I had the pleasure of attending a jam-packed performance of “Mel Brook’s Young Frankenstein” by Millennial Productions on April 6th at the Ron Hurley Theatre. This hilarious stage adaptation of Mel Brooks' classic comedy film follows the story of neurosurgeon Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (Victor's grandson). Despite his initial reluctance to embrace his family's mad scientist legacy, Frederick embarks on a madcap journey to bring a corpse to life, accompanied by Igor, his faithful hunchbacked sidekick; Inga, his lovely lab assistant; and Frau Blücher, the mysterious housekeeper.
As a first-timer at a Millennial Productions show, I quickly understood why they're renowned for high-class entertainment. From the moment the curtain rose, the ensemble's energy was electric! The cast exuded the confidence of seasoned professionals, with the ensemble effortlessly juggling multiple roles and infusing the stage (and the stairs) with irresistible enthusiasm.
Director Taylor Andrews has crafted a lively and impeccably rehearsed production that felt both fresh and uninhibited. Andrews's vision was apparent in every detail, from audience interaction to immersive storytelling techniques. The set design ingeniously maximised the small stage, creating a close-up environment, enhanced by high-quality tech elements.
Zach Price as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein delivered a standout performance. He tackled rapid-fire lyrics with the precision of a neurosurgeon and convincingly delivered Frederick's descent into madness with hilarious flair. Sam Sherrin as Elizabeth showcased a crystal-clear voice and comedic prowess in her number "Please Don't Touch Me,” setting the show’s tone from the get-go. Damien Quick as Igor and Emily Rohweder as Frau Blücher stole every scene they were in. Igor had the audience in stitches, and Rohweder's Frau Blücher had an impeccable transformation into the eccentric but loveable character. Amelie Clarke's entrance as Inga was iconic, featuring outstanding vocals and yodeling skills to boot, she had the audience cackling during "Roll in the Hay." Plus, the accent work was spot-on!
Now, let's talk about Dale Shearman as The Monster. This guy was a showstopper! With phenomenal makeup and a talent for physical comedy, he brought The Monster to life (pun intended) with hilarious facial expressions, sound effects, and yes, even dancing! The ensemble was a force to be reckoned with, shining in numbers like "Hang the Doctor" and "Transylvania Mania," using every inch of the stage to their advantage. And don't get me started on "Puttin' on the Ritz"—you just have to see it! Jaime O'Donoghue's choreography was top-notch, perfectly complementing the physical comedy and lively performances of the cast.
If you're looking for a laugh-out-loud experience and monstrously good entertainment, do yourself a favour and catch this show before it wraps up on April 13th at the Ron Hurley Theatre.
Content Warning: Hold on to your miniature top hats, because this production features everything from strobe lighting to adult-oriented humour, cheeky sexual references, comic violence, and just a dash of mild coarse language to keep things spicy.
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