‘Young Frankenstein’ promises laughs, spectacle

By Chris Brown on October 20, 2018.

cbrown@medicinehatnews.com @MHNBrown

Spectacle, spectacle, spectacle.

Branden Martin keeps returning to the word when discussing “Young Frankenstein.” It’s the newest production by Medicine Hat Musical Theatre and opens next week.

“It’s a great show in that it has a lot of spectacle,” he said recently.

Martin, who has the lead role of Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, specifically mentions a nearly 10-minute tap number that he calls the highlight of the production.

The cast was nervous about pulling it off before doing a “tap dance camp” over the summer.

“Schae Philpott, the choreographer, has been so patient and amazing with every single one of us,” Martin said. “We started to get better over the summer. Once we got back into it, in September everything started to fall into place.”

The play is based on the 1974 Mel Brooks film.

It follows Frederick Frankenstein, the grandson of the infamous scientist, as he is invited to Transylvania and reanimates a dead body.

Gene Wilder’s performance as Frederick in the movie is still raved about today. Martin is being careful not to simply do a Wilder impression, but to heighten what he did.

“The difference between a film and Broadway show is that yes it’s the same story but everything is sort of heightened by big musical numbers, big dance numbers, throwing in some more jokes and some more slapstick comedy,” he said.

It’s Halloween season so you’d be forgiven for thinking this is a scary show. “Hilarious” is a better descriptor.

“This show takes everybody on a journey with laughter and spectacle,” Martin said. “It’s a night out to sit back, relax and enjoy yourself. There’s nothing too intense to follow or pick your brain about.”

“Young Frankenstein” will have a 10-show run between Oct. 26 and Nov. 10. Tickets, showtimes and more information are available at mhmtheatre.com.

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