YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan (Mirvish). At Princess of Wales (300 King West). To April 18. 416-872-1212. See Continuing. Rating: NN
Young Frankenstein needs a few more jolts of theatrical lightning to bring it to life.[rssbreak]
Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan wrote this musical version of Brooks’s 1974 movie, which sends up 30s horror film conventions. American Frederick Frankenstein returns to his Transylvanian home after the death of his grandfather, Victor, infamous creator of the original monster. No surprise, Frederick gets caught up in further experiments.
Don’t expect subtlety. Book and lyrics are sometimes funny in a silly way, but this touring production doesn’t have much voltage. Director Susan Stroman’s choreography is energetic, especially in a dream sequence in which Victor spurs Frederick on. Too bad her version of Puttin’ On The Ritz, one of the show’s funniest moments, has turned into an unnecessarily large production number.
As Frederick, Roger Bart offers more shtick than involvement in the role, and there’s not enough manic fun in Cory English’s Igor. Even so, the two make a passable vaudeville team.
There’s better entertainment in Shuler Hensley’s Monster and Joanna Glushak’s intense Frau Blucher, whose name makes horses neigh with fear. Anne Horak gives the show’s fullest performance, musically and dramatically, as Inga, Frederick’s curvy assistant. Beth Curry’s Elizabeth, Frederick’s touch-phobic fiancée, only starts to sizzle when she falls under the Monster’s sway.
