CLC presents Mel Brooks' musical, 'Young Frankenstein'

"Young Frankenstein," the new Mel Brooks musical based on the 1974 film, will be the College of Lake County summer musical, produced by the departments of theater, music and dance. The show will be presented at 7:30 p.m. July 19, 25 and 26 and 2 p.m. July 20 and 27 in the Mainstage Theatre of the James Lumber Center for the Performing Arts.

The production is an inspired re-imagining of the Frankenstein legend. The story follows young Dr. Frankenstein as he attempts to complete his grandfather's masterwork and bring a corpse to life. Aided by his oddly-shaped, endearing helper Igor and his curvaceous lab assistant Inga, Young Frankenstein succeeds in creating a monster, despite the distraction of his madcap fiancee Elizabeth.

With such memorable tunes as "The Transylvania Mania," "He Vas My Boyfriend" and "Puttin' On The Ritz," "Young Frankenstein" has been enjoyed by Broadway audiences and at regional theaters throughout the country.

The show, with book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan and music and lyrics by Mel Brooks, is being directed by Craig Rich. Other directors include Jean Hersey (music), Lamaiya Lancaster (dance) and Tom Mitchell (technical).

Paul Hefner conducts an 11-member orchestra. Assistant technical director/scene shop supervisor is Jeffrey Weiss, and the stage manager is Joey Chelmecki.

The production features talented lead actors and a full chorus of singers and dancers. The lead roles are played by CLC newcomers, as well as past CLC summer musical favorites.

Dino Mazzetti (Frederick Frankenstein) has a bachelor of music degree with emphasis in vocal music education from Millikin University. He will attend Illinois State University in the fall to begin an M.M. in choral conducting. CLC audiences have seen him as Beadle Bamford in "Sweeney Todd" and Mr. Bumble in "Oliver!"

Scott Metzger (Igor) has a number of TV and radio credits in Los Angeles and Chicago, but for the past two years he has taught English and theater at Wauconda High School. He recently played Mr. Bumble in "Oliver!" at Gorton Community Center and directed "Legally Blonde" and "The Penelopiad" at Wauconda High School.

Robert Ryan Sadlowski (The Monster) is the cantor for Our Lady of Ransom and Holy Cross churches. Past CLC performances include Officer Lockstock in "Urinetown," Pilate in "Jesus Christ Superstar," Audrey II in "Little Shop of Horrors" and Bill Sykes in "Oliver!"

Kara Spector (Frau Blucher) has bachelor of music and bachelor of arts degrees from Northwestern University and is pursuing an master's in arts from Northeastern Illinois University. She is a middle school music and language arts teacher.

She performed as Chiffon in "Little Shop of Horrors" and Linda in "The Wedding Singer" for Big Deal Productions. CLC audiences will remember her as Audrey in "Little Shop of Horrors."

Erica Renee Werner (Elizabeth) is a sophomore bachelor of fine arts music theater major at Illinois Wesleyan University. Past performances include Janet Van De Graff in "The Drowsy Chaperone" at Illinois Wesleyan University, Nancy in "Oliver!" at Center Stage in Lake Forest and Hedy LaRue in "How to Succeed in Business" at Lake Forest High School.

Katherine Wettermann (Inga) attends the University of Miami, majoring in advertising and minoring in theater. Past performances include Ariel in "Footloose," "How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying" and "Les Miserables."

To view a video promotion for the musical, visit the College of Lake County Theatre Facebook page.

Tickets are $15 for general admission; $12 for CLC students and faculty, seniors, teens and JLC subscribers, plus a $2 JLC facility fee. Buy one ticket get one free July 25 (offer not available online). For information, call (847) 543-2300 or visit www.clcillinois.edu/tickets.

The box office is open Monday through Friday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. and 90 minutes prior to each performance. Discounts are available for groups of 10 or more in advance. For information, call (847) 543-2431 or email JLCgroupsales@clcillinois.edu. To request sign language interpreting, contact the box office at least two weeks in advance at (847) 543-2300.