Virginia Guerra Saldivar | staff writer

From the well-known classics of writer, director, producer and actor Mel Brooks, the electric performance of the musical comedy adaptation of “Young Frankenstein” comes alive at the Greer Cabaret Theatre.

The Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera (CLO) recently extended the run until Sept. 29.

The show begins with the scientist Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (Dan DeLuca) explaining his discoveries and how he desires that his grandfather’s ideas will not tarnish his legacy: the experimentation of reviving the dead.

However, when he inherits his family’s state, the theater utilizes TV screens on either side of the stage to transport us to Transylvania. Frankenstein leaves his self-absorbed fiancée Elizabeth Benning (Susana Cordón) behind thinking he’ll only claim the property and leave.

At the railroad station, Igor (Anthony Merino), wearing the iconic henchman robe and faux hunchback, explains to the doctor that their grandfathers worked together and that he wishes to fulfill that same dream. Inga (Alex Sheffield), looking for an available position — in more ways than one — is accepted as his laboratory assistant. With Frau Blüche (Christine Laitta), Viktor Frankenstein’s girlfriend, they work together to bring The Creature (Tim Hartman) into its new life.

Based on the original 1974 film of the same title, this musical adaptation takes its sensual comedy to another level. Even though every opportunity to make an inappropriate joke is taken, viewers are never 100% certain of what to expect next, including raunchy musical numbers.

“Young Frankenstein” talks about themes of being proud of where you come from and what power love can hold. It holds what made the original movie special and presents it to a modern audience in a theatrical format. As Igor says to Dr. Frankenstein in the “Together Again For The First Time” musical number, “Join us in the chorus, it’s fun!”

The cast does an excellent job of involving the crowd at different parts of the performance. The fourth wall becomes nonexistent as Inspector Hans Kemp (Daniel Krell) and the other villagers chase The Creature across the woods. Additionally, the first row has the opportunity to have a special, more intimate interaction with the characters. Some viewers will be tasked to give a paper to a character or even be flirted with by Dr. Frankenstein’s creation up close.

The ensemble cast often joke about falling into “typical horror movie clichés” as they actively play into them. The stereotypical story arcs of angry mobs and secret passageway bookshelves are turned on their heads for a fresh, new and funny approach. When the villagers are debating whether to track down The Creature with pitchforks and torches, they stop and give a questioning stare at the audience before actually doing it.

Not only are the performers’ comedic timing, singing and dancing showcased, but also their versatility to switch between several roles.

The musical features original songs also written by Mel Brooks, plus its well-known rendition of “Puttin’ On The Ritz” by Irving Berlin from the 50-year-old film. Accompanied live by the Pittsburgh CLO Orchestra, the musicality is the perfect complement to the overall dark, comedic tone.

The TVs located on either side of the stage, though they might seem like a distraction at first, are used at their maximum to create an additional laugh for those with a perceptive eye.

The play is divided into two acts by a 15-minute intermission. It runs for approximately two hours and eighteen minutes. As part of the Greer Cabaret experience, viewers can enjoy a variety of drinks and meals during the show.

Tickets are $75.25 with the recommended age of viewers being 13 or older. Abiding to Greer Cabaret Theatre’s rules, guests under the age of 21 must be accompanied by a ticketed chaperone age 25 or older. Student tickets can be purchased on the Pittsburgh CLO webpage for $35 per seat using the code CLODUQUESNE