LISSA ALEXANDER
reporter@pqbnews.com
A classic comedy with quirky humour is hard enough to pull off, top it off with singing and dancing and you’ve got yourself a challenge. But the cast of Bard to Broadway’s Young Frankenstein is right on the money, according to co-founder of the theatre society Gary Brown.
“The actors I have cast are passionate about this script and wanted badly to be in it. It is a huge challenge for them to re-create a classic movie, but I am so impressed,” said Brown, who is also directing the play.
B2B is presenting Young Frankenstein, the Musical at the Village Theatre in Qualicum Beach July 4 through August 16.
The broadway musical comedy is based on the 1974 Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan film. Brown said B2B looked at a variety of fun musicals, with an eye to rival last year’s immensely popular Drowsy Chaperone. He said Mel Brooks is a genius when it comes to comedy and he personally loved the movie. It was a good choice to push the envelope a bit, he said, as it’s a large production (with 21 cast and many more behind the scenes) and plenty of expectations.
The story surrounds Frederick Frankenstein, grandson to the infamous Dr. Victor Frankenstein. In this spoof, Frederick refuses to acknowledge that he is crazy like his family members so he calls himself Fronkenstein. When his last surviving relative dies, Frederick inherits the castle and must return to dispose of it. He meets Igor and Frau Blucher who convince him to create a new monster like his grandfather did and hilarity ensues.
“Throw into the mix a young, sexy lab assistant and Frederick’s fiance, Inspector Kemp‚ think Pink Panther‚ and the crazy villagers of Transylvania. Whacky!”
Brown said he loves the characters in the wildly entertaining play and the music (including a full orchestra) is wonderful.
Don’t miss Young Frankenstein at the Village Theatre. Tickets are $24 for adults, $22 for seniors and students and $11 for children, available at the box office: 110 West Second Ave. Special two-for-one pricing is available July 3 through 7. Call 250-752-4470 to book tickets or to find out office hours. For more information visit www.b2btheatre.com.