Young Frankenstein - Theatre Three | 5.16.26

Photo Credit: Peter Lanscombe, Theatre Three Productions.

Theatre Three in Port Jefferson is currently producing the popular Mel Brooks’ musical "Young Frankenstein" from May 16th through June 21st. It tells the story of Frederick Frankenstein (which he pronounces 'Frokensteen') who is the grandson of the recently deceased mad scientist Victor von Frankenstein of Transylvania Heights. Frederick is the Dean of Anatomy at New York's Johns, Miriam, and Anthony Hopkins School of Medicine and is set to inherit his grandfather's castle and is heading out to settle his affairs. He is engaged to the gorgeous Elizabeth Benning who has an aversion to being touched (at least by him) and we see this on display early on when he is preparing to leave town. On his way to the castle, he meets Igor (who ironically is the grandson of Victor's lackey) and Inga, who has a degree in Laboratory Science with a penchant for yodeling.

Veronica Fox, Keith Jones, Bobby Peterson, and Company.

Photo Credit: Peter Lanscombe, Theatre Three Productions.

So, who's who?!

Bobby Peterson returns to the Theatre Three stage after nearly 10 years in the role of Frederick Frankenstein and could not have been more perfect. With unmatched energy and stage presence, he masterfully took this role to new heights! I don't even know where to start – Peterson has always been one of those people who could do it all and this performance was no exception. at the beginning of Act 1, Peterson sings "The Brain" with the ensemble and shows off his singing chops featuring slick enunciation in a number that moves rapidly, he shows off his dancing capability in "Together Again" alongside Igor (played by Keith Jones) and his comedic ability in "Roll in the Hay" with Inga (played by Veronica Fox). Peterson *remains* someone who can do it all! 

Thankfully, those he is sharing the stage with are quite capable as well. Jones’ portrayal of Igor was nothing short of iconic. Playing a hunchback, there was a lot of physical humor in play and it was done excellently. Jones will make you laugh with something as simple as a facial expression and is an absolute joy to watch - especially since this is wildly different from the character they last played on the T3 stage, Jesus in Godspell. Honestly, I couldn’t decide who I wanted to look at more during “Together Again” - Jones or Peterson - and I’d say that’s a pretty good problem to have. 

Fox’s Inga was superb. The accent she used added so much comedy to her scenes and her voice was spectacular - which we already knew, being the seasoned Long Island theater performer that she is. She was great fun in Act 1’s “Roll in the Hay” with Peterson where she hit high notes with laser-like precision and was equally fun in Act 2’s “Listen to your Heart”.

Playing Frederick’s fiancé Elizabeth Benning was Julianne Greaves, who I have become a *huge* fan of! Yet another fantastic voice, yes - but she also had me cackling in every scene she was in. “Please Don’t Touch Me” with Peterson is an easy stand out in Act 1 and “Deep Love” will make your cheeks hurt from smiling so much. Greaves is always a treat and I like her more and more every time I see her.

Can you believe we’ve seen all of this talent and we didn’t even get to the castle yet?!

Steven Uihlein as Inspector Kemp and Company.

Photo Credit: Peter Lanscombe, Theatre Three Productions.

Once Frederick arrives at the castle he is greeted by Frau Blucher, played by the incomparable Linda May. Perfect. May is an amazing character actress and captivates you immediately! “He Vas My Boyfriend” puts all of her talents on display - a fantastic singing performance in her character voice and hilarious all the way through. Now, everyone in Transylvania is not thrilled to receive Frederick and the leader of that charge is Inspector Kemp, played by Steven Uihlein. Kemp (and the rest of the villagers who follow) are concerned that he will continue in his grandfather’s footsteps and plot to do everything they can to keep him from doing so. Uihlein was another wonderful choice; Kemp has a prosthetic arm and leg (from a run in from the elder Frankenstein’s monster) and what I liked most is how he didn’t oversell the injuries. I have seen countless productions of “Young Frankenstein” in the past and this is often so overdone that it serves as a distraction more than a character affliction and this was a nice change.

Bryan Bowie played The Monster and had quite the challenge on his hands - how do you make an audience feel endeared to a monster? We’ll have to ask Bowie because that’s exactly what he accomplished and between Act 2’s “Puttin on the Ritz” and his scene with The Hermit (played by Bob Kaplan) he did so wonderfully. “Puttin on the Ritz” (alongside Peterson, Jones, Fox, and the ensemble) was a delight that left the audience cheering long after the last note! Who knew a monster could sing *and* dance?! Kaplan was also quite entertaining in his cameo, singing the hilarious “Please Send Me Someone.”

Keith Jones, Bobby Peterson, Veronica Fox, Linda May.

Photo Credit: Peter Lanscombe, Theatre Three Productions.

From a technical standpoint, this show stands out in a big way. It's no secret that I am not a huge fan of projections, but these were done so well that I was looking around in awe.

To be honest, I think every theater on Long Island is stepping up their game with projections and I’m not mad about it. I’m a changed man! Done correctly, it adds a lot!

This show was directed by Jeffrey Sanzel & Jason Furnari and I’m a fan of this team! The ensemble was strong and each player from top to bottom did things with intention. In the moments where everyone was on stage there was no shortage of things to look at which created great fun and Josie McSwane’s choreography was appropriately built to the capability of the performers; too often we see shows with choreography that is so complicated and showy that only a handful of players can do it correctly and the ones that struggle look like deer caught in headlights having the worst time. That isn’t what we got here; in this production the choreography was intricate *and* impressive, working for every person on the stage. Major kudos to McSwane for making that happen! It is so much more fun as an audience member to see every person nailing the dances and having a great time doing so. Smiles go a long way and the stage is full of them in a McSwane number! Resident Music Director Jeffrey Hoffman raises the bar once again, preparing the leads and ensemble as only he can with each number featuring perfect harmony and commitment from each player. To that point, I need to also shout out the Transylvania quintet - I usually find “Welcome to Transylvania" to be a bit janky and thrown together - not this time! Wonderful direction by Hoffman and exquisite execution from Will Brennan, Patrick Campbell, Will Logan, Zac Allan Thompson, and Kiernan Urso. The set was impressive too! The pieces were fantastically constructed (I made specific notes about the doors of the castle and the laboratory. Wow!) and once again demonstrated how well the team at Theatre Three knows their space and the best way to utilize it. Ronald Green III is back for another round of costuming and made everyone look amazing - as expected.

I was almost blinded by the sparkle and opulence of Elizabeth Benning - which is a trademark in Green’s costuming. I expected nothing less and was thrilled to see it!

Because I have made plans with numerous people, I will be seeing Young Frankenstein at Theatre Three multiple times and I’m not upset about it in the slightest. I cannot imagine a single person who wouldn’t enjoy this show and after hearing the audience reaction on opening night I am even more confident in that statement! This is another must-see for theater here on Long Island and is easily in contention for the best production this season at Theatre Three! “Young Frankenstein” is running until June 21st and tickets can be purchased in person, by calling the box office, or via their website at www.theatrethree.com.

Full company.

Photo Credit: Peter Lanscombe, Theatre Three Productions.

Cast:

Frederick Frankenstein - Bobby Peterson

Bertram Batram - Will Brennan

Elizabeth Benning - Jules Greaves

Igor - Keith Jones

Inga - Veronica Fox

Equines - Louisa Bikowski, Kaitlyn Jehle

Frau Blucher - Linda May

Inspector Kemp - Steven Uihlein

Felix - Patrick Campbell

the monster - Bryan Bowie

Transylvania Quintet - Will Brennan, Patrick Campbell, Will Logan, Zac Allan Thompson, Kiernan Urso+

Sasha - Will Logan

Masha - Angelina Miller

Basha - Michelle Su (LaBozzetta)

Tasha - Rachel Geiser

Bob - Will Brennan

The Hermit - Bob Kaplan

Ludwig - Zac Allan Thompson

Ensemble of Medical Students, Travelers, Villagers, and others - Angie Barrientos Gomez, Louisa Bikowski, Will Brennan, Patrick Campbell, Ali Crosley, Rachel Geiser, Kaitlyn Jehle, Will Logan, Angelina Miller, Michelle Su (LaBozzetta), Zac Allen Thompson, Kiernan Urso+

+ Dance Captain

Creative Team:

Director - Jeffrey Sanzel

Assistant Director - Jason Furnari

Choreographer - Josie McSwane

Music Director - Jeffrey Hoffman

Production Stage Manager - Melissa Troxler

SOUND Design - Tim Haggerty

Scenic Design - Randall Parsons

LIGHTING DESIGN & Technical Direction - Steven Barile, Jr.

Costume & Wig Design - Ronald Green III

Projection Design - Jack Eisenman

PRoperties - Ally Humanitzki

Band:

Conductor/Keyboard - Jeffrey Hoffman

Reeds - Bill Kinslow/Dave Fletcher

Trumpet - Elliot Wolk

Trombone - Diane Hoffman

Bass - Dave Grudzinski/Adam HAmmer

Drums - Don Larsen

Violin - Marni Harris