Thank you, Mel Brooks and Mary Shelly!  Because of you, We have ‘Young Frankenstein’ at The Fabulous Fox

By Tony Viviano,
Special to TodaysSeniorsNetwork.com

(Publisher’s note:  Tony Viviano is widely recognized as a top performer  of virtually all types of vocals, and has, for several decades entertained St. Louis audiences with his wonderful vocals and bands.  When we asked him to review ‘Young Frankenstein’, now appearing at The Fabulous Fox Theatre in St. Louis, we also discovered that he is a devotee of both Mel Brooks—and Frankenstein.  His review follows:’

Full disclosure is all the rage today, so allow me to make mine—I am more than slightly biased for  my reaction to the musical of ‘Young Frankenstein’ because is love the original Mel Brooks’ work of the1974 classic comedy, ‘Young Frankenstein.’ 

I believe that it was—and remains—an unequaled force of comic genius by Brooks…a force that he has transferred equally successfully to the musical stage with the musical version of ‘Young Frankenstein’ now playing at The Fabulous Fox Theatre.

The challenge facing any Brooks’ stage production is, of course, that it invites comparison to ‘The Producers.’ 

Because of that, when the original production of the musical ‘Young Frankenstein’ debuted, it received ‘mixed’ reviews because, I believe, too many of the so-called ‘critics’ were disappointed that it wasn’t….you guessed it, ‘The Producers.’ 

Well, they were right…but while ‘The Producers’ , in typical Brooks’ fashion, contained its share of typical Brooks’ buffoonery, it is simply not fair to compare the two.  ‘Young Frankenstein’ is beyond the pale of ‘The Producers’ and is a farcical comedy that creates an evening of wonderful fun. 

After all, we are asked to watch as the young Frederick Frankenstein, who previously had denied and covered up his relationship to the original Dr. Frankenstein, is transformed by what must be a genetic family curse to want to go to Transylvania and bring the dead to life.  

 Roger Bart's interpretation of Frederick Frankenstein as he takes the reins of control and summons the cast to take you on a magnificent journey to Transylvania is wonderful fun, and its easy to see why he won The Tony (like the name) for his the role of Frederick Frankenstein, which he originated on Broadway.

But this is a show about a ‘monster’, albeit a loving, kind-hearted one. In many ways, it’s the kind of role people live—or die—for, and Rye Mullis is exceptional.  A highlight is the ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz’ number featuring the tap-dancing skills of the now-living monster.

The stage sets are wonderful, and the Fox is transformed into Transylvania—which is not so scary as it is a setting for outlandish tales and songs, making a spirited, Ghoulishly, funny evening.  Again, thanks Mel and Mary—and thank you to  The Fabulous Fox for bringing this wonderful production to town.