Young Frankenstein
After reopening in 2021 after closing due to financial losses from COVID, Mercury Theater's decision by executive director L. Walter Stearns to collaborate with Christopher Chase Carter, bringing him in as artistic director, and Kristi J. Martens (Managing Director) seems to have ignited an impressive amount of outstanding theatrical performances— and Young Frankenstein continues a thrilling stream of hits, (Big River, Lady Day, Rocks of Ages) audiences will enjoy. This Mel Brooks sensational 2007 musical, based on the 1974 comedy film, featured legendary actors Gene Wilder, Madeline Kahn, Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle, Cloris Leachman, and even Gene Hackman. The musical opened to mixed reviews, but the cult followers of Brooks and those who loved comedy helped it reach popularity. The storyline of Young Frankenstein centers around Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, who preferred to be called Fronkensteen, to avoid people associating him with his infamous grandfather, Victor Frankenstein. Like his grandfather, he is enamored with the brain but studies it for scientific benefits, not for revitalizing the dead. But when news comes that his grandfather has died and he has inherited his family's estate in Transylvania, his curiosity is aroused when he discovers a book that makes him believe he wasn't a madman but a genius.
Taking on Mel Brooks's comedy is a challenge, as messing up any of these comedic productions could mean rethinking your decision to enter the entertainment industry. A master in a variety of broad farces and parodies, Brooks, who worked with greats Sid Caesar and Carl Reiner, produced renowned films, The Producers, Young Frankenstein, High Anxiety, Spaceballs, and Robin Hood: Men in Tights, and one of my favorite Blazing Saddles featuring Gene Wilder and Cleavon Little, Harvey Korman, Dom DeLuise and Alex Karras as Mongo. Those were great times.
However, this two-act, 19 songs, 2 hours 30 minutes, including one 15-minute intermission production of Young Frankenstein, is another example of Mercury Theater's combination of choosing outstanding plays and an exceptional cast, making it a worthy Brooks comedy. Sean Fortunato is one of my favorite actors, and he is fantastic as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein. Ryan Stajmiger (Igor), Isabella Andrews( Inga), Lillian Castillo (Elizabeth Benning), Mary Robin Roth (Frau Blücher), Sam Shankman (Hermit) and Jonah D. Winston as Inspector Hans Kemp and the Transylvania Quartet featuring Time Brickkey, Holden Davenport, Callan Roberts and playing a double role, Sam Shankman; however, the star of the evening was Andrew MacNaughton as the monster, MacNaughton, who recently starred in Mercury Theater's, Clue, was sensational as he the monster, a witty, engaging and enthralling character that had the audience captivated.
Adding in the fabulous Scenic Design of Bob Knuth, Costume by Rachel Boylan, and music and choreography by Eugene Dizon and Brenda Didier, you are in for a treat at Mercury Theater's Young Frankenstein.
3 STARS ***
Mercury Theater Chicago
Young Frankenstein: It's Alive!
Book by Mel Brooks & Thomas Meehan
Directed by executive producer L. Walter Stearns
October 13 - December 31, 2023
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