Young Frankenstein Comes To Life at Theatre By The Sea

MATUNUCK – Transylvania comes to Theatre by the Sea Young Frankenstein: The New Mel Brooks Musical for the theatre’s final show of the 2015 season.

          The composer and lyricist for this musical is Mel Brooks himself, who co-wrote the original 1974 film with actor Gene Wilder. Brooks, who first used his talents and wit to successfully bring one of his films to the stage with his award winning musical version of The Producers, has done it again with this Tony Award nominated show.

Bailey Costa’s lighting brings yet another Theatre by the Sea production to life, while Kyle Dixon’s scenic design draws audiences into the world of Frankenstein’s Transylvania. Costumes by William Ivey Long are clever and versatile, adding the final touch to the musical’s setting.

          Director Kevin P. Hill has created highly entertaining and memorable choreography, especially for the numbers “Transylvania Mania” and “Join the Family Business.”

Company in "Join The Family Business."

Tommy Labanaris stars as Frederick Frankenstein, the New York professor who is brought to Transylvania upon the death of his grandfather. Labanaris brings his own charm to the character, and is best remembered for his performances in the numbers “The Brain” and “Life, Life.”

Tommy Labanaris as Frankenstein and Mary Claire King as Inga in "Listen To Your Heart."

Audiences may recall Mary Claire King from her recent role in Smokey Joe’s Café. King’s Inga, Frankenstein’s laboratory assistant, is sure to have audiences laughing, especially during “Roll in the Hay” and “Listen to Your Heart.”

Brad Bradley is a wonderful character actor, who audiences are sure to remember from Theatre by the Sea’s 2014 production of Mary Poppins when he played Bert. He brings laughter and energy to his role as Igor, Frankenstein’s assistant, especially in the number “Transylvania Mania.”

Brad Bradley (center) during "Transylvania Mania."

Sandy Rosenberg, who was an apprentice at Theatre by the Sea in 1976, steals the stage as the housekeeper Frau Blucher during her song “He Vas My Boyfriend.”

Mary Claire King as Inga, Tommy Labanaris as Frankenstein, Sandy Rosenberg as Frau Blucher, and Brad Bradley as Igor.

Brittany Morello is perfectly cast as Elizabeth Benning, Frankenstein’s fiancée. Her performances in “Don’t Touch Me” and “Surprise” are hilarious. 

Brian Padgett as the Monster and Brittany Morello as Elizabeth Benning.

Brian Padgett is impressive as Frankenstein’s Monster. Despite having only few lines and being in full makeup, he is full of expression and his performance during “Putting on the Ritz” is fantastic.

"Putting on the Ritz"

Theatre by the Sea veteran Tom Gleadow is an excellent Inspector Kemp and Hermit. His song “Someone” is both funny and touching.

Tom Gleadow as Inspector Kemp (center).

Audience favorites are sure to include company numbers “Putting on the Ritz,” “Transylvania Mania,” and “Join the Family Business.”

Young Frankenstein concludes the Theatre by the Sea 2015 season. The 2016 season will be Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story from June 1st to June 19th, West Side Story from June 22nd to July 16th, The Wizard of Oz from July 20th to August 13th, and Sister Act from August 17th to September 4th.

Young Frankenstein is playing at Theatre by the Sea Tuesdays through Sundays until September 6th, with matinees on Thursdays, Saturdays, and Sundays. Please visit the website for show times. Tickets are $45 to $65, and can be purchased online, by telephone, or at the box office. For more information or to purchase tickets, visit Theatre by the Sea's website at www.theatrebythesea.biz or call their box office at 401-782-8587.

Mary Claire King as Inga, Tommy Labanaris as Frankenstein, and Brittany Morello as Elizabeth.

Photography by Steven Richard Photography