Introducing Young Dr Frankenstein

Lachlan O'Brien plays the titular role of Dr. Frederick Frankenstein Miranda Musical Society’s production of Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein, playing at Sutherland Entertainment Centre from September 21 to 25.

Lachlan chatted with Stage Whispers.

What is Young Frankenstein?

Thematically? It is a raucous, zany, high camp, sexed up, jazzed up, hilarious fiesta of Mel Brooks humour. With traditional toe tapping songs and more one-liners than you can poke a shtick at.

What draws you to a role?

Usually just being familiar with the show itself.

Always having roles on my wish-list, noting if something comes up that takes my interest coupled with the production company’s reputation of putting on quality shows.

In this case I’ve seen the original Broadway production, so it's been on my mind for quite a while…

What do you do when not on stage?

I’m a casual high school maths and science teacher and occasional magician. So essentially, the living embodiment of a mad scientist. A true method actor!

I’ve got a science degree and teach the clarinet and saxophone. The piano is my main instrument but I wouldn't know where to begin teaching someone else how to approach on for the first time.

Do you have any rituals while preparing for a performance?

Absolutely. Before anything, I hold my own private read through of the script while I listen to the soundtrack in order.

I highlight the script, colour coding different stage directions, lines and songs. I’ll use sticky notes to tag my scenes carefully so they align like indents in a dictionary so you can find the next scene. And I will also try to source a digital copy of the libretto, which will be wired and bound because the plastic binding always falls to bits.

I use a special kind of pacer (you can’t erase pen and pencils never have clips) it's called an engineers clutch. It’s a special type of pacer with a clip that perfectly aligns with the spine of the script. Which means I’ll always have it anywhere my script goes.

I’ll record all of my lines and place them on my iPod, and say them along in the car which always helps me learn them faster. I film myself at a rehearsal when I get the chance

And I'm always meticulous about the little things like (for this show) buying my own top hat that pops up so I can choreograph myself over the course of a few months to get the action slick and smooth. I’ll keep it on my couch and practice the action every time I pass it.

These and many more rituals help me in so many ways; it’s something that calms me as well as strengthening the character.

What has been the most challenging aspect of delving into this character?

Being able to keep a straight face while all of my very talented and unbelievably hilarious co stars execute raucous gags every 5 seconds and then, trying to compete to keep up with them because they're all so funny!

Miranda Musical Society presents

YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN

Book by MEL BROOKS and THOMAS MEEHAN

Music and Lyrics by MEL BROOKS

Original Direction & Choreography by SUSAN STRONGMAN

SEPT 21-25, 2016

Sutherland Entertainment Centre

Tickets: goo.gl/nf6BwL or over the phone 02 9521 8888

Co-Director & Choreographer: Lauren Lolly Butler

Co-Director: Gavin Leahy

Musical Director: Anthony Cutrupi 

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