The Chapel Hill High School theater department concluded its 2023-24 season with the spring musical Young Frankenstein—based upon the 1974 Mel Brooks movie—which ran from April 25-27.
Young Frankenstein tells the story of Frederick Frankenstein, the grandson of the infamous doctor Victor von Frankenstein; after Victor passes away, Frederick must return to Transylvania and reclaim his grandfather’s estate.
Thanks to Brooks’s writing and comedic genius, the show contains plenty of hilarious moments to drive its narrative. This show also features a wide variety of songs, such as “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” “Together Again” and “Transylvania Mania.”
Theater director Thomas Drago decided to do Young Frankenstein to honor the 50-year anniversary of Brooks’s film
“I love the Mel Brooks movie that [the musical] is based on,” he said. “It’s probably the first movie I remember going to see in the theater.”
A number of faculty members helped put on the production, including technical director Allison Frimmel, dance instructor Kahalia Brown and Emma Lincoln, McDougle Middle School’s music director.
Additionally, a variety of students helped out on the production, such as seniors K Omba, the assistant director; Wen Rainey, the director’s assistant; and Lily McCarthy, the stage manager.
Young Frankenstein also featured student choreographers—seniors Eliza Hedenman-Brown, who also played the role of Elizabeth Benning, and Chiara LoBianco, a member of the ensemble—who helped teach and create the dances for certain musical numbers.
Leading the production were junior Dylan Morse, who played the scientist Frederick Frankenstein, and senior Stella Benson, who played Victor von Frankenstein.
Morse said his performance was inspired by the talent of the cast. “This show would not be where it was if not for the dedicated and talented people we have in our company,” he said.
Alongside Morse was junior Charlie Kubica, who played the henchman Igor, and sophomore Eliza Scott, who played the German assistant and love interest to Frederick Frankenstein, Inga.
Senior Gabe Waterhouse played the Monster, who happens to fall in love with Elizabeth Benning.
Waterhouse acknowledged the work ethic of the cast, along with the camaraderie that developed among the performers. “Every rehearsal [was] tons of fun, and I think it [showed],” he said.
Senior Armand Nardi played the role of Inspector Kemp in Nardi’s last Hanes production.
“This is my last show. I enjoyed bonding with the people in my class before we graduate,” he said. “It’s also so amazing to see the underclassmen make the theater program their own.”
The show premiered on Thursday, April 25 and concluded its run on Saturday, April 27. The production was a hit and left many audience members roaring with laughter.
Senior Andrew Herring said that the show was amazing and had many “great songs and funny jokes.”
Herring also praised the show’s set design. “Throughout the show, my friends and I were constantly commenting on how impressive it all was and how much work it must have taken to put it all together,” he said.
