Young Frankenstein Reading: Seems Like a Winner

[FrontRowCenter2]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 6:25am

From today's NY Post (Riedel):

http://www.nypost.com/seven/11082006/entertainment/theater/monster_of_a_reading_theater_michael_riedel.htm

November 8, 2006 -- SUPER duper!

Or, as the Monster would say, "Soooper doooper!"

That's what I'm hearing about the reading of "Young Frankenstein," the new musical from Mel Brooks and his longtime writing partner, Tom Meehan.

They unveiled their new show to 20 carefully chosen Broadway insiders Monday afternoon. A large woman with a clipboard stood in the middle of the doorway to make sure that no one slipped by who hadn't personally been invited by Brooks, his director Susan Stroman or his producer, Bob Sillerman, founder of the entertainment company SFX.

Brooks has been very secretive about "Young Frankenstein." The actors were given the script just a few days before the reading with instructions not to let it out of their sight. But several people who attended the reading said Brooks and Meehan may well have another "Producers" on their hands.

"Absolutely hilarious," one said.

"A total winner," another said.

For the entire article, click on the link above.
Updated On: 11/8/06 at 06:25 AM

[NathanLaneStalker]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 7:25am

The Producers is closing!?!? Oh well. I knew it was gonna happen some time...

I CAN'T WAIT FOR YF!! I usually don't pay full price for shows but I'm buying these tix as soon as they come out!

[ken8631]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 7:44am

Definitely predict a hit here......

[jasobres]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 11:07am

Actually, the Monster would say, "OOOPEH DOOOOOPEH!"

By the way, I love the song title previews! Can't wait to hear them. Guess they're not using "Ah, Sweet Mystery of Life." Would've loved to hear Kristin sing that in her signature soprano.

Updated On: 11/8/06 at 11:07 AM

[justafan2]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 11:14am

Can't wait, can't wait!!! What an amazing cast--- which has the potential to make this very funny story into an incredible show!

[shesamarshmallow]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 11:18am

That cast is stellar.

[leefowler]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 11:19am

Ah, Sweet Mystery Of Life is in the show...But, as in the movie, just the first two lines of it are sung.

[FOAnatic]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 11:20am

Guess I'll be at my computer the moment these tickets go on sale.

[WaltSummersPI]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 11:24am

Excellent

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 11:26am

Could they really affored that cast in one show?

[NathanLaneStalker]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 11:28am

If the cast were smart they'd do it for free. lol

[jasobres]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 11:28am

If they can afford Brian, Marc and Kristin for The Apple Tree, they certainly can afford the same trio to be in this surefire hit.

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 11:49am

Brian, Marc and Kristin are getting paid literally nothing for THE APPLE TREE, as it is Roundabout and not-for-profit.

Regardless, what's this nonsense about shows being able to "afford" a celebrity? If the Weisslers can afford Usher, SFX can afford Cloris Leachman.

Updated On: 11/8/06 at 11:49 AM

[morosco]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 11:53am

I would like to see Sherie René Scott as Inga. Her comic skills are perfect for the role.

[MrMidwest]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 12:00pm

I love Sherie Renee Scott and I think she's extremely attractive, but I think she's kind of a bit too big boned for that part.

Updated On: 11/8/06 at 12:00 PM

[rose_pearl]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 12:08pm

I can't wait for this!

[ACTlete676]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 12:12pm

I wonder where the out of town tryout will be

[Jon]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 12:16pm

Personally, I would move Roger Bart up to the lead. At least he's somewhat of a "name" from Desperate Housewives.

[FrontRowCenter2]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 12:25pm

It's my understanding that the out of town tryouts are going to be in Chicago - same as with The Producers. May just have to see it pre broadway first!

Posted: 11/8/06 at 12:37pm

It better preview here in Chicago! It's Mel Brooks "Lucky CIty" after the Producers.

The only item in Reidel's column I have toruble with is the idea that the "Money Men" are reluctant to let Broderick play the part of Frankenstein aftrer his performance in "Odd Couple." Despite poor reviews, the "money Men" made mountains of money off that production. And "Matthew Broderick" certainly sells more tickets than "Brian Darcy James."

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 12:48pm

THE ODD COUPLE made their money before the show even opened. People just wanted to see Lane and Broderick together againn, and we all know who wears the pants in that relationship.

[worrell4077]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 12:49pm

"Despite poor reviews, the "money Men" made mountains of money off that production. And "Matthew Broderick" certainly sells more tickets than "Brian Darcy James."

That maybe so, but I think the big draw for Young Frankenstein will be Cloris Leachman.

In all I really cannot wait for this. Fall 2007 seems even more far away than it does now and I am a bit depressed that The Producers maybe closing in the spring, but if anything should fill the St. James, I hope it would be Young Frankenstein(I actually had a thought a couple of years ago when I heard about YF coming to Broadway and I made the comment about how cool it would be if YF went into the St. James after The Producers).

[munkustrap178]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 12:54pm

The biggest asset to YF is THE PRODUCERS.

[CurtainPullDowner]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 12:56pm

Don't they both wear pants?

[JasonM12480]

Posted: 11/8/06 at 1:06pm

How thrilling! Cannot wait for this. It's one of my favorite Mel Brooks movies.

And as excited as I am to see Cloris - I hope she can really handle 8 shows a week at her age. True - she's in great shape and health, but I think she's over 80 now...no spring chicken. But what an amazing opportunity for her, and the entire cast. Sounds like a hit. Where did they go right, indeed!