FORT SILL, Okla. (June 15, 2017) -- While this might not be the most family-friendly production, the Lawton Community Theatre's performance of "Young Frankenstein" is definitely worth seeing sans-children.
If you don't know the plot, "Young Frankenstein" is a musical adaptation of the 1974 Mel Brooks' film (also called "Young Frankenstein") about the grandson of Victor von Frankenstein, who was the title character in Mary Shelley's 1818 novel "Frankenstein."
In the musical, Frederick, the fledgling Frankenstein, follows in the steps of his grandfather working to bring the dead to life.
"This is our second time recently to bring a story based on Mary Shelley's Frankenstein to our stage," said Addam Tate, the director of the show. "The first was our incredibly successful, sold-out production of 'The Rocky Horror Show,' which I also directed. Even though 'Young Frankenstein' and 'Rocky Horror' share many of the same elements and are both loosely based on the same source material; each show has many elements that make each show unique."
Tate, who also works as a contracting officer on Fort Sill, said he tried to approach each show with a clean slate and that for Frankenstein, he spent time reading through the script and researching the source material. That also meant watching classic horror films and other Frankenstein adaptations. Armed with information and resources, he wanted to find ways to make his show unique from other Frankenstein performances.
"While I revisited the original 'Young Frankenstein' film, I was careful to not over-saturate myself," said Tate. "It is important to me that our production not be a carbon copy of the original film. One of the greatest things about directing a show is to be able to tell this story in your own way."
Still, Tate's recent work in "The Rocky Horror Show" created a challenge for him as he tried to separate the two.
"These two shows share many of the same elements, so it was a creative challenge for me to separate the two and create an entirely fresh production," said Tate. "As with Rocky Horror, I was faced with the same challenge of stripping down an incredibly well-known show, and creating an entirely new adaptation of the work. Our production of 'Rocky Horror' was well received by Lawton-Fort Sill audiences, and I am confident that 'Young Frankenstein' will be just as enjoyable."
Shaun Calix, who plays Igor in the show, said he decided to try acting after seeing a previous show. His second performance, Calix said he has been challenged in the role of Igor because of the comedic aspect of the production as a whole. He says he thinks the audience will enjoy the character as well as watching the other talented actors on stage.
"It's a great cast, very dynamic actors in lead roles, and great ensembles, dancers, singers - it's a really fun show to be part of," said Calix. "When you think of theater having talent you think of big cities like Oklahoma City or Tulsa, if that's a big city to you, all the way up to Atlanta and New York and Broadway. There is some phenomenal talent just right here in Lawton, and they are wonderful people to get to know, too."
Tate echoes Calix saying what is unique about working with community theatre actors is that those involved are committed because of their love of theater.
"While we are working in amateur theatre, each actor comes to the table ready to work each night, and all are putting in the same amount of work typical of professional theatre companies," he said. "Their hard work and dedication will result in an unforgettable production."
As opening night draws near, Tate said he is confident in the work of the actors and the rehearsals they have.
"Our cast, crew and band will be more than ready for audiences on opening night," said Tate. "There's nothing quite like putting on a show in front of an audience."
Tate reminds show-goers that he does not consider the production to be family-friendly. There are a few suggestive moments throughout the show that some may find objectionable; however, older teenagers and adults will appreciate the type of humor Brooks injects in this work, said Tate.
Ticket prices range from $16 to $24 and concessions are available by donations. In addition, the show is working with the Oklahoma Blood Institute to host a blood drive at the facility June 22, from 3-7 p.m. Donors will receive half-off admission prices for the June 22 performance only.
Performances are June 16, 17, 22-24 at 8 p.m. and June 18 and 25 at 2 p.m. Reservations can be made by calling 580-355-1600.
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