Review: 'Young Frankenstein' at TheatreWorks New Milford

Dedicated to Chuck Stango, who has never met a gag he didn’t like and Eric Lindblom of FM 97.3 WZBG’s 'Backstage' with his first appearance on a ‘Special Thanks’ list in a printed program that I have seen

Photo of the cast of 'Young Frankenstein' courtesy of TheatreWorks New Milford by Ghostlight Photography

New Milford, CT - ‘The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein’ running at TheatreWorks New Milford is an uproarious production with a cast of great community theatre actors, impressive technical moves in a very small space, great dancing and lots of broad comedy that kept the audience laughing throughout.

Jocelyn Beard took on the challenge to direct the production running at TheatreWorks New Milford. In her director’s note in the program, she was talking directly to my colleagues and me when she wrote:

“Some years ago, a wise individual advised me to never offer a ‘Director’s Note,’ as it only gives reviewers more fodder if they don’t like the show...I’m going to ignore that advice.”

Ms. Beard then most helpfully shares the challenges of launching this musical that was essentially written from a screenplay, complete with jump cuts. The Broadway version had a huge budget and even bigger set pieces. Shows like this one “simply don’t fit into spaces like this one...unless you make them.” Add in the 21 musical numbers and the dance breaks in this monster of a musical, and it could certainly become overwhelming. Luckily, the intrepid director admits that she rarely backs down from a challenge and TheatreWorks patrons will be grateful that she did not.

The Backstage with Eric Lindblom on FM 97.3 WZBG podcast is now up. Listen in as I speak with director Jocelyn Beard and "The Monster" himself, Michael Wright, as we discuss YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, currently playing at Theatreworks New Milford. And, don't forget, you can also stream the podcast via iTunes and Google Play Music (just search "Backstage on WZBG").

‘Young Frankenstein’ is billed as a "monstrously funny" musical comedy from the creators of Broadway's ‘The Producers.’ Joseph DeVellis, a WCSU graduate from Sandy Hook, stars in every sense of the word as the bright young Dr. Frankenstein (pronounced Fronkensteen) who attempts to complete the work of his grandfather and bring a corpse to life. Along with his endearing helper Igor (pronounced Eye-gor) and his curvy lab assistant Inga, he succeeds in creating the monster (played with aplomb by Michael Wright) and hilarity ensues.

Beginning with “The Happiest Town in Town” sung by the villagers in the ensemble to the “Transylvania Mania” that closes the first act, to the classic Irving Berlin’s “Puttin’ on the Ritz” in the second act, the musical numbers do not disappoint. Frau Blucher’s “He Vas My Boyfriend” was a riot with Lana Peck in the role.

Mr. DeVellis was a natural in the role of the young and brilliant doctor in his TheatreWorks debut. I remembered this young man from his numerous credits with NewArts Foundation in Newtown. These include Marley in ‘A Christmas Carol,’ Lion in ‘The Wizard of Oz,’ Theo and Moneyham in ‘School of Rock,’ Jacob/Potiphar/Pharaoh in ‘Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,’ and Peter Quince in ‘A ROCKIN’ Midsummer Night’s Dream’ for which he appears on the original soundtrack for Broadway Records.
Matthew Benjamin Horowitz, a graduate of the Greater Hartford Academy of the Arts and SSCU, didn’t miss a beat in the role of Igor with the movable hump. Maya Jennings Daley made her debut with TheatreWorks as the doctor’s dedicated assistant Inga who adores him. Ashley McLeod (Heidi in TheatreWork’s [title of show]) was supposed to be vapid in the role of the socialite Elizabeth Benning, and as always, I was impressed with everything about her performance, especially when she covered so well for a wig malfunction.

Ms. Peck almost stole the show in the role of Frau Blucher in her TheatreWorks debut. She is a visual and musical artist who is involved with the Nutmeg Junction radio shows produced by J. Timothy Quirk in Torrington. Shawn Brown made his TheatreWorks debut as the ever-present Inspector Hans Kemp.

Patrick Spaulding (Father in ‘Ragtime’ at the Warner Theatre) showed off his comedic chops as the blind hermit, Dracula and an ensemble member. David Fritsch, a sixth grade teacher at John Jay Middle School where he has directed more than 34 musicals and plays, was out there as the elder Dr. Frankenstein and WCSU grad Chris Marker was Ziggy. Collin Kent Larson, a sophomore at WAMS in Waterbury, played a cablegram deliverer/shoeshine boy/ensemble member.

The talented ensemble included NewArts alum Jerusha Wright, Christina Van De Water, Elizeth Brito, Erin Walsh, Helaine Miserendino, Tarah Vega (house manager at Westchester Broadway Theatre in Elmsford NY) and Isidora Naples.

Mary Jane Phelan served as musical director and Marisa Caron was the choreographer of the fun dances. The musical recording was provided by MT Pit, L.L.C and worked seamlessly. Kudos to the set designer Shagbargh Hickory on shoehorning in castles, a rising wooden slab, and a forest into the space with the valuable help of scenic projections designed by Philip Lamb. Peter Petrino added just the perfect amount of lighting design. The costumes of Sue Haneman were period perfect for Transylvania Heights in 1934.

‘Young Frankenstein’ is considered to be rated PG-13 due to some strong language and lots of innuendo. This excellent production is just about SOLD OUT for this upcoming weekend. A few scattered seats remain. Grab your tickets for remaining performances through June 2nd while you still can!

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues and she posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theater Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417