Young Frankenstein @ Exit 7 Players

   

     Inside the intimate and beautiful Exit 7 Theatre in Ludlow MA, the company bringing to life an energetic and professional production of Young Frankenstein by Mel Brooks.

     Initially, one is impressed by the level of talent on stage, led by Ben Ashley as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein. It's a physically demanding role that Ashley accepts effortlessly. When he isn't offering us his many humorous facial reactions, he is dancing across the stage with both ease and comfort. He and Brian Freeman as Igor complement each other's comic timing quite well. Freeman provides emotional depth to his character, strengthening his physical comedy.

     Attractive Megan Hoy is also hilarious and comfortable with Inga's bawdy humor. The projections used in her "Roll In The Hay" number are clever and inventive. Projections can make or break a production, but those utilized in this performance are both subtle and effective. Becca Green-Van Horn's dry delivery as Frau Blucher continues the laughs. One comment -- when she plays the violin, please, let us hear sounds coming from it.

     Choreographers Alison Hackworth Forance and Stacy Ashley wow the audiences in "Transylvania Mania" and electrify the stage in "Puttin' On The Ritz," beginning with the Monster's shadow dance portrayed by the impressive Joshua Osborne. The non-stop precise tapping in "Ritz" is jaw dropping.

     Costumes by Karen Webb display impeccable attention to detail, specifically Frau's dark, angular dress vs. Inga's soft, flowing wear. Her consistent and appropriate color palates throughout the show do not go unnoticed.

     The sets are admirable with their working lights, gadgets, moving pieces, and steam. Kudos to the team for making the revolving bookcase work so well.

     Please note, however, that when one is on a gurney, he should wear briefs under his boxers.

     Extra applause is offered to the cast and crew for handling a difficult situation the night of this viewing. A medical emergency during intermission forced director Chris McKenzie Willenbrock to make a last-minute decision that resulted in forgoing one scene. The actors handled this change to the point where one wondered if this scene were ever in the show in the first place. One or two cast members arrived slightly late, but covered so it looked deliberate. Here's hoping a speedy recovery to the cast member!

     With a polished and professional production, Exit 7 makes sure that Young Frankenstein never gets old.


http://www.exit7players.org