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Theatre Review: Young Frankenstein

Everyone thinks this is a horror story, but it is not. It’s a love story! A slightly warped love story maybe, but nonetheless there is a lot of love going ‘round. There is also a fair amount of humour and silliness and good honest fun!

YoungFrankenstein2014Presented by Marie Clark Musical Theatre
Reviewed 31 October 2014

Everyone thinks this is a horror story, but it is not. It’s a love story! A slightly warped love story maybe, but nonetheless there is a lot of love going ‘round. There is also a fair amount of humour and silliness and good honest fun!

I must confess that I have never seen the Mel Brooks’ movie of the same name, although I was aware of the premise and have enjoyed his humour in other things, so I was not sure what to expect. The story is about the grandson of the Dr Frankenstein character created by Mary Shelley in her original novel. He is a scientist in New York with no interest in his family origins. He has a rich fiancée and a successful career but if he does not journey to Transylvania and claim his inheritance, it will be sold. The fun starts here.

Director Brian Godfrey has selected a talented cast and Musical Director Ben Stefanoff has brought the music to life with the aid of choreographer Rachel Dow. They have done a great job. They have extracted every ounce of humour and innuendo from the script and the audience appreciated every pun.

Chris Daniels is very funny in the essentially straight title role. Katharine Chase, who manages to be irritating and funny, plays his fiancée Elizabeth Benning. Her song Please Don’t Touch Me is a scream. Daniels combines with the hilarious Anton Schrama, as Igor, to sing Together Again for the First Time which establishes their characters nicely. When Inga (Kristin Stefanoff), appears to meet the master, the innuendo turns sexual (and physical) in Roll in The Hay.

Penni Hamilton-Smith is at her comical best as Frau Blucher and won the audience over with the Cabaret- style He Vas My Boyfriend (sic). Shay Aitken played the Monster himself with great make-up by Renee Brice and an amazing dance ability to be able to dance in those shoes – especially when he taps in the greatest version of Puttin’ On The Ritz ever seen – with a monster in top hat and tails!

There are good performances from Matthew Redmond as Dr Victor Von Frankenstein, Aled Proeve as Inspector Hans Kemp, Ashleigh McFadden as the Hermit and Bobby Goudie as Ziggy. The chorus were all committed to the jokes and gave a great performance which was enhanced by the simple set with revolves. It worked well.

All in all, a fun night. You will be sorry if you miss this one!

Reviewed by Fran Edwards
Twitter: @franeds

Venue: Goodwood Institute, 166 Goodwood Road, Goodwood
Season: 31 October – 8 November 2014
Duration: 2hrs 45mins
Tickets: $26.00 – $31.00
Bookings: Book online through the Marie Clark Musical Theatre website or tickets at the door if not sold out.

Disclaimer: Director Brian Godfrey is an Arts reviewer for Glam Adelaide

 

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