Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein

Mel Brooks’ international musical theatre favourite Young Frankenstein is back from the dead, thanks to Millennial Productions. Known for their exceptional musical theatre productions, this not-for-profit company has garnered significant attention among Brisbane's theatre enthusiasts, and their latest production lives up to expectations. Everyone on stage, from the smallest roles to the core cast, exudes dedication, resulting in a polished and well-rehearsed show.

The casting is exemplary, with singers who can truly sing, comedians who genuinely entertain, and dancers who move as one. The confidence of the core cast assures audiences that the production is in capable hands.

Zach Price triumphs as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein without hogging the limelight, choosing the right moments to support and allow other cast members space to shine. Damien Quick delivers delightful hilarity as Igor, exhibiting great energy, risk-taking, and commitment, alongside believable chemistry with Price on stage.

Amelie Clarke captures the essence of Inga with a perfect blend of sex-appeal and comic-timing, while Samantha Sherrin channels the charm of a golden-era Hollywood starlet in her portrayal of Elizabeth Benning. Dale Shearman brings vulnerability and hilarity to the role of the Monster, effectively communicating through body language and vocal tone.

While Damien Quick’s Igor is a riot, the brightest shining comedic star in the cast, Emily Rohweder as Frau Blücher, steals the satirical spotlight. Rohweder extracts the best out of each funny line she delivers. She’s brave and bold, eliciting endless laughter with her fabulous facial expressions.

Director Taylor Andrews merits credit for motivating the cast and crew to deliver stupendous work. Her dynamic direction keeps the pace lively, as do the swift scene changes, and her imaginatively interactive staging uses the Ron Hurley Theatre space to great effect.

The aesthetic set design evokes the iconic visuals of Fritz Lang's "Metropolis”. The sleek lines and bold geometric shapes transport audiences into a world that is both nostalgic and futuristic, perfectly complementing the whimsical yet eerie atmosphere of the Transylvanian castle.

Choreographer Jamie O’Donoghue's imaginative and expressive choreography complements the music and the comedic horror themes. Under the musical direction of Kaitlin Evans, the cast delivers impressive singing performances, particularly from Sherrin and Clarke, who handle challenging notes with finesse.

Millennial Productions’ prowess in musical theatre certainly makes them a company to watch, setting a high standard for future productions. If this level of excellence is indicative of their work, we can’t wait to see what they do next!

Kitty Goodall

Images courtesy of Millennial Productions. Top - L-R Damien Quick as Igor, Amelie Clarke as Inga, and Zach Price as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein. Lower - Emily Rohweder as Frau Blücher.