New Phoenix Theatre is ready to re-open and start a new season with the Mel Brook’s comedy Young Frankenstein.
The grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced “Fronk-en-steen”) inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked sidekick, Igor, (pronounced “Eye-gore”), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga, (pronounced normally), Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors “It’s alive!” he exclaims as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather’s. Eventually, the creature escapes and hilarity continuously abounds.
The musical will be presented Sept. 30 through Oct. 24 with performances Thursday – Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 3 p.m.
The local cast includes Bill Shideler as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, Greg Wojciechowski as The Monster, Kenneth Johnson as Igor, Tricia Hennessy as Inga, Nikki Hagel as Elizabeth Benning, Cindi Heimburg as Frau Blucher, Jesse Stauffer as Inspector Hans Kemp and Michael Murphy as The Hermit. Gerrie Benzing, Sam Felder, Jackie Patterson and Tracy Meier make up the ensemble.
Others shows in the season:
I Hate Hamlet Nov. 4 – 21
Television star Andrew Rally is about to start rehearsals to play Hamlet — and he is terrified. Unsure of himself, worried about his career, Andrew doesn’t know what to do. In the midst of his confusion, he is visited by the ghost of legendary actor John Barrymore.
Quartet Jan. 6 – 23
Quartet is a beautiful and funny play, that is also very touching. The story takes place in a home for retired musicians. It focuses on three old friends: opera singers. Their peace is destroyed with the arrival of Jean, an old friend of theirs who worked successfully with them on a Quartet many years ago.
Pageant the musical Feb. 10 – 27
Like no beauty pageant you’ve ever seen before, six contestants vying for the title of Miss Glamouresse compete in swimsuit, talent, gown, and spokesmodel categories. Judges selected from the audience get to pick the winner – so no performance is ever the same…and the suspense is real.
The Tale of the Allergist’s Wife
March 10 – 27
Marjorie Taub, a middle-aged Upper West Side Doctor’s wife, is devoted to mornings at the Whitney, afternoons at the MOMA and evenings at BAM. Plunged into a mid-life crisis of Medea-like proportions, she’s shaken out of her lethargy by the reappearance of a fascinating and somewhat mysterious childhood friend.
Head Over Heels April 7 – 28
Featuring the music of the Go Gos, Head Over Heels is the story of what happens when the royal court of Arcadia is threatened by the mystical Oracle of Delphi with the loss of its “Beat”, the divine power that ensures the kingdom’s prosperity. Through a plot containing usurped kingship, unlikely lovers, and gender-fluid disguises, Head Over Heels preaches unconditional love and acceptance of yourself and everyone you know.
New Phoenix Theatre is located at 13211 McGregor Blvd., units 1 and 2, Fort Myers.
For tickets and info, call 239-284-5214 or visit www.newphoenixtheatrefortmyers.org.
