We’re “Puttin’ on the Ritz” Transylvania style here at Arts Express Theatre with Young Frankenstein: The Musical, the multi-Tony Award nominated new musical that’s bound to leave you in stitches. Based on the beloved Mel Brooks’ comedy film of the same name, shows run September 29 – October 15 with performances Fridays and Saturdays at 7 p.m., and matinees Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.
When brilliant brain surgeon Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (Daniel Gilmore) learns he has just inherited the property of his infamous grandfather in Transylvania, Frederick is reluctant to have anything to do with that “crazy” side of the family. Still, he says a loving farewell to his fiancé, Elizabeth (Gabriella Carillo) and heads off to settle the family estate.
Greeted at the train station by the unusual lab assistant, Igor (Nathan Taylor) and lively Inga (Rachael Fornof), Frederick is soon swept up with the mystique and mystery of the strange old castle, eager to find his grandfather’s secret laboratory. With help from the enigmatic Frau Blucher (Tiff Jensen), Frederick locates his grandfather’s secret journal and becomes obsessed with fulfilling his legacy—to successfully reanimate a human corpse.
Through the ineffective antics of well-intentioned Igor, the corpse ends up with an “Abby-Normal” brain, and when Frederick triumphantly brings it to life, he discovers he’s created a Monster (Braden Cooley). With fears of the townspeople looming, Frederick is determined to tame the Monster, and how better to prove it than teach him to sing and dance?
With all the hilarity and hijinks we’ve come to expect from Emmy/Grammy/Oscar/Tony (EGOT) Award-Winner Mel Brooks, Young Frankenstein: The Musical is filled with familiar hits like “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” “Transylvania Mania,” and “He Vas My Boyfriend.” Don’t miss this electrifying new musical, guaranteed to be monstrously good entertainment.
Young Frankenstein is directed by Chris Will, with music direction by Jenny Campman and choreography by Simone Jolivet-Manuel.
For tickets, visit https:// www.arts-express.org/young-frankenstein/ or call the Arts Express Theatre Box Office at (520) 319-0400. Recommended for ages 13+.
ABOUT ARTS EXPRESS THEATRE
Arts Express Theatre is southern Arizona’s leading musical theatre company, staging large-scale professional quality musical theater productions throughout the year. A 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization, AET is committed to opening the arts to all ages. It serves over 25,000 people annually through a continuum of introductory and advanced programs, and engaging audience experiences.
