There’s a moment in every successful musical when the components come together and achieve the critical mass required for liftoff.
For Manoa Valley Theatre’s production of "Young Frankenstein," that moment comes in "Together Again for the First Time," the first song-and-dance number by Elitei Tatafu Jr. (Dr. Frankenstein) and Paul Mitri (Igor). When the two cavort through that powerhouse number, any doubts about whether MVT can successfully present this challenging show boil away.
Tatafu has become a familiar face at MVT in recent years and builds on his prior success as a comic actor. Mitri, who is playing the character originated by Marty Feldman in the 1974 Mel Brooks film, is so thoroughly concealed by the hair and makeup work of Lisa Ponce de Leon that Mitri the actor is replaced completely by the character. It is marvelous work.
Myles McGee (the Monster) achieves that same state of total transformation. Ponce de Leon and Dusty Behner (costume design) do a great job on him. Behner bulks him up with a costume reminiscent of Fred Gwynne in "The Munsters." Ponce de Leon combines facial makeup with a prosthesis to give McGee the standard Boris Karloff/Fred Gwynne forehead while still allowing him to express a full range of emotions.
‘YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN’
>>Where: Manoa Valley Theatre, 2833 E. Manoa Road
>> When: 7:30 p.m. Wednesdays-Thursday, 8 p.m. Fridays-Saturdays, 4 p.m. Sundays, through Sept. 25
>> Cost: $20-35
>> Information: 988-6131, www.manoavalleytheatre.com Opens in a new tab |
"Puttin’ on the Ritz," the highlight song-and-dance number in Act II where the monster dances in formal attire, is a superb showcase for McGee’s talents as a dancer and actor. McGee portrays a kaleidoscope of emotions: The monster is cautious and tentative at first but gradually gains confidence. However, as the dancing goes on and on, the creature’s confidence fades into fatigue and then confusion and fear. He tries to maintain the pace with the other dancers but realizes he is falling behind. It is a remarkable performance.
Shannon Winpenny (Frau Blūcher) is an instant audience favorite as the Frankenstein castle housekeeper. Daniel James Kunkel scores a comic triumph in the small but vital role of the blind hermit.
Jody Bill (Elizabeth Benning) gives the show another strong comic presence as Dr. Frankenstein’s insufferably smug wealthy fiancee.
Samantha Stoltzfus (Inga) plays the servant/lab assistant as a European version of Little Annie Fanny, sans nudity.
One scene is spoiled by staging: When Dr. Frankenstein and Inga ride to the castle in the back of a hay wagon, the wagon is down in front of the stage rather than up on the stage where everyone in the audience can see it. The resulting sight lines are so bad that many members of the audience will find their view of whatever is going on down there blocked by the heads of the people in front of them.
