By SHARON EBERSON
The stage adaptation of Young Frankenstein holds a special place in my heart, and not just because the movie version ranks high on my Beloved Films List.
The musical led to a phone interview with the person atop my Beloved Funny Person List: Mel Brooks.
I am reminded of that momentous phone call as Pittsburgh CLO brings Young Frankenstein to the intimate Greer Cabaret Theater, July 19 – September 1, 2024.
While on Broadway, the musical did not receive the adoration of Tony Award-winner The Producers – it ran for 485 performances and earned three Tony nominations, but not for Best Musical (In the Heights won that year, in 2008).
Mr. Brooks was not pleased with the lack of love for his second Broadway effort, and when the show went on tour in 2010, he granted advance interviews. At the time, I was the theater beat writer for the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette – yes, such a beat existed – and the news could not have been met with more glee.
We, Mel and me, share a Brooklyn, N.Y., upbringing. Plus, my long-ago adopted home of Pittsburgh is special to the EGOT winner; it is where the tour of The Producers was launched, in 2002.
At the time of the interview, I sat at a relatively small desk in the open newsroom, hard by a large support column, facing the Photo Department. There were no barriers to keep out noise, but that’s where my headphones and recording set-up were, so that’s where I sat and dialed the number I was given.
It rang and rang. Nothing.
I tried again. Same result, followed by panic.
Then the phone rang, and that familiar voice said, “Hello. This is Mel Brooks. I was waiting for your call. What happened? Did you have the right phone number? Are you sure you dialed correctly? …”
And off he went.
Mr. Brooks, who turned 98 on June 28, recently added to his packed trophy case with an Honorary Oscar for Lifetime Achievement and a Peabody Career Achievement Award. He also is teaming with Josh Gad, the Carnegie Mellon grad (Book of Mormon, Frozen, etc.), to produce a Spaceballs sequel for Amazon.
At the time of our interview, Mr. Brooks was 83.
Of Young Frankenstein, he said, “I think it’s better than The Producers as a show, I really do. The stage work is really much more sophisticated and sensational, actually. The word of mouth will be great after the first night. Everybody who knows about theater in Pittsburgh will see it. And I always say, if there’s a little old lady in front of you at the box office, knock her on the side. God will understand. It’s a hot ticket.”
Can’t you just hear Mel Brooks saying that? Career highlight, for sure.
Long may he reign.
INTERACTIVE ‘FRANKENSTEIN’ GEAR
Dallas-based director/choreographer Joel Ferrell previously transformed Young Frankenstein into “a musical comedy gem” for small regional theaters, including Circle Theatre in Fort Worth.
For PCLO’s Young Frankenstein, audience participation will be accommodated for patrons choosing the “Stage Drink Rail A” section when selecting seats. Awaiting them will be the “Interactive Lab Kit” that includes “quirky props like rakes, brains, bolts and more, giving you the chance to be part of the zany action.”
WHO’S PULLING IN TO THE TRANSYLVANIA STATION
Dan DeLuca, who grew up in Peters Township and starred in Newsies on Broadway and in the first national tour, returns to PCLO to play Dr. Frederick Frankenstein for the relatively long run at the Greer. He previously appeared in Brigadoon and The Full Monty for the company, as well as the COVID Era Wizard of Oz at Heinz Field.
DeLuca recently played “the leading man/woman” in the regional premiere of Tootsie and starred alongside Sierra Boggess in the off-Broadway revival of Neil Simon’s The Goodbye Girl.
Pittsburgh’s towering Tim Hartman returns to the role of the monster that he played for Pittsburgh Musical Theater in 2015. Back then, he said, “I guess [the movie] came out when I was 13 and I’ve seen it hundreds and hundreds of times because it was my father’s favorite movie. And immediately as a 13-year-old guy who is 6-foot-6, that role was like, ‘Oh! Super duper! Yeah, that’s me. I can do that.”
The relatively small cast includes well-known regional and national players such as Anthony Marino (Igor), Theo Allyn (Frau Blücher, Medical Student, Villager), Daniel Krell (Inspector Hans Kemp, Bertram Batram, The Hermit), J. Alex Noble (swing) and Mandie Patsy (swing, dance captain). In key roles are recent Carnegie Mellon University graduates Susana Cordon (Elizabeth Benning, Villager) and Alex Sheffield (Inga, Medical Student, Villager).
Puttin’ on the Ritz as PCLO’s music director and conductor is Robert Neumeyer. However busy your summer has been, it’s a good bet Neumeyer can one-up you. Among his many accomplishments, on May 21, he answered a performance rescue call by taking over the piano duties for PCLO’s previous Greer show, Lady Day, with two hours notice and no rehearsal.
Mr. Brooks collaborated with Thomas Meehan on the book of Young Frankenstein, and he alone is credited with the music and lyrics, including these that invite you to see Frankenstein and his Monster, and catch Transylvania Mania.
It’s the new phenomenon!
Have you heard about the mania?
If not, then let me explain-ia
Yes sir!
It’s the Transylvania Mania …
Everybody who’s been viewin’ it
Can’t resist its appeal.
TICKETS AND DETAILS
Pittsburgh CLO’s production of Young Frankenstein at the Greer Cabaret Theater, Downtown, runs July 19 – September 1, 2024. Tickets: visit PITTSBURGHCLO.ORG or call 412-456-6666. PCLO offers a Ritz Package that includes premium seating.
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