Review: ‘Young Frankenstein’ Brings Chills and Thrills

Addison Herron-Wheeler is OUT FRONT's co-publisher and editor-in-chief and friend…

Where wolf? There wolf!

Everyone has a favorite moment from the Mel Brooks classic Young Frankenstein. From Igor the bumbling assistant, Inga the sexy second-in-command, and, of course Dr. Frankenstein, the laughs, and the chills, are a mile a minute with this one.

But be forewarned (cue the spooky music) … it is loooong. There is an intermission, and both acts are oven an hour, so take advantage of the bathroom and beverages when you can. And while the show this musical is based on is a family favorite, this rendition is definitely for those who also like musicals a whole lot, as there are many songs packed into the show.

Logistics aside, however, it’s a show to remember and one that you’ll be glad you took the time out to see. Colby Reisinger is a spot-on and hilarious Inga, as well as a powerful singer, and Jeffrey Betsch is amazing as the monster (extra snaps for not only walking, but dancing, in insanely tall platform shoes). Casting must have been easy for this one, as everyone seems perfectly suited for their roles. Go see it, and get in the mood for Halloween!

The show is running September 17 through October 31. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2:30 p.m. at Vintage Theatre, 1468 Dayton St. in Aurora. Tickets range from $20 – $38 and are on sale by calling 303-856-7830 or online at vintagetheatre.org.

The Young Frankenstein cast includes Cooper Kaminsky (Dr. Frankenstein), Bryan Plummer (Igor), Miranda Byers (Elizabeth), Scotty Shaffer (Kemp/Hermit), Christine Carter Kahane (Frau Blucher), Colby Reisinger (Inga) and Jeffrey Betsch (the monster). The ensemble members are Stephanie Garcia, Killee Faria, Michael Jones, Jenny Weiss Mather, Sophia Montoya-Suson, Caleb Sporrer, Logan Traver, Sonsharae Tull, Kong Vang and Ronan Viard.

Young Frankenstein is based on the 1974 comedy film of the same name written by Brooks and Gene Wilder and directed by Brooks. It is a parody of the horror film genre, especially the 1931 Universal Pictures adaptation of Mary Shelley’s Frankenstein and its 1939 sequel, Son of Frankenstein.

Photos by RDG Photography

What's Your Reaction?

Excited

Happy

In Love

Not Sure

Silly

Addison Herron-Wheeler

Addison Herron-Wheeler is OUT FRONT's co-publisher and editor-in-chief and friend to dogs everywhere. She enjoys long walks in the darkness away from any sources of sunlight, rainy days, and painfully dry comedy. She also covers cannabis and heavy metal, and is author of Wicked Woman: Women in Metal from the 1960s to Now and Respirator, a short story collection.