“I hope we make ol' Mel proud," says Young Frankenstein director Rosie Seitz Ayers of the play's author Mel Brooks.
The Missoula Community Theatre 2023-2024 season will literally “come alive” with Mel Brooks’ “Young Frankenstein,” Oct. 19-29 at the MCT Center for the Performing Arts.
This musical parody of horror films delivers non-stop, tongue-in-cheek laughter, courtesy of the legendary Mel Brooks, who wrote the music and lyrics and co-authored the book with Thomas Meehan. Doug Besterman and Mark Cumberland provided the orchestrations for this musical, considered one of the most iconic parodies of all time.
During his time on stage, Dr. Frankenstein (er, Fronk-en-steen) inherits a castle, builds a monster, man meets girl (“Roll in the Hay”), and monster destroys the town (“He’s Loose”) and learns to tap dance (“Puttin’ on the Ritz”).
Rosie Seitz Ayers directs this “spoof on spook,” and explains, “’Young Frankenstein’ has been on my directing bucket list show since the theatrical version first came out. His humor and campy style are elevating influences and necessities in my world.”
“I feel overjoyed I get to share it with this cast of ’Young Frankenstein’ at MCT,” she adds. “I hope we make ol’ Mel proud.” (Ol’ is about right – Mr. Brooks turned 97 earlier this year.)
The cast consists of familiar faces and some newcomers to MCT who are all looking forward to the opportunity to deliver such timeless lines as “Put ze candle back,” “He vas my boyfriend,” and “Puttin’ on the Ritzzz.”
The production is rated PG-13, due to the adult nature of the material and humor. The show may not tickle the funny bone of every theater-goer, advises Ayers, so those unfamiliar with the show are encouraged to check out the content advisory at https://mctinc.org/2023-2024-community-season/.
Show times are 7:30 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, with 2 p.m. matinees Saturday and Sunday, Oct. 20-29. The show opens Oct. 19 with Premiere Night, featuring special pricing and a reception.
Tickets are on sale now. For more information, visit www.MCTinc.org, or call 406-728-7529, Noon to 5PM, M-F.