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PicksInSix Review: Young Frankenstein - Mercury Theater Chicago

 
 

Mercury’s “Young Frankenstein” High-Flying Fun!
PicksInSix® Review | Guest Contributor | Ronald Keaton

The brilliance of the 1974 film Young Frankenstein comes from the ability of Mel Brooks its director and screenwriter (with Gene Wilder) to alternately pay tribute to Hollywood’s past, while parodying scenes from great films. The stage musical version of “Young Frankenstein”—with music and lyrics by Brooks and book by Brooks and Thomas Meehan—now playing at the Mercury Theater Chicago under the direction of J. Walter Stearns and musical direction of Eugene Dizon, delivers a high-flying fun night with all of that same pathos and side-splitting comedy thanks to some spirited performances and a hard-working ensemble of endless invention.

As the story goes: Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (the great and versatile Chicago actor Sean Fortunato) is fighting the family legacy to make his own name, right down to the pronunciation – “Fronk-en-steen.”  He’s a university professor and lecturer who is constantly denigrating his grandfather’s work, calling it the “ravings” of a lunatic mind.  Now that his grandfather has passed away, he is called to Transylvania to settle the family estate. He leaves behind a fiancé Elizabeth (a fine comic performance by Lillian Castillo), who is a truly spoiled girl that he really doesn’t love, it seems. There is a fun song – “Please Don’t Touch Me”— at the pier where Frederick is about to depart that showcases the terrific ensemble that is immensely valuable in this production.  While Elizabeth is distressed that he is leaving right before their wedding, she accepts the inevitable.

Frederick arrives in Transylvania, meeting Igor (Ryan Stajmiger in an energetic turn), hiring a tall demure assistant named Inga (the lovely and talented Isabella Andrews) and meeting the boss of the house, Frau Blücher (Mary Robin Roth, who steals every scene she’s in – cue the horses).  Frederick is convinced, in time, by reading his grandfather’s record on his work – a book entitled “How I Did It” – and assumes the responsibility to replicate the recreation of life at last.

The Monster (the wonderful Andrew MacNaughton, who makes a role with nifty footwork and practically no dialogue a truly enjoyable experience, because he’s enjoying it himself) comes to life and runs to the countryside and freedom.  Jonah D. Winston is an articulate Inspector who rouses the hoi polloi to action against the Monster. There’s an unforgettable scene with the blind Hermit (Samuel Shankman in great voice – “I was going to make espresso…”)

In this production, the ensemble leaves a strong mark on the story, particularly when choreographer Brenda Didier is putting them through their paces.  Playing everything from Elizabeth’s “staff” to the citizenry of Transylvania to passengers at the pier to tap-dancing fools and supporting the Monster and Frederick and, well, everyone else in a finale of impressive tap dancing that’s fit for the Ritz!

I’ve always been a huge Mel Brooks fan but that’s not a requirement to enjoy this stellar laugh-out-loud night of frivolity that’s playing through December 31.  

GUEST CONTRIBUTOR | RONALD KEATON received an Equity Jeff Award for the performance of his one-man show CHURCHILL. www.solochicagotheatre.com  Coming soon, his new solo play “Echo Holler.” www.echoholler.com

PHOTO|Liz Lauren

Mercury Theater Chicago
presents
YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN

3745 N Southport Avenue
through December 31, 2023


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