The West Side Players have entertained audiences for decades bringing live theater to Newman and surrounding communities. The thrill of the curtain rising as the audience awaits the journey they are about to embark upon is unlike any other feeling. The West Side Player’s upcoming production of “Young Frankenstein” proves to be no exception.
Licensing for this performance of “Young Frankenstein” was purchased through Music Theatre International (MTI). MTI is one of the world's leading theatrical licensing agencies, granting theatres from around the world the rights to perform the greatest selection of musicals from Broadway and beyond. Founded in 1952 by composer Frank Loesser and orchestrator Don Walker, MTI is a driving force in advancing musical theatre as a vibrant and engaging art form.
MTI writes, “From the creators of the record-breaking Broadway sensation, “The Producers,” comes this monster new musical comedy. The comedy genius, Mel Brooks, adapts his legendarily funny film into a brilliant stage creation – “Young Frankenstein!” Grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced "Fronk-en-steen") inherits his family's estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor (pronounced "Eye-gore"), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga (pronounced normally), Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. "It's alive!" he exclaims as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather's. Eventually, of course, the monster escapes and hilarity continuously abounds. Every bit as relevant to audience members who will remember the original as it will be to newcomers, “Young Frankenstein” has all of the panache of the screen sensation with a little extra theatrical flair added. It will surely be the perfect opportunity for a production company to showcase an array of talents. With such memorable tunes as "The Transylvania Mania," "He Vas My Boyfriend" and "Puttin' on the Ritz," Young Frankenstein is scientifically proven, monstrously good entertainment.”
At the helm of the production as director is Kari Parks Thompson. “We have a great mix of players that turned out for auditions this year,” Thompson states. “Two-thirds of the cast are new to our theater. It’s a great blend of veteran actors with years of experience and some that have never performed on stage before,” she adds. “We have cast and crew from Turlock, Patterson, Gustine, Santa Nella, and Newman,” she continued, highlighting the local community involvement in the production.
This show is rated PG-13 as there are scenes and references to adult themes. “We hired an intimacy coach for the show to help navigate the scenes involving innuendos and physical contact,” Thompson said. Intimacy coaches choreograph intimate moments, such as kisses, hand movements, and turns of the head, while also directing a consent-based approach. They use the "Five C's" to choreograph intimate moments: context, communication, consent, choreography, and closure. “The safety and comfort of our cast and crew is always important,” Thompson states.
The brilliant cast bringing the musical to life includes Emanuel “Manny” Bautista as Dr. Frederick Frankentein, Marissa Juarez as Elizabeth Benning, Jimmy Gonzales as Igor, Jennifer Golden as Inga, Farris Larsen as Frau Blucher, Michael Schut as Frankentstein’s Monster, and Christopher Snoke as Inspector Kemp. Ensemble members include AIden Maybon, David Miller, Lisa Suarez, Courtney Ford, Scott Blakesley, JC Mellor, Joseph Alamo, John Burgess, Megan Fontes, and Dwayne Machado. State Crew includes Med Hoover, Tanya Periera, Zach Periera, Cory DeKeyrel, and Abby Watson. Behind the scenes helping bring the show to life are two Foley Artists, Joe S. Moitozo Jr. and Ro Blakesley; Music Director, David Clark; Choreographer, Carla Powers; Intimacy Director, Lisa Townsend; Lights, Catt Thompson; and Stage Manager Barbara Fannin.
“Young Frankenstein” tickets can be purchased via westsidetheatre.org or at the box office. Reserved seats are $25 and general seats are $20. Opening Night is Friday Oct. 25 and runs through Nov. 3. Friday and Saturday shows are at 7 p.m., doors open at 6:30 p.m. Sunday shows are at 3 p.m. and doors open at 2:30 p.m. The West Side Theatre is a cash only facility and has snacks and drinks available for purchase.
