Mel Brooks’ classic lives! CLO’s ‘Young Frankenstein’ is monstrously funny

If you’re a fan of Mel Brooks’ 1974 horror film spoof “Young Frankenstein” and hope that Pittsburgh CLO’s version of the musical stays true to the source, you won’t be disappointed.

In fact, one could argue the CLO show, which opened at the Greer Cabaret Theater on July 19 and runs through Sept. 1, is even better than the movie.

With more than a dozen songs added to the book (written by Brooks and Thomas Meehan), the show includes all the iconic lines and scenes revered by “Young Frankenstein” devotees, but makes them funnier with the addition of Brooks’ witty lyrics and catchy tunes, enhanced by the musical direction of Robert Neumayer.

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The film was a satire of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel “Frankenstein,” which centered around Dr. Victor Frankenstein and his attempt to create life from death. “Young Frankenstein” tells the saga of Victor’s grandson, the celebrated brain scientist Frederick Frankenstein, who, after his grandfather’s death, travels to Transylvania to claim his inheritance.

The musical opened on Broadway in 2007 to mixed reviews and closed in 2009 after 484 performances. A revised version of the show opened in London’s West End in 2017.

The two-plus hour CLO performance had its pre-opening audience in stitches. The crowd laughed, as one would expect, whenever the name Frau Blücher (played brilliantly by Theo Allyn) was mentioned — followed by the whinny of a horse — and every time Igor’s hump moved. But the songs, quintessential Brooks and coupled with clever choreography by director Joel Ferrell, contributed to the audience’s enthusiastic response.

The casting couldn’t have been better. While no one could match Marty Feldman’s film portrayal of Igor, Anthony Marino comes close. His impish looks, expressive eyes and wiry movements, combined with his expert comedic timing, made him a delight to watch.

Daniel Krell, a leading actor for years in Pittsburgh’s theater scene, handily took on the roles of Inspector Hans Kemp and the blind hermit. I am happy to report the soup scene is intact and also hysterical.

Recent Carnegie Mellon University grad Susana Cordón echoed the late great Madeline Kahn’s portrayal of Elizabeth, Dr. Frederick Frankenstein’s prissy fiancée, while making the role her own — particularly shining during her rendition of “Please Don’t Touch Me.” And Alex Sheffield, another recent CMU grad, did more than justice to the role of Inga, the doctor’s sexy lab assistant. The crowd knew that a “roll in the hay” was coming when she was introduced and, happily, Brooks turned that refrain into a frothy song.

Dan Deluca plays the good doctor with rousing energy and just the right level of intensity for a mad scientist. When he took the stage along with the monster, played to perfection by Tim Hartman, for the show-stopping “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” the audience literally couldn’t stop laughing. That scene alone is worth the price of a ticket.

Bob Lavellee’s scenic designs set exactly the right mood and Alexander Righetti’s creative costumes go a long way to bridge the gap between the genres of old-school horror film and 20th-century satire.

“Young Frankenstein” is pure fun. And for Brooks fans, it’s a must-see.

While the show runs until Sept. 1, ticket availability is limited. The show contains adult content and is recommended for mature audiences. PJC

Toby Tabachnick can be reached at ttabachnick@pittsburghjewishchronicle.org.