Christina Stock Photo Above: Inga (Summer Souza) is all over Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (Tony Souza during their hayride. Below: No foot will be still during the dances when the townsfolks put down their pitchforks and swing their skirts.
Culture
It’s Alive!
Way Way Off Broadway Theatre Company brings the naughty musical comedy, Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein,” to stage. By Christina Stock Vision Editor n 2007, comedy genius Mel Brooks adapted his legendarily funny film into a brilliant Broadway stage creation – “Young Frankenstein!” What Brooks could not put in the original movie he added to his show. Way Way Off Broadway is bringing the original Broadway production to the stage of Eastern New Mexico University-Roswell Performing Arts Center, Oct. 21-23 and 28-30 with performances on Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and on Sundays at 2:30 p.m. Tickets are available at waywayoffbroadway.com. If you know the works
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of Mel Brooks, you know his outrageous style and his child-like rejection of subtleties which made him a comedic icon with movies like “Blazing Saddles” and “Springtime for Hitler.” Political correctness is nonexistent in his work. Brooks is like your favorite uncle at weddings and birthdays who has the naughty jokes ready to make everybody roll their eyes and blush. You want to be offended, but it’s just too funny. “This is a show for grown-ups.” said director Summer Souza. “It is not for kids.” The musical comedy is officially rated PG-13. The story of “Young
Frankenstein” is based on the book and film by Brooks, which makes fun of the horror genre.
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Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced “Fronk-en-steen”) inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced “Eye-gore”), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga (pronounced normally), Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. “It’s alive!” he exclaims as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather’s. Eventually, of course, the monster escapes and hilarity continuously abounds. Every bit as relevant to audience members who will remember the original as it will be to newcomers, “Young Frankenstein” has all the of panache of the screen sensation with extra theatrical flair added. With such memorable tunes as “The Transylvania Mania,” “He Vas My Boyfriend” and “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” “Young Frankenstein” is scientifically proven, monstrously good entertainment. Tony Souza is cast as Dr. Fredrick Frankenstein. He is also the managing director of WWOB. “Every show has its challeng-
es,” Souza said. “Some shows, such as our recently performed play “Those Unforgettable Black Rims,” depend on the development of the characters. A musical is a spectacle and has different challenges. We are trying to be faithful to the original story, honoring the characters that the audience are expecting to see but making the performance our own. Per example, in “Young Frankenstein,” every time Frau Blücher says something there is whinnying in the background. “It is every time a challenge to adapt a full Broadway show to our scale. But we must love that challenge,” said Souza and laughed. Jessica Haynes plays the wickedly funny fiancée of Frankenstein, Elizabeth. This character is perfect for Haynes, who loves to play the over-the-top high-society lady falling in love with the monster. Who can’t resist this large hunk of a male monster, played by Kendall Hellmers? Hellmers is known in the community as being part of the music band Retrofit. “Elizabeth is a lot of fun and such a tease,” said Haynes. “She is
everything that is fun to play. She is so full of it and shallow.” Haynes had watched the movie during her college days. “The musical and the songs are so much funnier than the movie,” she said. Cast as hunchback Igor is John Bitner. Bitner performed last year in WWOB’s “Seussical The Musical“ as Grinch. Summer Souza shines in the role of Frankenstein’s new assistant and love-interest, Inga. Frau Blücher is Michelle Massey, Inspector Von Kemp is David Rocha. Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein is Brady Crump and Ziggy is played by Spencer Wilden. Supportive roles go to Cheyenne Hellmers, Tony Simoes, Kamdyn Bishop, Aubrey King, Gabriel Perez, Jose Perez, Rebekah Bitner, Paige Huddleston, Kylee Clements, Mia Huddleston and Jamie Alexander.