Bawdy, slightly naughty, and with memorable musical numbers, Avon Players brings Young Frankenstein to life until June 14, 2025, in Rochester Hills, Michigan.
Avon Players began their season strong with the darkly funny Sweeney Todd, and Young Frankenstein is the perfect bookend to finish it, just with more laughs than bloodbaths.
Featuring music and lyrics by the legendary comedic genius Mel Brooks and a book by Brooks and Thomas Meehan, Young Frankenstein is a parody of the classic horror film genre, with an obvious nod to Mary Shelley’s famous 1818 novel, Frankenstein.
The overall feel of Young Frankenstein is old-school cinematic. A screen positioned against the back wall was used to project images, which reduced the need for the stage to be overly cluttered with set pieces, allowing the focus to remain on the quirky characters.
Speaking of which…
Eric Rodman as “Dr. Frankenstein.”
Photo courtesy of Bryan Clifford
As the play opens, Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (Eric Rodman, The Full Monty) is doing his best to distance himself from his grandfather Victor’s tarnished reputation among the medical community. Even going as far as to pronounce his last name “Fronk-en-steen.” (“The Brain”). But he’s forced to face his past when he inherits the family castle in Transylvania. Before departing for Europe, Frederick says goodbye to his fiancée, Elizabeth Benning (Hosanna Phillips), a fiery redhead who looks like sex on a stick. While gorgeous, Elizabeth is self-centered and physically off limits until they’re wed (“Please Don’t Touch Me”). Philips is phenomenal in this role and wears the character’s identity like a second skin.
Frederick (Eric Rodman) gets taken for a ride with the lovely Inga (Emily Brown).
Photo courtesy of Bryan Clifford
Upon arriving in Transylvania, Frederick meets Igor (Jeff Stillman), pronounced “Eye-gore,” a wise-cracking hunchback who is determined to be Frederick’s assistant just as his grandfather was to Victor (”Together Again for the First Time”). Lately, Stillman has been working behind the scenes on Avon Players’ productions, and this is the perfect character for him to show his face onstage again. He plays Igor with wit and warmth. Also welcoming Frederick is a leggy, well-endowed blonde named Inga (Emily Brown First Date). She encourages Dr. Frankenstein to embrace his roots and calling (“Roll in the Hay”). Brown did quite a bit of yodeling, and it was impressive to watch. At the castle, Frederick meets Frau Blücher (Jill Blazis-Sloan), the no-nonsense housekeeper and former lover of Victor Frankenstein (“He Vas My Boyfriend”). This zany trio tries to convince Frederick of the value of continuing his grandfather’s work and ultimately succeeds. The props and set designs are amazing, particularly the secret passageway into the laboratory, and the detailing was impeccable.
With a fresh brain procured, can Frederick make lightning strike twice? Stepping into the platform shoes of The Monster is Avon Players’ veteran, Steve Grady, who after his escape is very closely hounded by Inspector Hans Kemp (Aaron Barnes) and the townspeople: Evelyn Colley, Kionna Dailey, Leah Frazier, Max Miller, Jeffrey Monterosso, Amanda Murray (Little Shop of Horrors), Pamela Plewa (Farce of Habit), Teren Richards, Adam Rivera, Tagg Smith, Jack Stoll (Sweeney Todd), and Logan Synnestvedt who also appeared as The Hermit. The ensemble is full of spunk, and the five-part harmony in “Welcome to Transylvania” gave me chills.
L to R: Frau Blucher (Jill Blazis-Sloan), Inga (Emily Brown), Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (Eric Rodman), and Igor (Jeff Stillman) work on their group project in Avon Players’ ‘Young Frankenstein.’
Photo courtesy of Bryan Clifford
Other impressive musical moments are Brown’s “Listen to Your Heart” and Phillips’ “Deep Love.” Both songs required stamina and some vocal gymnastics, which were nothing short of remarkable. And of course, there is “Puttin’ On the Ritz.” Ya gotta love a good tap dance sequence. The Orchestra added a richness to the overall experience and engagement of the performance. Hat tip to music director Ron Pietrantoni, who also serves as the conductor and plays the keyboards. Also, Jeff Pokriefka on bass, J Durrel Gibbs on drums, Stacey Jamison, and Matt Kwiecien on Reed 1 and 2, respectively. Pete Andrick and Paul Roache are trumpet 1 and 2, and Jessica Cates is on trombone, and Melissa Graham is on violin.
The characters of Young Frankenstein are iconic with a cult following. All the actors in this production uphold the rich history of this influential Mel Brooks’ masterpiece, and the material still slaps 50 years later. Director Joy Oetjens (Sweeney Todd) has a penchant for picking quirky plays, like last season’s hilarious Drinking Alone, and making the most out of the subject matter while pulling great performances out of her cast. So, it looks like lightning can strike twice!
While a comedy, Young Frankenstein also explores the theme of identity. Dr. Frederick Frankenstein wants to be defined by his scientific discoveries rather than live in the shadow of his grandfather’s misadventures. It’s fun watching him and others trying to find their place in this madcap world (wait until you see Elizabeth’s transformation!). Every facet of this production was top-tier entertainment that looked and sounded more like a Broadway-style show than community theatre. Honestly, I preferred this performance to the movie version.
The full house was engaged and enamored with the performers from start to finish – giving the cast not one, but two well-deserved standing ovations.
Young Frankenstein is maniacal, mischievous, and a must-see!
This performance runs 2 hours and 30 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission. It also includes mature themes and the depiction of a hanging.
Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein is directed by Joy Oetjens with Patty Hagel as producer. Lighting and Costumes design is by John (JD) Deierlein, with RJ Miller-Zelinko on properties and Kevin Miller as set designer. Hair and makeup is by Kelly Miller, with wig design by Lisa Miller, and Maritoni Harte as choreographer. Nick Kibler serves as sound designer
Tickets for all shows are $32. Call 248.608.9077 for tickets or order online at www.AvonPlayers.org. Discounts on group rates are available by calling the box office. “Like” Avon Players Theatre on Facebook for special offers on tickets. All major credit cards are accepted. All seats are reserved.
Tickets are selling fast, so grab your seat at one of the remaining shows:
Saturday, May 31; 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 1; 2:00 p.m.
Friday, June 6; 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 7; 8:00 p.m.
Sunday, June 8; 2:00 p.m.
Friday, June 13; 8:00 p.m.
Saturday, June 14; 8:00 p.m.
About Sarah Hovis
We (a group of four women) just finished our 10th season (as season ticket holders) and were extremely disappointed to learn today that the seats we had were no longer available. I called early in May and was told that the schedule hadn’t been printed so I waited until this last show of the schedule to pay for our seats in Row L for the 2025 – 2026 season. I don’t understand why season ticket holders are not given the opportunity of retaining their seats before assigning them to others. I have been a sponsor of this community playhouse, and we have enjoyed the past 10 years. Please consider making changes to your system to accommodate those who have supported you for so many years.