronounces his last name as “Fronk-en-steen”) on his journey to rediscover what it means to be a part of a mad scientist family.
After hearing of his grandfather’s death, Fredrick is invited back to the castle that started it all. Along the way, he meets his faithful servant Igor (pronounced “Eye-gor”), the housemaid Frau Blücher, and the lusty assistant Inga. Frederick eventually follows in his grandfather’s footsteps and creates a creature of his own – that then escapes. He and his companions hunt the monster down all while keeping up with surprise visits from the villagers and Frederick’s eccentric fiancée.
As a forewarning about the show, there is a multitude of sexual references throughout it. I would suggest that this show is not appropriate for young kids as the references were very blunt with a lot of adult innuendo.
Despite all of the inappropriate side notes within the show, one of the best songs performed was probably the most sexual. Kristin Pacelli, who plays Elizabeth (Frederick’s fiancee) and Victor Frankenstein, really get into the part of a spoiled diva who believed she was too good to be touched in more ways than one. Elizabeth expresses this in “Please Don’t Touch Me” when Frederick, played by Chris Strangfeld, tries to give her either a hug or a kiss. She sings that he can let his mind fantasize about whatever he likes, but as long as it doesn’t happen in real life. Pacelli demonstrated a fantastic voice as she kept that diva appeal while singing the song.
Even though Pacelli’s voice was full and filled the room, it was difficult to hear the other actors whenever they would speak or sing. At times when it was a song being performed, the band over washed the sound of the actors’ voices. It would have been helpful if the band played slightly quieter or the microphones for the performers were turned up more.
Brandon Keller, who played Igor, had the whole audience laughing every time he came out onto the stage. He made his quirky dance moves and arm movements eccentric. Keller’s singing was also great, too! Keller really dived into the part of Igor and made him the fun-loving servant that you couldn’t get mad at when things went wrong. He became the comedic relief in this production about Frankenstein!
Throughout the show, some of the actors within the ensemble seemed unsure of their footing while dancing. I noticed a few looking at their peers for guidance. The Comtra also has a much smaller stage than your traditional theater so their footing may have gotten mixed up due to the surplus of actors on the stage which made it look crowded and challenging to move through. Even so, there were a few in the ensemble that could be heard singing off-key and, too, weren’t sure of the pitch or words.
The frightening monster, played by Kevin McManus, surprised everyone when he started tap dancing in huge platform shoes during “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” While Frederick, Igor, and Inga had on tap shoes and were tapping away, the monster was following them step by step in the end in those bulky shoes. I was impressed by how well McManus executed this task while trying to keep up with the rule of sliding from toe to heel in tap.
Brandon Keller and Kristin Pacelli both stole the show with their performances. Both of them delved into the heart and soul of their characters and made them their own. Keller and Pacelli had voices that filled up the room, too!
You can see Young Frankenstein at the Comtra Theatre in Cranberry Township, Pennsylvania from October 12-13 and 19-20. Tickets are $15 with a fee of $1.75 and can be purchased online at http://www.comtratheatre.org/box-office/ or at the door if seats are still available.
Emily Koscinski is a recent graduate from Lincoln Park Performing Arts Charter School. Along with Pittsburgh in the Round, her articles have been featured in Midland Today, Beaver County Times, Observer-Reporter, and on the Lincoln Park website. Emily also has her own photography business where her photos have been shown at Robert Morris University and on the Lincoln Park website.
Categories: Archived Reviews