Norton Singers Announces Spring Production Of 'Young Frankenstein'

By Joan Geddry, Norton SingersPublicity

Norton Singers is bringing "The New Mel Brooks Musical -- Young Frankenstein" to Wheaton College for one weekend only from June 1 through June 4. Based on the classic film directed by Mel Brooks and written by Brooks and Gene Wilder, this tribute to the Frankenstein movies of the 1940's is an hilarious spoof of this genre. The plot centers on Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (Mike Davis of Cranston, RI), a respected American neurosurgeon and grandson of the infamous Dr. Victor Frankenstein (Mike Duarte of Taunton).

Frederick struggles to prove that he is not as insane as people believe and is invited to Transylvania where he discovers Victor's research notes and laboratory fully staffed with an odd-ball crew. Aided by Igor the hunchback (Kevin Mischley of Wrentham), yodeling lab assistant Inga (Audrey Clark of Northborough) and creepy housekeeper Frau Blucher (Val Cabral of Mansfield), Frederick becomes obsessed with the idea of re-animating a dead body (the Monster, played by Brian Gustafson of Norton).

And the fun begins! Secret bookcases! Eerie violin music to control the Monster. More odd characters: Police inspector Kemp with a wooden arm and leg (Robert Grady of E. Providence, RI); Elizabeth, Frederick's fiancée (Erin Miller of Marlborough) who falls in love with the Monster and various quirky villagers. The re-animated Monster takes on Frederick's intelligence and dons black tie and tails to sing and dance "Puttin' on the Ritz".

We continue to strive to present an exceptional theater experience to our audiences. Please note, we feel the need to advise that this is a Mel Brooks comedy and contains some adult material that may not be appropriate for young children. (PG 13).

To enhance the experience of being in an old-time movie house, the theater's lobby will display drawings of the show's characters by local artist, Chris Sabatino of Canton. The auditorium will feature on-screen opening credits with a list of cast members reminiscent of the old news reels and coming attractions.

This show will mark the 30th year of collaboration for our creative team, Director Ted Mitchell of Attleboro, and Musical Director, Dr. Anthony-Alexander Torelli, of Providence, RI, who first began their partnership with Norton Singers in 2003 with our original production of "Jekyll & Hyde". Rounding out the team, we welcome DASH award-winning Choreographer, Samantha Brior-Jones of Plainville. They are supported by a 40 member cast, full orchestra and a talented production team who bring their technical expertise to Wheaton's state-of-the-art theater.

Tickets are now on sale on our website www.nortonsingers.com or by calling 508-285-4049. Pre-sale pricing: seniors and students $24; general admission $26; and all tickets at the door $29. Be sure to follow us on Facebook at www.Facebook.com/Norton Singers for more information.