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Young Frankenstein

Author: Foster Johnson

Information

Date
13th May 2022
Society
Jarrow Musical Theatre Company
Venue
Jarrow Focus Theatre
Type of Production
Musical
Director
Michelle Coulson
Musical Director
Freda Carney
Choreographer
Kirsty Ann Thompson

When returning to the stage for the first time following the trauma of the last two years many Societies have been faced with the dilemma of what to opt for as a production. Shall they play safe and go for the tried and tested or will they be adventurous and go for something new and different. Jarrow MTC opted for the latter and returned with the North East Amateur Premiere of Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein. What a great choice they made as they delivered a crackerjack of a Show.

As one knows from his previous works Mel Brooks is not known to be timid when it comes to the PC world and any group performing one of his shows has to embrace this and sail close to the wind or indeed have a gale blowing behind them. I have to say that Jarrow accepted the challenge and with an audience fully appreciative and behind them delivered one of the best shows I have seen in my long association with amateur theatre.

Of course to deliver the product you need an intuitive Director, Musical Director and Choreographer who are fully in sync and geared up for the challenge. Well in Michelle Coulson, Freda Carney and Kirsty Ann Thompson there was such a team, and what a great job they did.  You also have to have a cast prepared to come out of their comfort zone and do things that they have never done before. It was evident from the faces of those on stage there was a happy air about the place and they rose to the challenge.

It was obviously a technical challenge to stage the show with all that was entailed in the complicated sets, lighting and pyrotechnic s but the stage Manager Paul Scott and his Crew and the lighting and sound by Hi-Lights delivered without a hitch. The Band of six was also spot on and provide ideal for the job.

Taking the lead as Frederick Frankenstein was Luke McGarey and what a talented performer his is. The characterisation and physicality required for the role, coupled with the singing, dancing and comedy timing need made him the perfect fit for the part, and he was top drawer. Joe Coulson as Igor made the perfect foil for Frederick and his burgeoning talent continues to grow as he squeezed every ounce of comedy from the part.  Erin Boyle as Inga was absolutely superb in the role. Her accent was great and she literally threw herself into the role of Frederick’s assistant.  The simulated sex scenes with Frankenstein in the hay cart and the monsters trolley were hilarious and those of a mature nature in the audience were in stitches. Grayson Wood as the Monster delivered another sterling performance and his rendition of Puttin On The Ritz had to be seen to be believed. Think of Fred Astaire and then completely turn it on its head then you will get the drift.

One thing about Frances Wood is that she is talented enough to adapt to any role. Again she showed her range of ability and the nuances needed as Elizabeth Benning the finance of Frederick.  Her understanding of what was needed in the role was spot on and it was a pleasure to see her in the part. It was also the case with Jilliaine Reay Hindson who continues to evolve as a fine comedic actress. She took to the role of Frau Blucher the housekeeper like the proverbial duck to water their respective renditions of Please Don’t Touch Me, Deep Love and He Vas My Boyfriend were delightful comedy numbers. The vast experience of Lawrence Clark was again utilised to full as he brought it all to bear as Inspector Hans Kemp providing that fine link between the Principals, the ensemble and the audience. Finally a special mention for Ken Richardson as the lonely blind hermit. It was nice to see him (excuse the pun) in this role and his offering of Please Send Me someone was poignant.

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