DPU Theatre to present ‘Young Frankenstein’

Connor Locke as Inga, David Mather as Frederick, Marin Tack as Frau Blucher with David Young (rear) as Victor Frankenstein in a scene from the DePauw Theatre production of “The New Mel Brooks Musical: Young Frankenstein” Oct. 5-7 in Moore Theatre of the Green Center for the Performing Arts at DPU.

Courtesy photo

DePauw University Theatre and the School of Music will present “The New Mel Brooks Musical: Young Frankenstein” as the first production of the 2017-18 DePauw Theatre season.

The musical opens Thursday, Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m. in Moore Theatre of the Green Center for the Performing Arts followed by a reception in the Great Hall. Performances continue on Friday, Oct. 6 and Saturday, Oct. 7 at 7:30 p.m., with a matinee performance on Sunday, Oct. 8 at 1 p.m.

Mel Brooks provides the music and lyrics for the musical adaption of “Young Frankenstein,” his legendary film comedy. When Frederick Frankenstein, grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, inherits his family’s Transylvanian estate, he not only finds true love, but creates a tap-dancing monster rivaling that of his grandfather’s.

The original film was released in 1974, and is ranked No. 13 on the American Film Institute’s list of America’s 100 funniest movies.

“The passing of the film’s co-writer and star Gene Wilder last year was part of the inspiration to produce the musical version of the story,” director Steve Timm said. “We’re paying homage with a story that translates well to the stage and is supported by dancing, singing and music.”

Fans of the film will recognize familiar characters and moments from the musical. Frederick Frankenstein (David Mather ’19), Igor (Jacob Peterman ’12), Inga (Connor Locke ’20), the Hermit (David Young ’20), Elizabeth Benning (Sarah Hennessey ’20) and Frau Blucher (Marin Tack ’18) join DePauw Professors Dave Worthington (Monster) and Wade Hazel (Mr. Hilltop) as they sing and dance their way through Mel Brooks’ contemporary masterpiece. The original Broadway production debuted in 2007, and the show will make its debut at London’s West End this fall.

The DePauw production is directed by Steve Timm, professor of communication and theater, with musical direction by Steven Linville ‘06 and choreography by Jared Norman ’12.

The show is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI) and is intended for mature audiences.

Tickets are $10 for general admission and $5 for students. They are available online for purchase at https://www.eventbrite.com/d/in--greencastle/depauw-theatre.

For more information about DePauw Theatre and the School of Music, visit depauw.edu/arts.