Monster Mash
Puttin' On the Ritz: Electrifying Young Frankenstein: The Musical comes alive atthe Long Center
It's ALIVE! And it's coming to Austin.
And while it didn't get the Broadway attention of his first converted musical, The Producers, Mel Brooks scored another clear home run with his stage adaptation of his 1974 cult comedy, Young Frankenstein.
The black and white film starred the understated genius of Gene Wilder as Frederick Frankenstein, a New York brain surgeon with the name and genetic heritage of his infamous monster-making grandfather. The movie also stars Madeline Kahn, Terri Garr, Peter Boyle and Marty Feldman as the unforgettable Igor. Slapstick comedy and nimble word play reworks our appreciation of the classic Mary Shelley tale of reanimating the dead to tremendous success.
Thirty-three years later, Brooks surprised audiences with Young Frankenstein: The Musical, the follow-up to his Tony Award gargantuan hit, The Producers. Brooks proved his complete comprehension of the genre, and found a new outlet to bring his humor to a whole new audience with these new productions.
After a hugely successful initial run on Broadway, Young Frankenstein: The Musical began its touring production in 2009. With the same direction and choreography of Tony Award-winning Broadway veteran, Susan Stroman, and the Brooks' genius music and lyrics, the tour rolls through Austin at the Long Center for the Performing Arts beginning Saturday.
Cast member Lexie Dorsett, performing the covetous role of Frankenstein's selfish, flighty fiance originally played by Madeline Kahn, took time out of her busy touring schedule to discuss her role, the demands of a touring company, and what she's looking forward to in Austin.
CultureMap: We're huge fans of the original movie. How much variation is there in the musical version from the original black and white? Do you have to have seen the original to fully understand/appreciate the musical version?
Lexie Dorsett: The musical mirrors the movie very closely but you don't have to be familiar with the movie to enjoy the production. Some of our audiences are very familar with the movie, which is really fun because they are laughing in anticipation of what is coming. But we have several audiences that seem to be right there with us and enjoying this wacky world of Mel Brooks for the first time. Everyone's favorite lines from the movie are in the musical, of course. Famous lines from the movie are taken and then expanded upon. For example, Frankenstein's assistant Inga's infamous "Roll in the Hay" line has become a full hilarious song.
CM: You get to play the role originated by the famous and much-beloved Madeline Kahn. What can you tell us about your character and her individual struggles/motivations in the story?
LD: I play Elizabeth Benning, the self-proclaimed "adorable mad-cap fiance" of Frederick Frankenstein. My character goes on an interesting journey from a rich uppidity socialite to the Bride of Frankenstein. The monster awakens my character's deepest desires in the second act number, "Deep Love." And a little insiders secret: My wig mirrors my character's journey from socialite to the wife of the monster with these sexy white streaks slowly integrated throughout Act 2. See if you can notice the transformation!
CM: Tell us about this production from the vantage point of cast member. What are the unique challenges and opportunities that this show provides?
LD: As far as the actual show, I have what is called a "diva track." I have one number in Act 1, and then I do not appear again until Act 2. I watch the production numbers from offstage to stay with the energy of the show, so when I enter again we are all on the same page. As tiring as the show can be, I cannot express enough how nice it is to be touring with a comedy. I get to go out on stage every night and make people laugh, and that helps keep it fresh. Luckily my cast is a joy to work with, and that relieves what else could be a stressful touring situation.
CM: Who are the ideal audience members for this show? Is it musical theatre folks, Mel Brooks fans, comedy fans in general, or somewhere in between?
LD: I think the ideal audience member is basically someone who wants to come to the theatre and laugh. I wouldn't classify this as a family show by any means — anyone who is familiar with Mel Brooks knows he likes to push the envelope. That being said, the show is hilarious and I still find myself laughing at the jokes even though I have heard them since September! Brooks' fans will definitely appreciate the classic gags that we all know and love. Musical theatre lovers will enjoy the incredible dancing in production numbers like "Join the Family Business" and "Putting on the Ritz." But I don't think you have to be a regular theatre goer to love it! I've met several people at the stage door that said this was their first musical they had ever seen and they enjoyed it immensely.
CM: This is a relatively extensive tour, even for a touring musical. How many cast and crew members are included in the caravan and how is everyone accounted for from city to city? Have y'all lost anyone yet?
LD: We have a bus buddy check system! It might sound elementary, but there are a lot of us and it has kept us from leaving someone in line at a gas station in the middle of nowhere many times. There are about 30 that travel on the bus I ride on. We have a very strict bus schedule and being prompt is of the utmost importance to ensure we are at the next venue in time. Everyone is very respectful of everyone's time and always looking out for their bus buddy.
CM: Austin's a great place to visit with so much great food and live art and music. Do y'all get to experience any of the cities you're visiting? If so, what are you looking forward to the most?
LD: Sometimes we get a chance to really explore a city; it really depends on how long we are there and our schedule that week. On this tour I've gotten to explore great cities like Seattle, Thousand Oaks, and Santa Barbara just to name a few. I am really looking forward to our time in the South! I am originally from Birmingham, Alabama and I have been craving some good ole' Southern sweet tea. Can't wait to get my fill in Austin. See y'all soon!
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Young Frankenstein: The Musical roars to life at the Long Center Mar 10 at 8 p.m. & Mar 11 at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are still available through their box office.