The Herricks Community Players’ latest musical, Young Frankenstein, promises laughs and nods both to the original theatrical production and its movie counterpart next month. The group, celebrating its 39th year in existence, is packing quite a punch for the Mel Brooks classic.
“I looked no further than previous cast members from our first Brooks production, The Producers,” said 39-year director John Hayes. “He is the epitome of comedy.”
The musical follows Frederick Frankenstein, the grandson of Victor Frankenstein, as he tries to shake the reputation of his grandfather’s legend. He even insists on his last name being butchered (Fronkensteen). Frederick tries to champion his non-madman ways, but after inheriting his grandfather’s castle in Transylvania, he is forced to resolve the issue of the property.
From there, a hilarious tale of love, anger and violence pushes Frederick to the limits of his grandfather: creating a new monster with the “help” of Victor’s former henchman’s grandson, Igor (Eyegore).
“It was a hard show to put on,” said his wife, Carol Hayes, a producer on the show and right-hand. “It’ll be well worth it when we have opening night and see people coming in the theater.”
The cast boasts veteran Herricks Players along with relatively new blood for the comedic musical. John Mezzo stars as Frederick while Warren Schein and Stacey Weinberger play Igor and Inga, respectively. Barbara Murphy channels Frau Brucher while Steve Brustein invokes The Monster.
Rob Gino hilariously portrays Inspector Kemp with Frank Franconeri and Michael Fagan cast as The Hermit and The Village Idiot.
“I can’t believe it didn’t run longer on Broadway,” Mezzo said. “We’re still three weeks away and we have a lot of work ahead of us. But it feels like it’s coming together.”
Mezzo started with the players in 1991 with How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying. Well, Mezzo succeeded in more than just business, proposing to his future wife after the final show in Herricks.
For Mezzo, doing another Mel Brooks classic (Mezzo also starred in The Producers) brings his time with Herricks full circle. He feels his best days on stage are still in front of him.
“The part itself..who wouldn’t want it, right?” Mezzo said. “It’s an iconic role. To get a chance to do another Mel Brooks show is a great treat. It’s probably the biggest part I’ve had. It’s a meaty role and has a ton of music and dancing.”
Weinberg, a Roslyn resident, plans to challenge stage actor Sutton Foster’s portrayal of Inga.
“I thought Inga would be very fun to play,” Weinberger said. “She’s a simple farm girl but has lots of energy.”
While relatively new to the Herricks players being in her second year, Weinberger feels feeding off of the cast member energy aides her performance.
“John is great,” Weinberger said. “He takes the script to a new level and makes everything so much funnier.”
Schein, a 15-year Herricks player and also of Mineola, feels you don’t have to look far for why he gels with Igor, the character made famous by Marty Feldman. Schein plans to channel parts of Feldman’s performance, including breaking the fourth wall in talking to the audience.
“Look at me,” Schein said, noting his facial frame. “This is the role. There are a couple of parts that an actor of my type of look always wants to play in life. When it came to a show like Young Frankenstein, it’s a funny comical musical.”
The Mineola resident tours most of Long Island and parts of New Jersey, Pennsylvania and Florida, doing music and comedy, including Remembering Mel, a tribute to male vocalist Mel Tormé. He has also given life to the M&M Crispy, Pillsbury Dough Boy and Lucky Charms Leprechaun in commercials.
“It’s like being in a musical and a cartoon at the same time,” Schein. “I’m playing myself with a hump [on my shoulder].”
Schein and Mezzo go back to The Producers and Laughter on the 23rd Floor. After countless one-two punches of the duo, they can basically read each other’s mind.
“When we’re on stage, we’re in sync,” Schein said. “We work so well together.”
Mezzo agrees. “There’s a fun number that Igor and Frederick do together at the train station,” he said. “Any time I get a chance to work with Warren, it’s a pleasure.”
Murphy of Mineola, a Herricks veteran, also plans to steer away from the popular Frau Brucher film portrayal of Cloris Leachman and focus on the Broadway rendition.
“I’ve been watching the Andrea Martin Broadway version,” she said. “She was amazing. I’ve seen the [film version], but I want to try to do my own thing as well with the character.”
Murphy has been with the group since 1989. From Guys and Dolls, Crazy For You and Lend me a Tenor to Funny Girl, Annie and Gypsy, Murphy knows the ropes.
“This all goes back to John and Carol,” she said. “They put this group above everything else. They’re so dedicated.”
Murphy worked with Brustein in The Producers and says his Monster performance will be unique.
“No one replaces Peter Boyle, but Steve does a great job with the part,” she said. “Everyone puts their own spin on it.”
Young Frankenstein productions are May 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16 at 8 p.m. and May 3 and 17 at 3 p.m. in the Herricks Community Center at 999 Herricks Rd. in New Hyde Park. Tickets are $25 for adults, $20 for children and seniors and there is an organizational group rate of $18 for 10 or more members. Go to herrickscommunityplayers.org or call 516-742-1926.
