The Auburn Area Community Theatre production of Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein” opened to a packed house at the Jane Dempsey Arts Center in Auburn Friday, Aug. 21.
Directed by Angela Farmer and Elizabeth Childs, this musical comedy follows the journey of Fredrick Frankenstein, played by Paul Stalter-Pace, as he travels back to Transylvania to follow his grandfather’s footsteps.
The production, which runs for about two and a half hours long with intermission, features entertainment for most audiences.
Each character brings their own comedy bit to the play, by using props and innuendo as they dance and sing.
Tap dancers and belly dancers from Make Your Move Dance Studio and Village Plains Tribal Fusion Dancers were showcased in various musical numbers.
Farmer said the cast has been rehearsing since June and said this adaptation doesn’t stray from the original production.
“[It] is very much like the original, except that all of the punch lines have a little bit of music to go with them,” Farmer said. “You can expect that, a little bit of gaudy humor and a good time.”
Geneva Willis, senior in theatre performance, plays Elizabeth Benning. She said the musical is a “satire on the horror genre.”
“[It’s] like the old 1930s monster movies,” Willis said. “It’s like Frankenstein and Dracula, but with a Mel Brooks twist.”
Carolyn Moore, graduate student in wildlife sciences and member of the production crew, said the production will make the audience laugh.
"It’s just an in-your-face, make-you-laugh-out-loud comedy,” Moore said.
She also said the cast bonded like a “family” and came together as a “supportive group.”
“It allows you to be very creative in a very safe environment,” Moore said. “The cast bonded extremely well, and really quickly too.”
Kelly Davino, who plays Inga said the cast tries to get the audience to participate.
“I think because we have such a sense of family on stage, they’re [the audience] going to bring in that same feeling," Davino said.
Performances of “Young Frankenstein” will run this weekend and the next, from Aug. 21-23 and Aug. 27-30 at 7 p.m., with 2 p.m. matinees Aug. 23 and Aug. 30.
Tickets can be reserved online at the AACT website or by contacting the Jan Dempsey Art Center’s box office at 334-332-0881. Students and seniors pay $12 while general admission is $15.
“It’s going to be a tremendous show because of the amount of dedication that has gone into its production,” Farmer said. “I hope everyone enjoys it.”
Do you like this story? The Plainsman doesn't accept money from tuition or student fees, and we don't charge a subscription fee. But you can donate to support The Plainsman.
