A Hilarious Monster Comedy That Brings Classic Horror to Life with a Twist of Wit and a Whole Lot of Fun
by Anne Reid
From the creators of the smash-hit Broadway phenomenon “The Producers” comes another monstrous musical: “Young Frankenstein!” Written by comedy legend Mel Brooks, Z Playhouse brings his iconic film to life in this hilarious stage adaptation.
Meet Frederick Frankenstein (that's "Fronk-en-steen"), the grandson of the notorious Victor Frankenstein. He inherits the family estate in Transylvania, where, with the help of his quirky, hunchbacked assistant Igor ("Eye-gore") and the charming lab assistant Inga, Frederick steps into his ancestors' shoes as a mad scientist. In a burst of excitement, he shouts, "It's alive!" as he revives a creature that rivals his grandfather’s, leading to endless comedic chaos when the monster inevitably breaks loose.
Whether you're a fan of the original film or experiencing the story for the first time, “Young Frankenstein” delivers all the flair of the classic movie with added theatrical magic. With unforgettable numbers like "The Transylvania Mania," "He Vas My Boyfriend," and "Puttin' on the Ritz," this musical is monstrously entertaining and scientifically guaranteed to be a roaring good time.
With Halloween around the corner, the timing couldn’t be better for Z Playhouse to stage “Young Frankenstein.” This production is a perfect blend of spooky fun, making it an ideal addition to the theatre’s seasonal lineup. Stephen Zygo, President of Z Playhouse, promises that “Young Frankenstein” will be an unforgettable experience, packed with laugh-out-loud moments and stellar performances from a talented cast.
“Young Frankenstein” is a large-scale production, and the team was eager to bring its bold, over-the-top elements to life in a more intimate, minimalist setting. With limited space for elaborate sets, the creative decision was made to embrace the simplicity of the venue, turning it into an advantage that highlights the ingenuity of the performance.
“It really helps that the entire script is treated with sincerity. It's played straight, even though much of it is absurd and silly,” said Director Julia Barbee, who also serves as Artistic Director at Z Playhouse. “Mel Brooks is one of the greatest comedy writers, and many of the jokes are so iconic that fans of the movie will immediately recognize them, creating a playful connection with the audience. The show knows exactly when it's giving a wink to the crowd.”
One of the challenges the team overcame in production was the issue of the horse-drawn carriage, which they solved by incorporating hobby horses into the set pieces. “Anytime I tell anyone that we are using hobby horses for the horses, it makes them laugh,” Barbee said. Physical comedy is a staple in this show. “There’s a scene where Frank is about to bring the creature to life, and he tells Igor to turn on the switches. He’s tired, running back and forth so much he’s out of breath, which adds great physicality that wasn't in the movie. One of the funniest moments I can think of was during blocking when the girls were being incredibly silly, and Tom, who plays our Frankenstein, just rolled with it, fully embracing the playfulness of the moment.”
The "Tom" Barbee references is Tom Proprofsky, who plays the young Mr. Frankenstein. A well-known figure in the Orange County theatre scene, Proprofsky had previously performed the role at the Camino Real Playhouse in San Juan Capistrano. His addition to the cast was crucial, as the show revolves heavily around his character. “He brings such wonderful excitement to his performance and inspires me with fresh ideas about how the show is evolving. I really appreciate having him on board,” Barbee remarked.
Another standout character in the show is the Monster, played by an actor who stands 6’4” and wears 5-inch platform shoes. Although he spends most of the performance without speaking lines, he communicates through grunts, monster noises, and expressive facial gestures. “He conveys so much with just his eyes and the funny looks on his face,” said Barbee. “One of the most memorable moments is when he carries the bride character on stage—it’s both tense and hilarious. He may have the fewest lines, but his role is the most physically demanding and one of the biggest in the show.”
The theme for this production of “Young Frankenstein” is inspired by 1930s monster films. The costumes, props, and overall stage design reflect a vintage monster movie aesthetic, while still utilizing the same practical elements often seen in children's shows. This creative choice adds a playful, imaginative twist to the performance, blending the humor of the original with a fresh visual style.
Barbee recalled, “People told me I was crazy to take on ‘Cabaret’" at the time, which was a huge undertaking, but it worked out so well. It was our first production at the playhouse.” Reflecting on “Young Frankenstein,” she added, “This show is also very special to me because the cast and crew have been incredibly kind and helpful throughout the process. Their support has been instrumental in bringing everything together.”
Barbee is excited to make everybody laugh, especially with the elements she was able to put her own spin on. “I grew up watching a lot of Mel Brooks, so I feel like his material has contributed to my sense of humor,” she said. “This is not a carbon copy of the movie but inspired by Brooks’ general style. We do silly things that the audience knows aren’t part of the show, but it plays into the whole way it works.”
“Young Frankenstein” marks just the third adult production for the newly opened Z Playhouse, a brand-new theatre with immense potential for growth. “Our growth strategy is multifaceted, focusing on several key areas,” explained Stephen Zygo. “We’ll be introducing membership and loyalty programs to encourage repeat attendance, as well as enhancing our social media presence to better engage with our audience.” Zygo envisions the hallmark of the theatre being its diverse programming, with plans to expand the lineup to include a mix of classic and contemporary productions that appeal to a wide range of theatregoers. “Together, these initiatives will help establish Z Playhouse as a vibrant destination for theatre lovers,” he added.
The theatre is situated on the second floor of a building, so the team wants to ensure everyone knows that the entrance is at the top of the stairs on the side. “We strive to make this as clear as possible so that people are aware of the climb,” said Barbee. “Since we’re part of a shopping center, finding us can be a challenge.” To assist attendees, they use balloons and signage during performances to guide visitors and make it as easy as possible for them to come and enjoy the show.
"Z Playhouse is the perfect venue for “Young Frankenstein,” blending an intimate atmosphere with exceptional talent. The cozy setting enhances every laugh and musical note, making it an ideal space for this beloved comedy to come to life," said Zygo.
Anne Reid is a writer, public & community relations expert, and theatre mom.
“Young Frankenstein”
Z Playhouse
Vista Paint Plaza
24196 Alicia Pkwy, Unit M, Mission Viejo, CA
October 11 - 27, 2024
(949) 446-6572, www.zplayhouse.org
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