YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 11/5/07 Press Preview Review (No Spoilers)

[Wanna Be A Foster]

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 11/5/07 Press Preview Review (No Spoilers)#1

Posted: 11/6/07 at 2:08pm

I finally saw YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN last night. I went to the box office at 5pm and the premium seats had just been released for full price, so I landed in the third row center orchestra. Ben Brantley was seated four rows behind me. Debra Monk and Karen Ziemba were a few rows behind him. I also saw Lenny Wolpe in the audience, along with a bunch of “I-know-they’re-on-Broadway-but-I-can’t-pinpoint-their-names” people. Since it was the Monday evening before opening, it was an opportunity for most Broadway folk to come see what the fuss was about.

I have never seen “Young Frankenstein” the movie nor the original “Frankenstein” movie (although I did see the new FRANKENSTEIN musical last week – but that’s another story), so this was my first exposure to the piece.

This show doesn’t come close to THE PRODUCERS in terms of laughs-per-minute knee slap fest. I had a few good laughs throughout, most of which were courtesy of Christopher Fitzgerald’s absolutely hilarious performance from beginning to end. This show really belongs to him. His precision schtick fest alone is worth the price of admission. This man will without a doubt be receiving a Tony nomination for Best Featured Actor in a Musical, and I would love to see him walk away a winner, though it is too early in the season to make such predictions.

The leading lady of the evening was the indelible Sutton Foster. All this girl has to do is smile and wink and she has the audience in the palm of her hands. Not to mention that she makes a hot blonde bombshell, something I never would have guessed! She sings, she dances, she whips out one quirky aside after another, and the girl does not miss a beat.

Megan Mullally, in her few scenes, is divalicious. She is proof that a singing Broadway comic actress can play a leading role in a musical as an unknown, go off to Hollywood and star in a hit TV series, ingraining herself as a specific character in the minds of American popular culture, then come back to Broadway and show all of those folks who missed her the first time around that she can do musical comedy in rival to the greats. (And for those of you thinking, “well, look at David Hyde Pierce, he did that,” my response is that Pierce is a comedic actor who was taught to sing in order to fill a certain role that I doubt he would have been offered on his own musical theatre merits.) Just listen to Mullally belt out to the rafters for sixteen bars, and it is the roar of a musical theatre star showing TV fans just what she has been holding inside for the past eight years.

Mullally has created a completely fresh characterization as Elizabeth. This is no Karen Walker reincarnate. At times I needed to do a double take to see that this was indeed the Megan Mullally that had graced TV screens so lusciously for the past eight years. The red wig of course helps, but a completely new set of facial expressions and a fresh voice prove that Ms. Mullally is a versatile performer, just as viable on the Broadway stage as in Hollywood.

That said, Mullally appears in one scene early in Act I, then doesn’t show up again until after intermission for three more scenes, along with two brief appearances. Sutton Foster is in pretty much every scene in the show – acting, singing, dancing, and playing a part in the telling of the entire story. Mullally has higher billing than Foster, likely due to her TV fame status, and is given a later curtain call than Foster. While every performer is below the title in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, one of these two ladies is going to have to be petitioned to be considered for the Leading Actress category at the Tonys, and it seems pretty obvious that the producers will push Mullally for Leading, keeping Foster in Featured. I cannot imagine the Administration Committee approving Mullally as the Leading Actress in this musical over Foster, given the drastic difference in stage time.

A few years ago the producers of GLENGARRY GLEN ROSS, a show in which every performer appeared below the title, petitioned to have Live Schreiber and Alan Alda placed in the Leading Actor category, and the committee denied the petition, leaving every performer in the show in Featured (three of the show’s actors ended up with nominations in the category out of only five slots, and Schreiber ended up winning, so all turned out well, but it isn’t too unusual for the committee to deny such a petition if they feel the role doesn’t fit the bill). I suppose we will see what happens in regards to the Tony categories. Regardless, both women give fabulous performances in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN.

Andrea Martin plays Frau Blucher, a role that was apparently immortalized by Cloris Leachman in the original movie. Martin falls flat on most every level here. Whatever it was that came so naturally to Leachman that reportedly resulted in rip roaring laughter at the musical’s original reading a couple years ago, doesn’t work for Martin, an actress with a great background in comedy. The character is dull and unfunny as a doorknob. It’s clear where certain lines are supposed to emit laughter from the audience, but Martin gains at most a few chuckles here and there, working hard to milk the audience for laughter, but to an empty pail, most obviously in her repetitive, lackluster song, “He Vas My Boyfriend.”

Shuler Hensley, as the Monster, is a perfect fit, and he maintains the audience’s inquisitive attention with his every unpredictable move and noise. Fred Applegate is very good in a couple of small roles as well.

Roger Bart, as the apparent star of YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, offers the least engaging characterization of every performer on stage, including the members of the very enthusiastic ensemble. This seems to be a case of miscasting. Bart has played the adorable sidekick in YOU’RE A GOOD MAN, CHARLIE BROWN, THE PRODUCERS, and THE FROGS to comic delight and critical praise, but as a leading character who is neither adorable nor very comic, he just doesn’t deliver. This role screams Matthew Broderick, and it is a shame that Mel Brooks decided on a non-star to star in his new show, and it is a testament to Mr. Fitzgerald, Ms. Foster, and Ms. Mullally, whose characters mostly interact with Bart’s, that the show manages to fill in the blanks where Bart offers the presence of a piece of cardboard.

Susan Stroman’s choreography here is certainly above average, but it is nowhere near the delicious camp fest that she provided in THE PRODUCERS. The only number that really sticks in my mind in the “Puttin’ On The Ritz” sequence, which is as close to a showstopper as this production offers.

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN certainly does not live up to the hype as an anticipated equal follow-up to THE PRODUCERS, but it is an enjoyable night at the theatre, definitely worth checking out, if only for the displays of comic musical theatre precision provided by its three pillar performers.

"Winning a Tony this year is like winning Best Attendance in third grade: no one will care but the winner and their mom."
-Kad

"I have also met him in person, and I find him to be quite funny actually. Arrogant and often misinformed, but still funny."
-bjh2114 (on Michael Riedel)

Updated On: 11/6/07 at 02:08 PM

[BobbyBubby]

re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 11/5/07 Press Preview Review (No Spoilers)#2

Posted: 11/6/07 at 2:11pm

Mullally had a 2nd song called "Alone" in Act I (when I saw first Seattle preview, it was gone shorty therafter). It stopped the action and was far from great. She doesn't belong in that part of the story. She has plenty to do in Act II. She's not the star of the show.

[Kicks8567]

re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 11/5/07 Press Preview Review (No Spoilers)#2

Posted: 11/6/07 at 2:16pm

I believe you are entitled to your own opinion; however, I thought Andrea Martin was phenomenal and was definitely a major standout in the show.

[miss pennywise]

re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 11/5/07 Press Preview Review (No Spoilers)#3

Posted: 11/6/07 at 2:17pm

Great review, WBAF! Beautifully written.

"Be on your guard! Jerks on the loose!"

http://www.roches.com/television/ss83kod.html

**********

"If any relationship involves a flow chart, get out of it...FAST!"

~ Best12Bars

[Pippin]

re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 11/5/07 Press Preview Review (No Spoilers)#4

Posted: 11/6/07 at 2:18pm

wow! thanks for the review. I have a feeling that depending on the night you go, opinions will vary greatly. because when I saw it, Martin stole the show, Mulally WAS Karen walker in a pink dress (not a complaint, I loves me some Karen Walker) and Foster was more than able, but bland.

however, on Fitzgerald and Bart, agree 100%.

"I'm an American, Damnit!!! And if it's three things I don't believe in, it's quitting and math."

[miss pennywise]

re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 11/5/07 Press Preview Review (No Spoilers)#5

Posted: 11/6/07 at 2:20pm

I loved Martin AND Bart, but I still LOVE WBAF's review!

"Be on your guard! Jerks on the loose!"

http://www.roches.com/television/ss83kod.html

**********

"If any relationship involves a flow chart, get out of it...FAST!"

~ Best12Bars

[jaystarr]

re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 11/5/07 Press Preview Review (No Spoilers)#6

Posted: 11/6/07 at 2:29pm

WBaF-

Thanks for a great review ! I agreed 100% on your all assesments. Its no Producers for sure ..though I still have a great time when I saw it. (its probably bec. it was my b-day and I was just bound to have a great time no matter what ) "Puttin' on The Ritz " is definitely the best number in the show.

Chris Fitzgerald definitely stole the show from the beginning to the end. Yup! Mullahy does not have much part on ACT 1 unfortunately and Sutton Foster is really great!

Did you have to pay $120.00 too ?

Most likely YF will get mixed to negative reviews. Brantley will probably pan it but give praise to Mullaly, Foster & Fitzgerald.

I'll predict 3 yrs for this musical to run !

J*


Updated On: 11/6/07 at 02:29 PM

[frogs_fan85]

re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 11/5/07 Press Preview Review (No Spoilers)#7

Posted: 11/6/07 at 2:32pm

Excellent review. I agree with a good chunk of your assessment, but I completely disagree with you on Andrea Martin. Her bit introducing the Monster and Frederick right before "Puttin' on the Ritz" was perfection.

[WestVillage]

re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 11/5/07 Press Preview Review (No Spoilers)#8

Posted: 11/6/07 at 2:38pm

I had a different reaction than WBAF ... I thought Andrea Martin was the best thing in the show. Sutton Foster was completely wasted in a role that could be played by any actress who played Ulla in The Producers. Megan, while I enjoyed her performance, was still very Karen Walker to me. Roger Bart was channelling Nathan Lane. Fitzgerald didn't do it for me; I thought it could/should have been so much funnier. I was most disappointed in the music/lyrics, which were very basic and not clever or funny. And the choreography was bland and unexciting. It is a big splashy Broadway musical, but the sets/lights are the stars of the show, and the cast, to me, is easily replaceable.
Updated On: 11/6/07 at 02:38 PM

[BrodyFosse123]

re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 11/5/07 Press Preview Review (No Spoilers)#9

Posted: 11/6/07 at 2:39pm

Thanks for the well-covered review.

Not seeing the show until late December so I'm excited to watch the DVD I'm about to get from the Seattle run. Looking forward to comparing the changes between both incarnations.

[jaystarr]

re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 11/5/07 Press Preview Review (No Spoilers)#10

Posted: 11/6/07 at 2:44pm

People might have mistaken Andrea Martin's over the top & brassy performance as GOOD... Could be?

J*

[chad2]

re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 11/5/07 Press Preview Review (No Spoilers)#11

Posted: 11/6/07 at 2:45pm

I agree Martin was pure genius. Foster was dullsville.

[Dolly_Levi]

re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 11/5/07 Press Preview Review (No Spoilers)#12

Posted: 11/6/07 at 2:47pm

Based solely on the Today show performances, Fitzgerald really irritated me and the songs seemed only passable.

I will def. see the show and form my full opinion though.

Laughter is much more important than applause. Applause is almost a duty. Laughter is a reward. Carol Channing

[gumbo2]

re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 11/5/07 Press Preview Review (No Spoilers)#13

Posted: 11/6/07 at 3:14pm

Foster, sounds exactly like my thoughts on the show when I saw it in Seattle. Fitzgerald stole the show, Bart was passable but not great, and I don't get Andrea Martin. I thought it was mostly the material, and all the actors were working with what they had, but no one really wowed me besides Fitzgerald (and at times Mullally, but to a far lesser extent).

Thanks for the spot-on review...I'm interested to see what the critics think of it.

[BrianS]

re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 11/5/07 Press Preview Review (No Spoilers)#14

Posted: 11/6/07 at 3:18pm

How is it that someone on this board writes a more lucid review than half the theater critics in this town seem capable of?

I see so many reviews that follow the formula of ((plot description) + (this was good/that was bad) = review) with no explanation as to how or why the writer arrived at that conclusion.

Nice job WBAF.

If the audience could do better, they'd be up here on stage and I'd be out there watching them. - Ethel Merman

[FranklinShepard-Inc.]

re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 11/5/07 Press Preview Review (No Spoilers)#15

Posted: 11/6/07 at 3:27pm

Just to make that clear, "Alone" has been cut whilst the tryouts.

[Yankeefan007]

re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 11/5/07 Press Preview Review (No Spoilers)#16

Posted: 11/6/07 at 4:30pm

Martin and Fitzgerald were the highlights of the show, for me, anyway.

I agree that Mullally is a true Broadway diva. Her facial expressions when she's groping Foster are worth the price of admission alone.

But from someone who has seen the movie - dozens and dozens and dozens of times...

The problem is that the performances of the film's cast are just too indellible to erase. Mel intended to make a musical version of the film, but all he ended up doing was rewriting the film but adding songs. Much of the score stops the show dead in its tracks. This is by no fault of the performers, who give it their all and then some.

I'm sure Brantley will point this out, as well, along with writing a delicious review devoted to Madeline Khan's "Ah Sweet Mysteries," Marty Feldman's bulging eyeballs, and, of course, throw in a few tidbits about the current Broadway cast.
Updated On: 11/6/07 at 04:30 PM

[jakebloke]

re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 11/5/07 Press Preview Review (No Spoilers)#17

Posted: 11/6/07 at 5:40pm

I was there last night as well. My BF and I enjoyed the show, but there were only a few laugh out loud moments as opposed to the many in The Producers. I definitely don't expect it to get great reviews. I enjoyed Megan Mullally and Fitzgerald the most. I thought the scenic design and sets were great. The music was so-so and I left the theater with a song from Urinetown stuck in my head for some reason. I haven't listened to that in ages, so something struck a memory there.

[Bwayfan4]

re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 11/5/07 Press Preview Review (No Spoilers)#18

Posted: 11/6/07 at 5:42pm

Yankee I agree with you. Fitzgerald was hysterical from start to finish, as was Andrea Martin. As for the others, they were okay, but nothing to write home about.

[Dollypop]

re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 11/5/07 Press Preview Review (No Spoilers)#19

Posted: 11/6/07 at 6:52pm

I have absolutely no desire to see this show.

"Long live God!" (GODSPELL)

[Unknown User]

re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 11/5/07 Press Preview Review (No Spoilers)#20

Posted: 11/6/07 at 7:04pm

Not even if Carol Channing played the monster?

[tomemiller]

re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 11/5/07 Press Preview Review (No Spoilers)#21

Posted: 11/6/07 at 7:21pm

Jakebloke, funny that you were singing a song from Urinetown. When I saw Young Frankenstein in Seattle I came out singing "Everybody's Got the Right" from Assassins. I guess that imitation is the highest form of flattery even at the risk of forfeiting originality.
Updated On: 11/6/07 at 07:21 PM

[BroadwayEnthusiast2]

re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 11/5/07 Press Preview Review (No Spoilers)#22

Posted: 11/6/07 at 7:28pm

It really is true, BryanS. Great review, although it's sad to see that Foster is so wasted. I think Angie Shworer would have done a great job with Inga. It seems as though the producers are just having Foster in the show just to say "We have Sutton Foster in our show."

"I mean, sitting side by side with another man watching Patti LuPone play Rose in GYPSY on Broadway is essentially the equivalent of having hardcore sex." -Wanna Be A Foster. "Say 'Goody.' Say 'Bubbi.'" ... "That's it. Exactly as if it were 'Goody.' Now I know you're gonna sing 'Goody' this time, but nevertheless..."

[DAME]

re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 11/5/07 Press Preview Review (No Spoilers)#23

Posted: 11/6/07 at 9:32pm

I agree with your general assesment of the show. But I have to disagree with you on two things. While Megans role might be smaller in exposure to Sutton Fosters.. her comedic electricity takes the material and multyplies it by 10. And at last Saturdays afternoon performance..Andrea Martin was hilarious and owned the role ( in my opinion). Suttons performance was serviceable.. as was Roger Barts.

HUSSY POWER! ------ HUSSY POWER!

[Dirty_Rotten_Guy]

re: YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN 11/5/07 Press Preview Review (No Spoilers)#24

Posted: 11/6/07 at 10:00pm

Thank you for the review

I agree with most of what you say, particularly about Bart and Mullally as well as the whole show being enjoyable but not living up to the hype.

I do have to say, though, I was not as impressed in Foster as many people seem to be- she was certainly a stand-out among the cast, I just felt her performance was kind of uneven, and I didn't really leave feeling she was a sexy bombshell. And I know its still early on, but the accent was kind of off and on. Also, although Foster may have quite a bit of time onstage, a lot of the time she isn't really saying much, save for a few short lines of dialogue here and there. But I actually left feeling that Mullally had the bigger part. Poor Sutton only had 2 okay songs to herself, while Megan had 3 very big songs. But yea, I still love Sutton and would love to see her get a Featured Actress in a Musical nomination, but just feel she needs some time to grow into the role more.

And I was Andrea Martin was actually the best part of the show, really liked her performance.

Again, its all matter of opinion, and glad you enjoyed the show in such great seats!

And my, there really isn't much better than hearing Megan belt out the word "tits" :) haha

My 2007/2008 Season: Grey Gardens (7/5) 110 in the Shade (7/6) Mary Poppins (7/7) Xanadu (7/7) Deuce (7/8) Spamalot (7/8) Jersey Boys (8/25) The Year of Magical Thinking (8/25) Mauritius (11/2) Young Frankenstein (11/3) Rock 'N' Roll (11/3) Pygmalion (11/4) Mauritius (11/10) Mauritius (11/21) Mauritius (11/21) Sunday in the Park with George (3/6) South Pacific (3/7) Gypsy (3/8) Cat on a Hot Tin Roof (3/9)