“Young Frankenstein”

*****  Leave it to L. Walter Stearns to find a way to stage a big brassy musical like “Young Frankenstein” on the fairly small stage at The Mercury Theater. He has the ability to find the right talent to fill the crazy roles in Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan’s zany musical based on the film of the same name. The music and lyrics are by Brooks (no one could do it better). Stearns has had Bob Knuth design a set that uses every square inch of the stage to perfection, including the turning bookcase. The lighting (G. “Max” Maxin IV) is terrific and the sound (Kurt Sniekus) is perfect. To fill out the technical support, the costumes (Rachel Boylan) and props (Ellen Markus) are right on. I bring these up first because if these are not as solid as they were, even the best of casts could not pull off the masterpiece that we bore witness to tonight.

The music direction by Eugene Dizon and the choreography by Brenda Didier complete what Stearns created. This play was his “monster” and is the Chicago premiere of this new version of a new classic that rivals the film on which it is based on. The cast of players is small ( to fit the stage) in size but powerful in ability. In the role of Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, one could not have cast a more perfect actor than Sean Fortunato. Fortunato is one of the greatest character actors on any stage. He has the ability to sing and dance with the best and his flexible body and face allow him to do things that give him the one-upmanship over others. This character is the grandson of Victor Frankenstein and has inherited the castle in Transylvania where the original story took place.

He goes there and meets Igor (Ryan Stajmiger is an amazing talent that allows one to forget the brilliance of Marty Feldman in the film). The assistant that Igor has brought to the party is Inga (played to perfection by Isabella Andrews) and the other member of the household staff is Frau Blucher (played to perfection by Mary Robin Roth) who was Victor’s love ( when she sings “He Was My Boyfriend” you get the idea).  Frederick’s fiancée Elizabeth Benning is played by Chicago favorite character actress Lillian Castillo and of course, we must talk about “The Monster” ( Andrew MacNaughton will have you laughing your A– off). He is powerful and when he does his big number “Puttin’ On The Ritz” ( a song by Irving Berlin)in the second act, you will find yourself wanting to dance along with him, and the ensemble (beautiful number Ms Didier!).

As I said earlier, the ensemble headed by Inspector Hans Kemp (Jonah D. Winston keeps showing Chicago that he has no limits to what he can do on the stage) is composed of the following: Time Brickey, Holden Davenport, Katie Engler, Mai Hartwhich,Natalie Henry, Kayla Marie Shipman, Callan Roberts and Sam Shankman. Shankman is also cast as the Hermit for a rousingly adorable scene with “The Monster”, but tonight this role was handled to perfection by Callan Roberts. Great scene and flawless.

While this is a rousing comedy that will make you forget anything you read in the news or heard on radio, there is in fact some moral to the story. The story is after all about someone “different” and the need for connection and feelings. It deals with understanding others for who they are even though they are different from you and that women can be smart as well as beautiful and that  by offering one care and affection, even a bad person has some goodness. Now if only everyone could see this and learn from Brooks. This is one that you might want to see several times. Each time you will discover even more.

“Young Frankenstein” will continue through December 31st with performances as follows:

Wednesdays  7:30 p.m.

Thursdays     7:30 p.m.

Fridays           7:30 p.m.

Saturdays     2:30 and 7:30 p.m.

Sundays       2:30 p.m.

Run time2 hours 25 minutes with one intermission

Tickets range from $35-$85 and are available at the box office, 3745 N. Southport or  at www.mercurytheaterchicago.com

Parking can be a problem so give yourself extra time. There are some lots and meters along Southport and public transportation is available.

To see what others are saying, visit www.theatreinchicago.com, go to Review Round-Up and click at “Young Frankenstein”.                                                                                                                                                                    photos Liz Lauren