‘Young Frankenstein’ aims to rejuvenate audiences

Mecca Productions’ spin on the Mel Brooks classic comedy “Young Frankenstein” aims to “lift people’s spirits” in dark times, says the show’s producer.

“I think the way the world is right now, we have really enjoyed the rehearsal process, because we’ve just laughed and laughed and laughed,” Lisa Vasconcelos said Thursday.

The musical continues its run today and Saturday at 7:30 p.m. with a Sunday matinée at 3 p.m. at the Western Manitoba Centennial Auditorium.

It is based on the 1974 film and follows Frederick Frankenstein, the grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, who inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania and creates a monster of his own with the help of a sidekick.

The production includes the storyline and all the original characters that people who love the film will know and appreciate, Vasconcelos said.

“You’ll leave the show with a tap in your toe and a song or two maybe stuck in your head,” she said.

The show is not recommended for children and youth because it contains mature themes and the inappropriate humour that Mel Brooks is known for, Vasconcelos said.

“This is a night to leave the kids at home with the babysitter and enjoy a night out with your significant other or grab a group of friends,” she said.

She described the musical as an “over-the-top wacky comedy” that’s meant to be silly — the polar opposite of the theatre company’s last production of William Shakespeare’s “Hamlet” in February.

Vasconcelos said the show was cast in June with about 35 people selected to play a role. Rehearsals started in the winter and have picked up closer to the show’s curtain call this spring.

While the sets and props are spectacular, it has been complicated to recreate the laboratory for the mad scientist and other classic elements in the film, such as the hidden passageway, spinning bookcase and helmets that transfer the monster’s brains to Frederick, Vasconcelos said.

“We have amazing actors who are bringing the lead characters to life and a live orchestra, and we don’t always do that, so hopefully that will encourage people to come out and see it,” she said.

Clint McLachlan, who plays the lead character, said the talent of the cast is unmatched and he has enjoyed working with other theatre enthusiasts to bring the show to life.

“People should come and watch this show because it is a comedy musical that is unlike lots of shows that we get to see in Brandon,” he said.

While some musicals are very serious in nature, this show gives the cast freedom to improvise with more jokes, allowing the audience to find humour in every line, McLachlan said.

This is his second time playing the lead role in a Mel Brooks musical in Westman and has been “really rewarding,” he said.

“To take on the lead role in a show is always a really special experience.”

McLachlan said he fell in love with theatre in Grade 10 after he was encouraged to audition for Vincent Massey High School’s major production.

He went on to get a masters of vocal performance and literature from the University of Western Ontario and is now in his sixth year teaching choir, drama and musical theatre at Crocus Plains Regional Secondary School.

“It’s nice to share that and to be able to show them the lifelong journey that music and theatre can take you on,” McLachlan said.

He said Mecca Productions does a good job at providing opportunities for people to get involved with theatre in Brandon.

Tickets for the show vary in price and can be purchased at the auditorium’s box office or by calling 204-728-9510.

» tadamski@brandonsun.com