It’s Alive! … Hayes Theatre Re-Opens with Mel Brooks’ Musical
18 Feb – 27 Mar
After months cooped up in the lab, Hayes Theatre Co is thrilled to announce they will be returning to the stage in February 2021 with a long-awaited production of Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein.
The Australian premiere of this brilliantly kooky musical comedy, adapted by comic genius Mel Brooks (The Producers, Blazing Saddles) from his 1974 American comedy horror film will be directed by Alexander Berlage and features a monstrously talented cast.
Starring: Matthew Backer (Only Heaven Knows) as Frederick Frankenstein, Shannon Dooley (American Psycho), Ben Gerrard (American Psycho, You’re a Good Man Charlie Brown), Amy Hack (Caroline or Change, Cry Baby) and Lucia Mastrantone, Olivia Charalambous, Nick Eynaud and Luke Leong-Tay in their Hayes’ debut.
Scientist Frederick Frankenstein (it’s pronounced Fronk-en-steen) – grandson of the infamous scientist – travels reluctantly to Transylvania where he has inherited his family estate. Before long, he finds himself back in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestor, and with the help of hunchbacked sidekick Igor and yodelling lab assistant Inga, he brings to life a new creature to rival his grandfather’s. But this time, when the monster escapes – absolute hilarity ensues.
Young Frankenstein has all the panache and quick-fore humour of the screen sensation, with a little extra theatrical flair. Featuring songs like “The Transylvania Mania” and the immortal “Puttin’ on the Ritz”, Young Frankenstein is scientifically proved, monstrously good entertainment.
If you’re looking for the antidote to the year that’s been and a jaw-droppingly hilarious night out at the theatre, then round up the villagers and head for the theatre on the hill (please leave your pitchforks at home). Young Frankenstein promises to be a seductive riot of fashion, frivolity, camp and colour with more than a few surprises for fans of the original.
Musical Director Andrew Worboys is the lightening conductor, Choreographer Yvette Lee animates the body corpus, Set Designer Isabel Hudson transports you to Transylvania, Costume Designer Mason Browne brings high fashion to grave places, while Lighting Designer Trent Suidgeest provides the spark of life and Sound Designer Nick Walker ensures there’ll be groaning in the aisles.
