He’s alive!
Beginning November 7 when Performance Riverside presents The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein.
A 1974 American comedy film classic, Young Frankenstein, was directed by Mel Brooks and starred Gene Wilder as the title character. Young Frankenstein ranks No. 28 on Total Film magazine’s readers’ list of the 50 Greatest Comedy Films of all-time, No. 56 on Bravo TV’s list of the 100 Funniest Movies, and No. 13 on the American Film Institute’s list of the 100 funniest American movies. In 2003, it was deemed “culturally, historically or aesthetically significant” by the United States National Film Preservation Board, and selected for preservation in the Library of Congress National Film Registry.
“Every bit as relevant to audience members who will remember the original as it will be to newcomers,” Jodi Julian, associate professor, Theatre and director of Performance Riverside. “Young Frankenstein has all the panache of the screen sensation with a little extra theatrical flair added for the live performance.”
Larry Raben will revive his performance of Dr. Frankenstein (pronounced Fronk-en-steen), grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein who inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. Raben previously played the part at Moonlight Amphitheater. This will be his second appearance at Performance Riverside, previously playing Sparky in Forever Plaid. He has also played Leo Bloom in Mel Brooks’ The Producers on Broadway, during its run in Las Vegas. Tracy Lore, who received an Ovation Award for her pervious portrayal of Frau Blucher, will be on hand to play Frankenstein’s girlfriend. Her previous Performance Riverside performances include Chaperone in The Drowsy Chaperone, Joanne in Company, and the Witch in Into The Woods. She recently completed work on Peter Pan starring Cathy Rigby during its New York and national tour.
There will be a special 2 pm performance on Saturday, November 7, as part of Riverside City College’s Homecoming festivities, which will kickoff with a parade at 9 am from the Riverside Courthouse to the College. RCC is celebrating its Centennial birthday in 2015-16. The day will also include an open house, vintage car show and air show, food trucks, tailgate party, and the annual homecoming football game at 6 pm.
There will be additional 2 pm shows on November 8, 14 and 15 as well as 7 pm performances on November 6, 7, 13 and 14. For tickets, log on to performanceriverside.org or call (951) 222-8100 to purchase by phone.