The Star Plaza Theatre is unfurling the story of a famous horror icon, with music thrown into the monstrous mix.
“The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein” has performances at 8 p.m. Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday at the Merrillville venue.
Spun from “Young Frankenstein” — Brooks’ comedic 1974 film — the musical follows the exploits of Frederick Frankenstein, grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein.
It was presented at Valparaiso’s Chicago Street Theatre last fall, and now an enhanced version is making its way west to the 3,400-seat Star Plaza Theatre.
“It’s the same show; we’re sprucing it up a little bit,” said Zachary Gipson, director, choreographer and scenic designer. “We’ve added six dancers to the show.” Additionally, Gipson said scenic elements have been changed and an offstage group of vocalists has been added.
“We have a costume designer,” said Gipson, alluding to a means of “expanding the costume team.”
Boasting a cast of about 30, the Star Plaza performances are a joint production of Chicago Street Theatre and Northwest Indiana’s Ensemble Theatre Company, which was founded by Gipson, a Chesterton resident.
Packed with musical numbers and plenty of dancing, Gipson’s musical rolls out “Transylvania Mania,” “Puttin’ on the Ritz” and other melodic fare that moves along the tale of how Frederick gives life to a creature that rivals his grandfather’s creation.
Portraying Frau Blucher is Mary Kay Steele of LaPorte.
“She has worked for the family for many years,” Steele said of her character. “She’s so German and so stern.”
There’s a mysterious edge to Blucher, who, however, also has a fun side, according to Steele.
“She’s definitely mischievous,” the actress and singer noted. Toward the latter part of the musical, Blucher’s hidden personality emerges. “You find out that she is very human and fun loving,” said Steele, who sings a song titled “He Vas My Boyfriend.”
In Brooks’ film, Blucher is played by Cloris Leachman.
The cinematic cast also includes Gene Wilder, Marty Feldman, Peter Boyle and Madeline Kahn.
At the Star Plaza Theatre, the vibrant energy of the film will be embraced through a cascade of scene changes and even some pyrotechnics.
The musical had its Broadway debut in New York City in 2007. Brimming with irreverence and spicy content, the production has, over the years, dished out saucy songs such as “Roll in the Hay” and “Deep Love.”
The Merrillville cast that has been entrusted with the job of keeping the fun chugging along includes Craig Golbesky of Valparaiso as Igor, Justin Williams of South Bend as Frederick Frankenstein, and Rachel Livingston of Chicago as Inga.
Bob Kostanczuk is a freelance writer.
‘The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein’
Where: Star Plaza Theatre, 8001 Delaware Place, Merrillville
When: 8 p.m. Saturday, 2 p.m. Sunday
Tickets: $25
Information: 219-769-6311, ext. 5463; www.starplazatheatre.com
