Young Frankenstein in New York
New Musical by Mel Brooks Previews on Broadway in October 2007
Mel Brooks' new musical comedy opens in Manhattan in November. Can this one even hope to match the success of The Producers?
Mel Brooks’ new Braodway musical, Young Frankenstein, will open for previews on October 11, 2007, at the Hilton Theatre in Times Square. The buzz has been growing for months – and a couple of years for people “in the know.” And now, after a successful tryout run in Seattle, it’s finally here in New York.
It was only a matter of time before Brooks – the creative force behind The Producers, one of the most successful Broadway musicals in history – would try his hand at staging another one of his movies. This time, he’s gone with a fan favorite. He’s working once again with Producers director Susan Stroman, and from the looks of it, the dream team has another mega-hit on their hands.
But can lightning really strike twice?
Most people seem to think so. Despite initial concerns that the movie is too well-loved to appeal to a contemporary theatre audience, Seattle audiences and reviewers had a great time at the tryout run. Zee Grega at Seattle MetroBlogging.com admits that the show could use a bit of tightening, but she maintains that “the performances were all top-notch.”
It really is a top-notch cast. Brooks and Stroman have selected one of their old standbys, Roger Bart, to play the lead character of Dr. Frederick Frankenstein. Bart was a stalwart of the Producers run, creating the role of Carmen Ghia (which he later reprised in the movie version) and returning to play Leo Bloom on several occasions. He won a Tony award for his portrayal of Snoopy in the 1999 revival of You’re a Good Man, Charlie Brown. TV fans might also recognize him as Marcia Cross’s stalker pharmacist from Desperate Housewives. His strong, clear voice, goofy expressions, and brilliant comic timing make him a great choice for the slightly mad scientist.
The role of Elizabeth, portrayed in the movie by the inimitable Madeline Kahn, is played by Megan Mullally (who is best known as Karen on Will and Grace). Early reviews from Seattle have been very favorable about her. Mullally’s pluck and wit, not to mention her great voice, make her a fan favorite so far. Her big song, “Please Don’t Touch Me,” is said to be especially memorable.
Sutton Foster (Thoroughly Modern Mille, The Drowsy Chaperone) plays Inga, Frederick’s sexy lab assistant. The rest of the cast is rounded out by Shuler Hensley (the Creature), Andrea Martin (Frau Blücher), and Christopher Fitzgerald (Igor). They are all fantastic comic actors who will be tons of fun to watch.
Tickets are on sale now through March 2008. They’re going fast, though – the buzz surrounding this show is so huge that many of the preview performances are already sold out. And if you’re thinking of getting primo seats, be prepared to pay dearly – the producers know they’ve got the makings for a cash cow in this show, so the really good seats (the ones in the center orchestra) are going for $375. And they’re charging $450 for the very best premium seats in the house.
If you’re not made of money, the remaining seats in the orchestra will be $120, the regular going price for Broadway orchestra seats. And tickets are available in the balcony for $80 and $60.
For more ticket information, visit Ticketmaster.com, Broadway.com, or – if you’re in the NY area – stop by the Hilton Theatre.
