Nov 5, 2009 7:35 am US/Central
'Young Frankenstein' Brings Chicago Stage Alive
Mel Brooks Musical On Stage In Chicago Through Dec. 13
CHICAGO (CBS) ―
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'Young Frankenstein' is on stage at the Cadillac Palace Theatre through Dec. 13.
Broadway In Chicago
Mel Brooks had a big hit with the stage adaptation of "The Producers," which debuted right here in Chicago.
Now, Brooks is back in town with a musical based on the movie "Young Frankenstein."
As CBS 2's Vince Gerasole reports, when the film "Young Frankenstein" debuted in 1974, it became an instant comedy classic. When the musical "Young Frankenstein" debuted on Broadway a few years ago, it opened to some monstrous reviews.
The show's original stars – Roger Bart as Dr. Victor Frankenstein and Shuler Hensley as the Monster – are back in their original roles, as the national tour makes a Chicago stop for the next six weeks.
The show has reportedly been downscaled and retooled a little bit for the tour, but its satirical twist on the Frankenstein legend remains.
The campy and witty film "Young Frankenstein" was co-written by Brooks and producer Gene Wilder. It contains memorable performances by supporting actors such as Teri Garr and Cloris Leachman.
Brooks returned to the Frankenstein laboratory as co-producer, writer, composer and lyricist for the musical.
"I love doing it, and I get paid to do it, and I'm lucky, you know?" Brooks said.
The musical is packed with Brooks' trademark humor. Still, the producer says its run was cut short in part because of the recession, and Garr says it lacked the magic of the original.
"Not good. It wasn't as good as the movie for me," Garr said.
Brooks made Broadway history with the musical version of "The Producers," and he's equally proud of his work on "Young Frankenstein."
So is "Young Frankenstein" the work of a Broadway genius? You can judge for yourself. It's playing through Dec. 13 at the Cadillac Palace Theatre, 151 W. Randolph St.
Tickets are $30 to $95. To learn more, click here.
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