Berkshire Theater Group’s Young Frankenstein

[Melissa25]

Posted: 6/28/24 at 9:10am

I am literally beaming after having so many laughs and smiles attending the first preview of Young Frankenstein in Pittsfield, Ma. last night.  What a polished production. Jerry McIntyre’s direction was detailed with an eye on superb comedic timing, fun dance sequences and excellent staging.  

All of the performances were excellent.  I absolutely loved Veanne Cox as Frau Blucher who killed He Vas My Boyfriend. She had a mishap when one of her candles fell out of her candelabra that she was carrying.  I don’t think this was supposed to happen but she made it funny by simply picking it up and putting it back with the elegance of a ballet dancer with vaudevillian eye contact.  She’s just a treasure.  

Aléna Watters almost steals the show as Elizabeth. Her Deep Love was hysterical and every time she reappeared on stage I perked up waiting for some delicious camp. 

Matthew Hydzik (Dr. Frankenstein) displayed leading man charisma combined with excellent vocals and comedic timing.  He is terrific throughout but I especially liked his pairing with Igor for Together Again for the First Time and with Inga for Roll in the Hay.  

Sean Bell (Harmony) played the Monster with such a warm playfulness.  Putting on the Ritz was a complete show-stopper. How he manages to tap dance in six-inch monster boots is beyond me.  He had such a boyish charm with Elizabeth during the Deep Love scene that he makes all PG-13.

Scenic design and costumes were all excellent.  I am so glad that I sat close in the orchestra to see all the facial expressions which are plentiful from all. This is my first time visiting The Colonial theater.  Such a lovely comfortable theater with easy lot and street parking available. The orchestra seats were wide with lots of legroom. Huge restroom.

I have been smiling all morning because of this show.  I will try to see it again. Highly recommended if you like Mel Brooks humor. 

[RippedMan]

Posted: 6/28/24 at 10:02am

I think this is the production I have a friend working on who described it as a mini tour? So it must be playing other venues. 

[Melissa25]

Posted: 6/28/24 at 10:19am

Yes, it goes to the Bay Street Theater (Sag Harbor) in August and the Geva Theatre Center (Rochester) in Sept-Oct.

[ErmengardeStopSniveling]

Posted: 6/28/24 at 1:43pm

Is this the London revision to the material? I was surprised at how much better received it was over there. I enjoyed the cast album and some of the cuts.

[Melissa25]

Posted: 6/28/24 at 3:51pm

Playbill states:

“YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN (WEST END VERSION)”
Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).

[Melissa25]

Posted: 8/8/24 at 2:07am

I saw this again today at the Bay Street Theater in Sag Harbor.  What an absolute delight. This cast and direction are just divine.  An absolute highlight of 2024 for me. Again, if you like Mel Brooks humor it is a must see. They just extended to Sept 1st.