The critical consensus on The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein was that it tried too hard to replicate the overwhelming success of Brooks' first musical, The Producers, and that its title was too long. The film version of Young Frankenstein is a stone-cold comedy classic, however, and most of the gags you love are retained in the stage version. Victor Frankenstein insists his name is pronounced "Fronkensteen" and is reluctant to continue the family business, Inga's still cheerfully game for a roll in the hay, Frau Blucher terrifies the horses, Yiddish remains the comedic lingua franca and the monster is still a huge brute (below the waist, too) who's just a song and dance man at heart. It's Mel Brooks, baby — he knows how to slay you even if he sometimes works too hard to get the laugh. Young Frankenstein is performed Tuesday through Sunday (May 11 to 23) at the Fox Theatre (527 North Grand Boulevard; 314-534-1111 or www.fabulousfox.com). Tickets are $30 to $72.
Tuesdays-Sundays. Starts: May 11. Continues through May 23, 2010
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