Young Frankenstein - comparing two preview nights

[misscrystal]

Posted: 8/24/07 at 4:18am

Another green musical sings its way to Broadway!

We saw Young Frankenstein two weeks ago, on its third day previewing in Seattle. We thought it was great! We also saw it tonight. Now we think it is AMAZING. The cast is perfect, the sets are brilliant, and we want to learn every move of the choreography! Before the reviewers give you an opinion, we wanted to give you ours. *************SPOILERS COMING************

The first scene is a typical Mel Brooks introduction with the villagers celebrating the death of Frankenstein. (It’s like the Producers opening number dressed up in Transylvanian folk costumes.)

The next scene takes us to medical school where Young Frankenstein sings “There is Nothing Like the Brain.” Roger Bart rattles off a list of medical and philosophical references with a speed and diction that rivals “The Speed Test” from Millie. Roger seemed more comfortable moving during this number tonight than he did two weeks ago.

“Please Don’t Touch Me” is a hilarious song comedically sung by Megan Mullally. Her practices as Karen on Will & Grace come in handy for this character. They give her great notes to belt (and great lyrics to match), and the audience goes wild.

One of our favorite songs, “Together Again for the First Time,” has not changed since we saw it first – but it certainly didn’t need to change a bit! Roger and Christopher define “dynamic duo” as they strut along the stage. You can’t help but be swept up with Christopher’s adorably creepy Igor. His interpretation of Igor improves upon Marty Feldman from the movie.

We get our first introduction to the ridiculously talented Sutton Foster with the song “Roll in the Hay” where she yodels upside down and while balancing on the edge of a bouncing cart. Is there anything this woman can’t do?

Andrea Martin appears next as Frau Blucher, and her performance each time we have seen the show has been Tony Award – worthy. Her comedic timing is unbeatable! Listen for the horses here – an ongoing joke.

We meet the ghosts of Frankenstein past during the Russian-folk-dance-inspired number “Join the Family Business.” Frankenstein’s character puts it best when he says “My ancestors, they were crazy… but boy, could they dance!”

Next we get a real treat… possibly one of the funniest numbers in the whole musical and the reason why Andrea deserves a Tony nod… “He Vas My Boyfriend” may have you rolling on the floor with laughter.

The Town Hall scene has been altered for the better. During our first show, Inspector Kemp rattled off a bunch of dialogue about creating a new law intended to rid Frankenstein at his first mistake. During tonight’s show, we saw that most of the dialogue was cut and we are left with a short and to-the-point line that is sung.

Thank goodness that the song “Alone” was cut from the production. During our first show, it seemed out-of-place, breaking up the entire laboratory scene. It didn’t add anything to the plot, either. Good work cutting that song!

Instead, we get to see the song “Life, Life” in its entirety. It’s a dramatic number, and we can’t get over how fantastic the sets are in this number.

Another of our favorite scenes has two numbers. The first, “Welcome to Transylvania” is reminiscent of the barbershop quartet in the Music Man. The soap versus cheese scene is truly hilarious! “Transylvania Mania” is our new favorite dance craze. Go ahead and try to stop your toes from tapping! We can’t wait to learn this dance… we hope BroadwayWorld gets a clip of this one! Props to the choreographer and all of the dancers, here!

After intermission, Frankenstein is on the loose, hence the number “He’s Loose,” which hasn’t changed at all. We love the sets here… they are as much a character in this scene as any of the actors.

Back in the Laboratory, Sutton seduces Roger with the perfect tabletop splits in “Listen to Your Heart.” They bring “elevate me” to a new definition. Especially hilarious is when Igor and Frau Blucher discover the discarded clothes.

Then, “Surprise!” Megan makes her trademark big entry with another belter that suits her well. Her outfit changed here from the first time, where she wore a demure dress, to now when she’s wearing a hot pink power suit. We’re not sure why.

Fred Applegate gets his chance to shine in the scene made famous by Gene Hackman. The song “Please Send Me Someone” is heartwrenchingly funny and the slapstick comedy, though lifted straight from the movie, is played well by the actors.

We feel that the song “Man About Town,” is sort of the link/intro/build-up to “Puttin’ On The Ritz” (and not much else).

Mel Brooks pulls out all the stops with the number “Puttin’ on the Ritz.” It’s a toe-tapping, big-shoed, dance extravaganza with glitz and glam, and a few shadowy surprises. No changes necessary for this show-stopping number!

The Cave in the Forest scene will have your stomach aching from laughter. “Deep Love” is the perfect double entendre song in which both Megan and Schuler are able to deliver their perfect comedic talents.

We weren’t sure if we liked the ending the first time we saw the show. Tonight, however, we can see some improvements have been made. Hopefully they’ll continue to work on making a show-stopping finale ending to this fantastic musical.



All in all, we are honored to have been in the presence of this truly great talent. We believe this musical will satisfy fans of the movie, and delight anyone who sees it. We can’t wait to see how this “horror-comedy-musical” does on broadway!

We snapped some pictures stagedooring tonight (with all 15 or 20 Seattle fans… yes, it’s lame). We'll try to post them in a bit (we're not very good with computers).

[ray-andallthatjazz86]

Posted: 8/24/07 at 4:26am

I wonder if the fact Mullally is now gone for most of Act I will make her go in the Featured role category instead of leading.
Thanks for the review. The show sounds great. It's nice to follow the process of how a show changes, wonder how much it'll change by the time it gets to Broadway.

[neddyfrank2]

Posted: 8/24/07 at 4:31am

I can't bring myself to read that whole review but have they been cutting Megan's material?

[misscrystal]

Posted: 8/24/07 at 4:33am

Andrea Martin was the first one out on both nights, and graciously spent time with the fans!

[misscrystal]

Posted: 8/24/07 at 4:35am

Yep, just one song, "Alone," that interrupted the flow of the key laboratory scene - don't worry though, her other songs are perfect!

[misscrystal]

Posted: 8/24/07 at 4:40am

Sutton Foster generously made time for us all before she went to the party (sorry we don't know the name of the fan!)

[misscrystal]

Posted: 8/24/07 at 4:42am

Thanks Sutton!

[misscrystal]

Posted: 8/24/07 at 4:46am

Fred Applegate asked if anyone could identify who he played in the show. He may be disguised by his costumes, but his roles as Inspector Kemp and the Hermit are unforgettable!

[misscrystal]

Posted: 8/24/07 at 4:49am

Roger Bart wonderfully spent time with each fan in the crowd - and deftly smiled for tons of photos!

[misscrystal]

Posted: 8/24/07 at 4:52am

The camera gave Shuler Hensley monster-like red eyes, but he was absolutely sweet conversing with all of the fans!

Christopher waved to the fans but went straight to the limo (playing Igor with such energy and being a new dad, he deserves some down time!) Megan Mullally also rode out and waved to us through her window - one daring fan chased the car down the street and caught her at a stop light! Hope he got an autograph. Updated On: 8/24/07 at 04:52 AM