The laughs never stop
Kelowna Actors Studio kicks off their latest season with Young Frankenstein, the Mel Brooks musical, as a pre-Halloween treat.
The production stays fairly true to Brooks’ 1974 cult classic movie with music and lyrics later added by Brooks.
The movie parodied the 1930s Frankenstein horror movies which were loosely based on Mary Shelley’s 1823 gothic thriller novel of the same name.
Brooks is known for his broad humour and the production is Àlled with double entendres, puns and physical humour.
If watching a game of charades break out during a strangulation attempt sounds hilarious,, this is the show for you,
There are lots of silly one liners including “Werewolf? There wolf.”
Not surprisingly, the action starts on a dark and stormy night.
While the music and dancing is top notch, Roll in the Hay, a song Àlled with double entendres and enough jiggling to portray a hay wagon ride, is a standout and had the audience laughing.
Another musical highlight is Putting on the Ritz, in which the giant green monster in evening wear dances and sings in a chorus line.
Desmond Parenteau, a favourite on the on the Kelowna Actors Studio stage, dons a wig and moustache that channels Albert Einstein as he plays Frederick Frankenstein, the dean of science at a New York university
The grandson of Dr. Victor von Frankenstein, Frederick denies his family’s heritage, insisting his name be pronounced “Fronk-en-steen” to distance himself from his grandfather’s gruesome family business.
When his grandfather dies, Frederick Ànds himself on his way to Transylvania to settle his estate, where he meets as strange a group of characters as one can think of.
Mark Sorestad plays Igor, and extends the gag on Frankenstein’s name by insisting his name be pronounced “eye-gor.”
The grandson of Victor’s servant, Igor is anxious to continue Victor’s work with Frederick.
Igor’s hump, of which he appears unaware, hilariously shifts around during the production.
Alex Holowaty takes on the role of the sexy blond lab assistant Inga, who jiggles her way into Frankenstein’s heart.
Eva Cortens nails the role of Frau Blucher, the mysterious sour-faced housekeeper with a secret past.
Emily MacArthur, plays Frankenstein’s madcap fiancee, Elizabeth Benning, a vapid socialite who is initially more interested in appearances than love. MacArthur does a great job of belting out songs, including Deep Love, which had the audience in stitches.
Andrew DePieri plays Insp. Kemp with precision as well as the hermit who temporarily takes in the monster with comical results.
An elaborately spooky set including the entrance to a secret passage that leads to some laughs.
Warning, there is language and mature themes in this production.
Young Frankenstein, the musical, runs until Oct. 28. Get your tickets through kelownatickets.com or by calling 250-862-2867.