Penn State Thespians present ‘Young Frankenstein’ in Schwab Auditorium this week — a musical rendition of Mel Brooks’ hit 1974 comedy.
The story revolves around Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, the grandson of Victor Frankenstein who famously created a murderous monster. Dr. Frederick Frankenstein is a professor and scientist in New York when he learns that his grandfather has died and that he must travel to Transylvania to inherit his estate.
He has no interest in continuing his grandfather’s “wacky work,” but throughout the story becomes increasingly intertwined with the science for which Victor Frankenstein was famous.
Frederick Frankenstein confronts his grandfather, Victor, in a dream. Photo by Frank Scaramuzzo | Onward State
Dr. Frankenstein is accompanied by Igor, the grandson of Victor’s servant, and Inga, a local who becomes Young Frankenstein’s love interest. Reed Callan, Gerald Koledin, and Addison Albert star as Frederick, Igor, and Inga, respectively.
Frederick, Inga, and Frau Blucher (played by Dana Hiyajneh) star in this production of “Young Frankenstein.” Photo by Frank Scaramuzzo | Onward State
Meg Reed, the musical’s director, has seen her fair share of challenges throughout the course of putting ‘Young Frankenstein’ together.
“Working with your friends is really hard,” Reed said. “This club is very tight knit and it’s so big. There are 162 people that I’m in charge of this week, so it’s been very overwhelming to be like, ‘We’re going to do it all at the same time.’”
The monster (Jason Schwartz) attacks Frederick shortly after his reanimation. Photo by Frank Scaramuzzo | Onward State
Still, Reed is excited about the outcome — especially the creation of the monster scene. If you want to see why she’s excited about it, you’ll have to check the musical out for yourself.
The show is dark and eerie, while also colorful, funny, and upbeat. This musical is just about what anyone would order up around Halloween, as it has the crowd laughing throughout and plays well on the classic tale of the original Frankenstein.
Igor is the favorite character of both Meg Reed (director) and Shannon Walker (producer). Photo by Frank Scaramuzzo | Onward State
What is Shannon Walker, the show’s producer, most excited to show people?
“Honestly, everything,” Walker said. “I adore every single person in this production because they’ve put so much work into this. Seeing the entire cast on stage is really incredible.”
You can catch the show Thursday, Friday, and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., as well as Saturday afternoon at 1:30 p.m. Tickets are available at the HUB-Robeson Center through Friday, at the door, or online here. Tickets are $12 for adults, $4.98 for students, and $4.99 for children ages 12 and under.
Elizabeth, played by Camryn Powers, will bring plenty of laughs to Schwab Auditorium this weekend. Photo by Frank Scaramuzzo | Onward State
