If you're a fan of Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein, starring Gene Wilder, you probably had mixed feelings just like I did when you heard it was going to be turned into a musical. 1) What a great idea. It would make an awesome musical. And 2) Wow - this could be a huge crapfest. Luckily for all of us it is NOT a huge crapfest, but a spot-on production that hits all the right notes.
Casting is the biggest issue, of course. How do you get someone as great as Gene Wilder, who isn't Gene Wilder, who isn't trying to be Gene Wilder, but who can still capture some of what made Gene Wilder's portrayal of Dr. Frederick Frankenstein so great? Even writing that last sentence was confusing - try actually doing it! But somehow Roger Bart does. He originated the role on Broadway, and has long list of impressive theater credits, but I recognized him from his role as the creepy pharmacist on Desperate Housewives. He managed to retain much of Wilder's genius interpretation of the role, while adding his own unique spin. He was so much fun to watch!
The other key roles are very ably-filled - Joanna Glushak as Frau Blucher is hilarious, Cory English makes a perfect Igor and Anne Horak is one hot Inga. And funny, too. And how she doesn't fall out of her top will forever be a mystery to me. Shuler Hensely is a great monster and it made me sad that he only sings one song in his real voice, because he has a beautiful voice. By the way, this show features a score of all new songs written by Mel Brooks! That's just too much talent for one guy, right? One of my favorites was "He Vas My Boyfriend" and of course, the show includes Irving Berlin's "Puttin' On The Ritz".
I'm hoping that Young Frankenstein will come back to The Pantages, because this is a very short run. The final performance is August 8, 2010.
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