Mel Brooks' YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN' the Musical at the Raven - 'Hark - Forever More'

Many will argue  Mel Brooks' films "The Producer" or "Blazing Saddles" are amongst the funniest films of all times.  Brooks co-wrote & co-starred with Gene Wilder in "Young Frankenstein."  The film opened in 1974 (in Milwaukee where Wilder is from) and Brooks claims this is his best film.  "The Producers" went on to become a major Broadway Musical Hit.  "Young Frankenstein" had a short life-span on Broadway (2007-09) with mixed reviews.  The Raven Performance Theater in the quaint town of Healdsburg, CA, are offering a Halloween treat complete with live music and some surprisingly strong performances from its cast of local playhouse performers.  The hilarious film is a hard act to follow against the comedic geniuses of Wilder, Brooks, Marty Feldman, Cloris Leachman and Madeline Kahn.  The slapstick, visual humor made fleeting only fleeting glimpses in this production.  Dr. Frankenstein (Troy Thomas Evans) comedic acting flatlined but his singing voice along with that of Inga (Mary Watts Sparks) were both admirable.  Frau Blucher (Tory Rotlisberger) did spark some genuine gleeful comedy.  Igor played by Bill Garcia doesn't compare to the late great Marty Feldman in the role but he stole the show.   Credit the live orchestra with transforming this community theater into a viable "Off Off Broadway" show.  Conductor Kelly Considine lead an excellent score with gusto.  The orchestra alone made it worth the paltry $30 admission price.  Kyle Craft on violin and Ruth Wilson on French Horn were first rate, first chair musicians.  There was budding talent to be found on stage with two young performers.  Cecilia Brenner, just 11 years old was terrific and Emilia Naples, a sophomore at the local high school was a stand-out with her fabulous dancing.  Both were in the ensemble.  SF Ballet look no further than your own backyard for a budding star in Naples and Brenner might bring locals bragging rights for hometown talent.  I recommend the Raven's production of "Young Frankenstein" as and enjoyable romp and a reprieve against today's pressures.  "Humor is just another defense against the universe."  (M Brooks).