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The Villages
Thursday, March 28, 2024

Young Frankenstein cast brings back to life hilarious tale from zany Mel Brooks’ movie

The cast of Young Frankenstein can’t wait to share their production with the audience which they will be able to do Oct.15 to 17 at the Savannah Center.

Donna Francis as Elizabeth Benning and Gerry Sherman as Frederick Frankenstein.
Donna Francis as Elizabeth Benning and Gerry Sherman as Frederick Frankenstein.

“Everyone loved the movie,” said Gerry Sherman, playing the role of Frederick Frankenstein. “This show has all the classic gags and favorite lines from the movie plus it is a musical with great songs and dancing.”

Young Frankenstein is being produced by a KC Productions, the same company that brought Jesus Christ Super Star, A Chorus Line and Les Miserable to The Villages. When they decided it was time to present a comedy, co-executive producer Joan Knapton said the musical comedy Young Frankenstein was a natural choice.

“It is Mel Brooks, it is edgy, we are calling it PG plus,” said Knapton. “I think people are going to love it. It is similar to the movie, but it is a musical. People will be singing these songs as they leave the theatre, I am sure of it.”

Nominated for several Tony awards, Young Frankenstein won the Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical in 2008. In addition to the over thirty cast members seen on stage, over eighty people are involved in this production.  It is a technically complicated show. A talented design and technical team are responsible for such things as the elevated monster bed, revolving doors and lightning bolts.

Choreographer Violet Ray
Choreographer Violet Ray

The choreographer, Violet Ray, is well-known to many Villagers as the director of the Aloha ‘O Ka Hula and Shaka Crew Dance Troupes. The role of Frau Blucher is being played by Brynn Neal, “This is a fantastic musical comedy. I am having so much fun playing this role.”

Neal was an actor in NYC for many years before moving to the Villages two years ago.

Shades of Blue Octet Jazz singer Donna Francis is playing the role of Elizabeth Benning. Francis has worked with KC Productions in the past. “I am really enjoying this show. I love comedy. It is my husband’s favorite movie.”

Director Tim Casey took a break from working in community theatre when he was elected mayor of Medford Lakes, NJ. Once he moved to The Villages he returned to theatre. “We are presenting this show at just the right time, right before Halloween,” said Casey. “If you know the movie, all the bits are in this show plus the dynamic music and dancing.”

Young Frankenstein will have three evening shows and two matinees.

“I don’t think people are always aware we have matinees,” said Sherman. “The matinees are the best shows to go to, the cast is fresh,” joked Sherman.

This is a hard working cast, rehearsing four times a week. Sherman, as Frankenstein, is in almost every scene. He says he feels the pressure and even though he knows all of his lines, he still runs them every day with the help of his wife Freya.

“She knows all the lines in the show including mine,” said Sherman.

Tickets for the show are available through Villages Entertainment. You can link to Villages Entertainment through the special website KC Productions has set up for the show, www.youngfrankensteinvillages.com. Tickets are $30 for residents of the Villages and $35 for non-residents.

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