"Young Frankenstein: The New Mel Brooks Musical"

LEOS Musical Theatre Company.

May Hall, Trent College, Long Eaton.

I remember seeing the 1974 film of the same name that this musical is based on, and loved the madness of Mel Brooks, who created the brilliant comedy musical "The Producers", so I couldn't wait to see the stage production of this wacky musical.

Mel Brooks’ madcap comedy collides with Mary Shelley’s classic monster tale as Victor Frankenstein, the mad scientist of legend, has died and left everything to his grandson, Frederick (pronounced "Fronk en steen"), who wants nothing to do with the family’s notorious legacy. To settle his inheritance, he travels to his grandfather’s castle in Transylvania, meeting the grandson of Victor’s loyal henchman, Igor (pronounced "Eye gor!); the beautiful lab assistant, Inga (pronounced "Inga"); and the mysterious Frau Blücher. 

Before long, Frederick is sucked into his grandfather’s experiments and succeeds in creating human life. But by the time they realize that the Monster’s been accidentally given an abnormal brain, the Monster has already escaped, set to terrorize the countryside like the Frankensteinian monsters before him. Will Frederick repeat the mistakes of his grandfather? Or will he succeed where the others have not and turn his Monster into a dapper, intelligent man about town? Only one way to find out!!

Jake Gelernter plays Frederick Frankenstein and makes his debut for LEOS. Jake is a song and dance man at heart, and therefore this part is absolutely perfect for him, especially as the role also includes a lot of humour. This musical, I don't think, has been performed in the area for absolutely ages, therefore Jake can stamp his own personality on the role as there is no-one to make any comparisons with, but what a performance this man gives us, unlike any other role that he has played in the past, unless you count Dr Willy Van Whackoff!

Igor is played by Rhodri Denton and for some reason he gave me Kenny Everett vibes with this role. Brilliantly zany and a memorable stage entrance, and I love the transferable hump in the running joke in the show. One of the musical highlights for me is the duet with Jake in the song "Together For The First Time".

Mariko Jones is Inga, Frederick's extremely glamorous assistant. One thing, among many, that I love about Mariko is that she takes acting seriously, but doesn't allow herself to take herself too seriously, and it's that trait that makes this role and Mariko so perfect.

Frau Blucher, who ran the castle for the previous Frankenstein, is played by Louise McGowan. What a voice Louise has, especially in the song "He Vas My Boyfriend", where we get to see a very physical and funny performance from Louise. I hope that the violin recovered from its' trauma! There's another running joke that involves a sound effect at the mention of her name.

Kheenan Jones plays The Monster, not for the first time, but this time a very different version of this role. Kheenan is another actor who I have seen many times over the years and can play straight roles as well as play brilliant comic roles like this one. One of my highlights was in the "Puttin' On The Ritz" scene, which is a big song and dance number that grows from just a quartet. Kheenan also has one of the dirtiest laughs, as heard in another comic scene, this time with Aimee.

Aimee Chilton is Elizabeth Benning, Frederick Frankenstein's fiancee, who is high maintenance, as seen at the start of the show when she is seeing her fiance off as he leaves for Transylvania. Everything about this character, Elizabeth that is, is high. The notes Aimee hits, the heels that Elizabeth wears and the expectations she has of Frederick. A brilliant character actor with a big voice to match.

Dan Scott plays Inspector Kemp and I can see where the inspiration for the Gendarme in "Allo Allo" may have come from with the costume and the make up. Very funny character and Dan looks, well as much as you can tell through the make up, to be having an absolute ball as Inspector Kemp. The audience certainly had a ball with this character.

Victor Frankenstein is played by Andy Cattanach and appears in ghostly form - or does he? He appears to Frederick in a dream - or is it a dream? And advises him to "Join The Family Business". Wonderfully energetic performance from Andy.

The Blind Hermit is played by Charlotte Gelernter, and it must be great for Jake and Charlotte to be performing together. This cameo role really stands out for me as she befriends The Monster and attempts to provide hot noodle soup and wine and cigars to him. What can possibly go wrong with a blind character and a Monster who has a limited mental age, but is afraid of fire and flame. What could go wrong? The lighter not wanting to work correctly? Another fantastic comedy performance from a fabulous actor.

Shantanu Bhumbra plays Dracula late in the show with a brilliantly typical Transylvanian accent and looking the part in long black cape, make up and fangs. Shan spent most of the time prior to this though as part of the ensemble.

The ensemble is made up of Adam Worton, Amy Clover, Amy Hunter-Parker, Becky Morley, Daisy Donoghue, Eleanor Harvey, Ewan Waddell, Harvey Latter, Jack Woolley, Jordan Neary, Joshua Reed, Josie Coleman, Laura Lawless, Lauren Riley, Lilli White, Lisa Stone, Matt McAuley, Megan Fennell, Milly Clover, Naomi Allen, Natalie Webster, Nicola Adcock, Nikola Smith, Rachel Spence, Sarah McAuley, Sian Hooton, Stuart Bull, Sultan Chaudhury, Tracey Hooton, Victoria Palmer and Zoe Davey. 

Directed by Emma Kelvey. Nowhere seemed to be out of bounds for the actors to enter and exit, which is an exciting feel for any audience member. Having never seen this musical previously, I had no experience of how this musical was staged, and I loved the way that Emma staged this show. I can only imagine the fun that Emma has had actually putting this show together, as well as collating various body parts and organs!

Choreographed by Rachel Merrill, assisted by Lauren Riley. It's no secret that I love the big show dances, and there are a few of those in this production. I also love a big tap routine, and there's one of those in here as well. Just looking at this cast's ability to carry out these routines shows the work that has been put into the choreography, and especially in the tidiness of the follow throughs with the performer's hands and feet; a very smooth look for any dancer and gave that added layer of style and class to these routines.

Musical Director is Charlotte Daniel, assisted by Robert McAuley, who was also the Conductor. This score is not a small one, with 24 pieces, including just a few reprises, played by a great sounding nine piece band. The vocal parts are not easy ones, but when the work has been put in, as it shows here, the results are brilliant. Just listening and watching Jake deliver the tongue-twisting "(There Is Nothing Like) The Brain" is as satisfying to hear as Brian Conley performing "The Museum Song" from "Barnum" or any Gilbert & Sullivan patter song. The timing is immaculate. 

The big ensemble numbers have real power and I must mention "Transylvania Mania" which is a brilliant closing to the first act with it's BIG dance and vocal number led by Rhodri with the ensemble. "Please Don't Touch Me" is wonderfully executed by Aimee and the ensemble, and the combination with the choreography for that number is marvellous. I've already mentioned "Puttin' On The Ritz" as being another of my favourite pieces which combine some wonderful vocals, classy choreography and that added comedic element provided by Kheenan.

Costumes by the Queen of Costumes, Mina Holton. How she manages to source some of the brilliantly outrageous costumes that she provides theatre groups with, I have no idea, but every show that Mina's name is associated with can be guaranteed on having some of the best costumes available on stage.

Talking of the stage, and the set design, another name that you'll see on a regular basis in the area is Roydon Charlesworth, who always manages to create and provide some great, as well as interesting sets; this set is no different.

Stage managed by another legend of local theatre, the award winning Katie Bird and the stage crew consisting of Mina Holtom, Christine Daykin, Sophie Slater-Evans and Anakin Thain, blending in nicely adorned in white lab coats.

Some great props used in this show and Production and Props Support is by Gavin Owen.

Sound is by Matt Haslam, and there was a time at May Hall when the sound was not consistently as good as it is today. A lovely crisp sound which has great volume. the sound effects used in the show are timed perfectly and sound good with the music balance and the vocals from the cast. Well balanced which always, for me at least, means that I have no need to concentrate on the sound quality and can therefore enjoy other areas of the production side of a show.

Lighting design and operation is by David Price. David's name is another name that, when you visit as many theatres as I do, you notice certain names credited over and over again, and there's a reason for this. Theatre groups will always want to work with the best production people available and names like Roydon and Mina's guarantee top class results for many groups. David Price is another of those names that I see time and time again, and that is proven in this show. The lighting design for "Young Frankenstein" is wonderfully evocative and conjures up many visions of the old 1930's style horror flicks, which is what Mel Brooks' parody was aimed at. David brings that feel and look to the show.

There are a lot of people involved in this production. It's a big show with a big cast with many people who have worked tirelessly behind the scenes to create this horrifically humorous musical, and I would have loved to have seen a few more seats filled on opening night because this group deserve a bigger, and just as appreciative audience for the rest of the run.

There's also BSL Interpreter Emma Dawber  at the weekend as well as the opportunity for a Touch Tour with Ellie Ball for the visually impaired. Two ways that Long Eaton Operatic Society are making local theatre more accessible for everyone. There's also a QR Code than can be scanned to access the audio programme that is in place.

"The New Mel Brooks Musical: Young Frankenstein" is at May Hall, Trent College in Long Eaton until Saturday 25 October. What a frighteningly good way to start the run up to Halloween 2025.