Young Frankenstein, a musical by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, opened Friday night October 17 at The Bank Theatre and could be just what the doctor ordered for those looking for a comedic musical treat.
Fresh with some bawdy humour and lovable characters who kept those punch lines coming, the audience was very well entertained. The opening weekend played to three standing ovations from appreciative crowds.
The musical is based on the classic 1974 horror-spoof film following Dr Frederick Frankenstein — played by Eric Miinch — the grandson of the infamous scientist, as he inherits his family’s castle in Transylvania.
Initially wanting nothing to do with the family legacy, he finds himself drawn to his ancestor’s mad scientist work with the help of his hunchbacked henchman Igor — played by Joe Lewsaw, who also served as the Director for the Sun Parlour Players production.
Igor enlists the help of a buxom assistant, Inga, played by Becca Miinch, who also served as choreographer and vocal director for the musical.
Dr. Frankenstein’s fiancée Elizabeth is played by Stephanie Allen Santos.
The madcap story is told through song and dance as Frederick brings his grandfather’s creation to life.
Recently retired Windsor firefighter Scott Killen portrays the Monster character brilliantly, very much “alive” as the madness continues with his escape from the castle and the chaos that ensues.
Rounding out the cast are Melinda Lewsaw as Frau Blucher (also assistant director), Craig Gloster as Inspector Hans Kemp, Alex Alejandria as The Hermit, David Murphy as Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein and adding to the ensemble are Fiona Lewsaw, Maggie Jo Pinsonneault, Stephanie Whitcher-Ruston, Ryan Hallick and Sean Humenny. Cyndy Silvius serves as producer and technical director.
As word of mouth travels this week, tickets will be snatched up quickly, so don’t hesitate to get to the theatre and be entertained by this brilliant cast singing and dancing their way to your funny bone.
The musical will run through this weekend with shows on Oct. 24 and 25 at 7:30 p.m. and wrapping up Sunday, Oct. 26 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $25 plus tax. Doors open half hour before showtime.
For tickets, visit the box office Thursday to Saturday from 11 am to 1 pm, or go to banktheatre.com.
Cast members in the ‘dose of good old fashioned medicine’ scene, from left, Eric Miinch, David Murphy, Alex Alejandria and Maggie Jo Pinsonneault.
SUN photo by Deanna Bertrand
