Joshua Nettinger as the Monster, Noah Mutterperl as Dr. Frankenstein and Joshua Redford as Igor in the Little Theatre of Alexandria production of the Mel Brooks musical Young Frankenstein, running now through Nov. 11. Matt Liptak
The comedic genius of Mel Brooks comes to life in the Little Theatre of Alexandria’s “Young Frankenstein,” the musical version of the horror movie parody of the same name that first debuted in 1974.
With music and lyrics by Brooks and book by Thomas Meehan, the LTA production embraces all the camp, puns and cheesy double-entendres of the original cult classic film starring Gene Wilder and Marty Feldman.
LTA has assembled a cast and crew that more than rises to the occasion to do justice to the iconic roles created on screen as a comic take on Mary Shelley’s 19th century novel “Frankenstein.”
Led by award-winning director Frank D. Shutts II, LTA has staged an impressive production based on the West End musical, which follows Dr. Frederick Frankenstein from New York to Transylvania upon inheriting his recently deceased grandfather Victor’s castle.
Embarrassed to be a Frankenstein and insisting his name be pronounced "Fronkensteen," the doctor bids his fiancée Elizabeth farewell and embarks on a journey into musical madcap mayhem.
With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced "Eye-gore"), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga, Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. "It's alive!" he exclaims as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather's.
Noah Mutterperl, a WATCH award winner, ably steps into Gene Wilder’s shoes as Frederick, showcasing an impressive comedic technique that is equally matched by an infectious enthusiasm.
Joshua Redford, another WATCH award winner, plays Igor, bringing back to life the bugged out eyes and shifting hump oddity of the film’s deadpan Marty Feldman.
Joshua Nettinga rises from the dead as The Monster, especially coming to life in the second half as he charms the audience with an impressive tap-dance turn in “Puttin’ On the Ritz.” Also charmed is Frederick’s now former fiancé Elizabeth, played to campy perfection by Liz Colandene.
Rounding out the cast are Claire Jeffrey as the yodeling Inga, Judy Lewis as Victor’s old housekeeper with benefits Frau Blucher, Brian Ash as Inspector Hans Kemp and James Maxted as The Hermit.
Augmenting the mega-talented cast, producers Rachel Alberts and Russell M. Wyland have assembled a crew that leaves the audience in awe with choreography by Stefan Sittig, set design by Robert S. Barr Jr., lighting design by Ken and Patti Crowley, costume design by Jean Schlichting and Kit Sibley, and makeup by Natalie Turkevich.
The gifted musicians are under the direction of Francine Krasowska and Christopher A. Tomasino showcasing such memorable tunes as "The Transylvania Mania," "He Vas My Boyfriend" and the showstopping "Puttin' on the Ritz.”
But in the sea of the stellar cast and ensemble, it is Mutterperl’s Frederick that sits at the center of LTA’s staging. From his rapid-fire singing the praises of the cerebellum to losing himself in the ample charms of Inga, Mutterperl is a delight to watch as he carries the audience along on his journey of fiendish fun.
LTA’s Young Frankenstein provides an evening of comedy delight that is every bit as relevant to audience members who remember the original while bringing newcomers along for the wild ride. The show runs now through Nov. 11 with a special Halloween performance on Oct. 31 that invites attendees to participate in a costume contest that will be judged by the LTA cast.
For tickets or more information, visit www.thelittletheatre.com
The Little Theatre of Alexandria, 600 Wolfe Street, Alexandria, VA 22314