“Young Frankenstein,” playing weekends at Theatre 29 through November 1, is a musical based on the 1974 film by Mel Brooks, which is a parody of classic monster movies. The young Dr Frederick Frankenstein—oops, excuse me, Fronk en steen, goes to Transylvania after the death of his grandfather, the original Dr Frankenstein, and is convinced to try his hand at bringing his own creature to life. Managing editor Tami Roleff was in the audience opening night, and says the show is a frighteningly good time…
“Young Frankenstein, spookily staged by Director Gary Daigneault, brings your favorite gag lines from the film to life at Theatre 29.
Jericho McWilliams as Igor, with his googly eyes and migrating hump, has the best comedic timing and seriously threatens to steal the show. Pamela Crane nails Inga, Dr. Frankenstein’s sexy young assistant. The highlight of the play is when Dr Frankenstein introduces his creature—portrayed by Twentynine Palms High School student Curtis Mohn—to the world by having him perform “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” The tap-dance choreography in this scene is top notch; and the “don’t-touch-me” dance is also creative and should finally earn Mandi Pushkar a Desert Theatre League award for choreography. Graham Cooley is adorable as the brilliant American doctor.
Also deserving mention are Frederick’s narcissistic “don’t-touch-me,” fiancée Elizabeth (Char Childs), and Cindy Daigneault as Frau Blucher, who causes horses to whinny at just the mention of her name. The singing was sometimes overpowered by the music on opening night, but I saw the first act a second time on Saturday night and the music had been tamped down. Get ready to be wowed by the special effects. It’s a monstrously fun show.
