ADRIAN — You’ve heard of Victor Frankenstein, the mad scientist whose laboratory-made monster terrorizes Europe, as well as his own creator, in the novel by Mary Shelley and a score of movie adaptations. But have you heard of his grandson, Frederick?
That’s the premise of “Young Frankenstein,” the musical by legendary film producer Mel Brooks that opens Oct. 18 at the Croswell Opera House in Adrian.
Based on the movie of the same name, “Young Frankenstein” follows Frederick Frankenstein after he learns that he has inherited his late grandfather’s castle in Transylvania. Embarrassed by his infamous ancestor, Frederick wants nothing to do with the family name — but after traveling to Europe to settle the estate and meeting the grandson of Victor’s henchman, he is eventually persuaded to pick up where the famous mad scientist left off.
The result is a madcap romp in Mel Brooks’ signature style, filled with gags, absurdity, and even an elaborate tap number performed to “Puttin’ on the Ritz.”
“Young Frankenstein” is directed by Mark DiPietro, with choreography by Sarah Nowak and vocal direction by Wynne Marsh. The orchestra is conducted by Ray Novak and the stage manager is Evan Schultz.
Steven Antalek plays Frederick, and Micah Risher plays the Monster. Igor is played by Jordan Treger and Inga, the yodeling lab assistant, is played by Payton Miller. Kyrie Crist plays Elizabeth, Frederick’s fiancee. Laura Sagolla plays the mysterious Frau Blucher, whose name when spoken aloud frightens all the horses. Steve Hillard plays a hermit and Matthew Herr plays a police inspector.
In the ensemble are Joanna Bacarella, Olivia Bacarella, Haylie Blohm, Kylie Bushman, Jared Freeman, Cassidy Giddens, Everett Hanley, Tamaris Henagan, Jonah Hiatt, Jay Hillard, Alexandra June, Aiden Ketola, Abigail Knight, Maxwell Lam, Meg Lam, Bobby Lindsey, Clara Losey, Lori MacDonald, John MacNaughton, Meg McNamee, Vincent Pisarski, Kaya Robinson, Ally Szymanski, Leah Wathen and Ja’Vaughn White.
Tickets range from $22 to $44, with student discounts of $15 to $25. Patrons are reminded that the Croswell will never sell tickets to any show for more than the advertised price, and any websites attempting to sell tickets for more are illegitimate. Tickets can be ordered online at croswell.org.
Dates and times:
- Friday, Oct. 18 at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 19 at 2:30 and 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Oct. 20 at 2:30 p.m.
- Thursday, Oct. 24 at 7:30 p.m.
- Friday, Oct. 25 at 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, Oct. 26 at 2:30 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.
- Sunday, Oct. 27 at 2:30 p.m.
