From the comedy genius, Mel Brooks, comes this monstrous new musical, “Young Frankenstein,” based on Gene Willder’s and Brooks’ hysterical sendup of their classic film of the same name. Genesius will bring this haunting creation to life on Friday, Oct. 13, for 13 lucky performances. Book by Mel Brooks & Thomas Meehan, music and lyrics by Mel Brooks and was originally directed and choreographed on Broadway by Susan Stroman.
This wickedly inspired musical re-imaging of the Frankenstein legend follows young Dr. Frankenstein, his odd and endearing helper, Igor, his gorgeous assistant, Inga, and his madcap fiance, Elizabeth … oh, and a singing-dancing monster in a tuxedo. A zany monster mash-up perfectly filled with high-energy Broadway style tunes. And, be very afraid … there is innuendo and subject matter that is classic Mel Brooks material.
“Young Frankenstein The Musical,” tells the story of the grandson of the infamous Victor Von Frankenstein, Frederick, who inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. Frederick, exclaims, “It’s alive!” as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather’s monster and finds himself in the mad-scientist shoes of his ancestors. Eventually, of course, the monster escapes and the hilarity is non-stop!
Every bit as relevant to audience members who will remember the original as it will be to newcomers, Young Frankenstein has all the of panache of the screen sensation with a little extra theatrical flair added. With such memorable tunes as “The Transylvania Mania,” “He Vas My Boyfriend” and “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” Young Frankenstein is scientifically proven, monstrously good entertainment.
“Movie fans love ‘Young Frankenstein,’ reciting many of the signature lines by heart,” says Genesius artistic producer and director of the musical, L J Fecho. “Young Frankenstein” was nominated for three 2008 Tony Awards, a Grammy Award for Best Musical Show Album, and was the winner of the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical. It ran on Broadway from 2007 to 2009 and toured the U.S in 2010 and 2011.
The Genesius production is directed by Genesius artistic producer, L J Fecho, music directed by Christopher Sperat, choreographed by Jennifer Parker Scott of Monarch Dance Studio and conducted by David James Neel. Set design by Brandon Kegerize, light design by, Spencer Moss Fecho & L J Fecho, costume design by Cathy Miller, hair/makeup design by, Kim Siegel of United Artist Salon and sound design by Albert Garcia of Eko Entertainment, LLC. The set, is constructed by John Bigos, Betty Gerstner, and Brandon Kegerize, and the show is stage managed by Sophia Mattes.
The Genesius production features a diverse cast of approximately thirty talented actors, singers and dancers. The cast includes James Haggerty as Dr. Frederick K. Frankenstein, Joey Moray as the Monster, Jeffery Flemming as Igor, Emily Rhinehart as Inga, Anita Lewis as Elizabeth Benning, Cathy Miller as Frau Blucher (horses whinny), Jon Browning as Inspector Kemp & The Hermit, Jordan Baylor as Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein, and Ben Jupina as Ziggy.
Genesius is a 501-C-3 Non-Profit organization. The Genesius, 2017 Season, is sponsored by Sandy Solmon and Doug Messinger of Sweet Street and the Lead Show Sponsor is Fecho Productions – A Christmas Carol on the Coach in West Reading 2017. Genesius Theatre, 153 North 10th Street, Reading, PA 19601
Mel Brooks’ – Young Frankenstein – opens Friday, October 13 and runs 14, 15, 18, 19, 20, 21, 22, 25, 27, 28 – Show times- Wednesday, Thursday, Friday at 7:30 PM, Saturday’s (Only Oct 21 and 28 has 2 performances) at 2:00 & 7:30 PM and Sunday’s at 3:00 PM. PRICE RANGE – Student $17.50, Senior $22.50, Adult $28.50, Premium Seats $30.00 and Deluxe Seats $33.00. – Special discount night – Thursday, Oct. 19, only. Student Tickets are $15 and all other seats are $20.00. For tickets please visit – www.genesiusdifference.org; 610-373-9500 card fees apply. Tickets also available at the door.
The play is PG-13-Rated – Genesius Theatre is handicapped accessible and there is free parking (limited spaces available) next to the theater. For more information, call the theater at 610-371-8151.