Review: RISE's Production of 'Young Frankenstein' a Halloween Treat

Just in time for Halloween, Rhode Island Stage Ensemble (RISE) presents a taste of the macabre with the classic Mel Brooks musical "Young Frankenstein." This is one incredibly entertaining show with loads of raucous comic energy. It is without a doubt the most fun I've had at the theater all year.

Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (which he pronounces "Fronc n steen") decides to go into the family business after having a scary dream of his dearly departed grandfather, Dr. Victor von Frankenstein (James Laurent).

The setting is Transylvania, where Fred moves into Victor's castle and proceeds with an experiment: implanting the brain of a dead man into a corpse, and basically shocking him to life.

Justin Boudreau plays the maniacal scientist with a demented gleam in his eye and a habit of screaming when he doesn't get his way. Boudreau expertly captures the same qualities of wonder and madness that Gene Wilder displayed in the 1974 movie, written and directed by Brooks.

Director Rose Linnell, working from a book by Brooks and Thomas Meehan, gives every member of the ensemble a chance to shine.

Newcomer Angela Foley is a blast as the weird (and somewhat kinky) housekeeper Frau Blucher, who is enthralled with Victor. Foley soars with "He Vas My Boyfriend," a tribute to Victor's prowess as a lover and his odd fetishes, which might involve farm animals.

Tyler Rebello is another knockout as Fred's humpbacked assistant, Igor. Sporting garish eye makeup that would put JD Vance to shame, Igor is willing to do what it takes to please his master. Rebello starred in last year's "Big: The Musical," and proves again that he is a major talent. His Igor is simply adorable, and steals every scene with his unbridled lunacy.

Cass Caduto ("Rock of Ages") plays Frederick's not-so-affectionate fiancée, Elizabeth. Caduto is a pure delight as Elizabeth falls deeply in lust with Fred's creation, the Monster.

Lili Jeswald is Inga, the Swedish busty blonde who serves as Fred's lab assistant among other things. The very tall Brian Gustafson plays the Monster, and is incredibly lovable and sweet in addition to being frightening. That's quite an accomplishment.

Michael Ferron plays Inspector Hans Kemp, the villain in the story. Kemp leads the villagers in a frantic quest to destroy Fred's monster. Ferron affects a German accent and struts around like a martinet, intimidating anyone who crosses his path. It's insane, over-the-top, and incredibly funny.

Linell and choreographer Natania Ferron present one showstopper after another. "Puttin' On the Ritz," the Irving Berlin song, is undoubtedly brilliant, with the Monster and Fred leading a troupe of singers and dancers in sheer exuberance. "Transylvania Mania," the Act One closer, was another winner with lots of great singing and dancing.

"Young Frankenstein" has romance, drama, and even some poignancy as the Monster struggles to escape the angry villagers and find acceptance. The show's underlying message encourages all of us to embrace the unusual people in our society and look for their underlying humanity. There's real beauty when you take the time to look for it.

"Young Frankenstein" runs through October 26. Presented by RISE at the Assembly Theatre, 26 East Avenue, Harrisville, RI. Running time: 2 hours, 45 minutes including intermission. For tickets, visit ristage.org.