Young Frankenstein – Mel Brooks’ Cult Classic
Asheville Community Theatre is opening its 70th season with the WNC Premiere of the musical comedy Young Frankenstein.
This electrifying musical adaptation of Mel Brooks’ monstrously funny cult comedy film is scientifically-proven, monstrously good entertainment! Young Frankenstein opens Friday, October 2 and runs through October 25, 2015.
“It’s a lot of fun to have this show in house,” said Susan Harper, Managing Director of Asheville Community Theatre. “We’re all quoting the famous lines to each other … ‘Put the candle back!’, ‘He vas my boyfriend!, ‘It’s pronounced FRONK-en-steen!”
Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein travels to Transylvania to handle the closing of his family’s estate. With the help of Igor, his hunchbacked side-kick, and Inga, his leggy lab assistant, Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. Though Frederick attempts to create a more refined, more artistic version of his grandfather’s monster (his creation sings and dances!), mayhem inevitably erupts.
Asheville Community Theatre’s production of Young Frankenstein is directed by Jerry Crouch who has helmed plenty of musical hits for ACT including recent productions of The Addams Family, Cabaret, and Chicago. Musical direction is by Chuck Taft, and choreography is by Shari Azar. Mark Jones (The Addams Family, Hairspray) stars as Frederick Frankenstein with Calintha Briggs (making her ACT debut) as Inga, David Fine (The Addams Family) as Igor, Carol Duermit (Bark!) as Frau Blucher, Nana Hosmer Griffin (Spamalot, Kiss Me, Kate) as Elizabeth and Waylon Wood (Kiss Me, Kate) as the Monster. They are joined onstage by a cast of 17, which includes many ACT veterans as well as newcomers to the ACT stage. The set is designed by Jill Summers with costumes by Ida.
Opening weekend features the Monster Deal – all adult, senior, and student tickets for all three opening weekend performances are only $20. Other opening weekend perks include complimentary champagne on opening night, complimentary chocolate on Saturday night, and a talk-back with the cast and crew after the Sunday matinee.
Young Frankenstein; book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan; music and lyrics by Mel Brooks; directed by Jerry Crouch with musical direction by Chuck Taft and choreography by Shari Azar.
If You Go: Young Frankenstein, October 2-25, 2015; performances Friday and Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m., Sunday afternoons at 2:30 p.m. Asheville Community Theatre, 35 East Walnut St., Asheville. Tickets: $25 Adults, $22 Seniors/Students, $15 Children. Asheville Community Theatre Box Office, 35 East Walnut Street, downtown Asheville. (828) 254-1320, www.ashevilletheatre.org