It’s a little bit comedy and a little bit horror. It’s a little bit parody and a little bit classic. Plus, it’s a little bit family and a little bit naughty.
JC Players will present Young Frankenstein five times in Glendale and Middle Village from Friday, Aug. 4, until Sunday, Aug. 13.
The play is based on the 1974 Mel Brooks film starring Gene Wilder as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, a medical school lecturer in the United States. His Italy-born Swiss grandfather, Victor Frankenstein, was the famous mad scientist from Mary Shelley’s eponymous 1818 gothic novel. But Frederick is not proud of his heritage, insisting his last name is pronounced “Fronk-en-steen.”
One day, Frederick learns that he’s inherited a family estate in Transylvania. So he heads to Romania where he decides the revive his grandfather’s experiments involving bringing the dead back to life. Hilarity ensues with a hunchbacked servant, Igor, who insists that his name is pronounced “Eye-gor,” and Inga, a beautiful assistant.
General admission is $22, but children (under 12) and seniors (65 and older) can attend for $20 each.
Please note that Young Frankenstein will run on Aug. 4 and Aug. 5 at 8 pm and Aug. 6 at 3 pm at Glendale-Maspeth Community United Methodist Church, 66-14 Central Ave. Then, it’ll run on Aug. 12 at 8 pm and Aug. 13 at 3 pm at Community United Methodist Church of Middle Village and Forest Hills, 75-27 Metropolitan Ave.
Founded in 1995, JC Players is a Queens-based community theater troupe that produces musicals during the summer months. Past productions include Cinderella, Grease, and The Wizard of Oz.
The nonprofit’s team features the two Auriemmas – Barbara, the director; and Frank, the musical director. Christine Hinz is the choreographer, while Julia Marshall is the stage manager, and Amy Ellis takes care of the costumes. Andrés Luke Caamal plays Dr. Frederick Frankenstein.
Images: JC Players