By ELISE RAMEL
Marketing Director, Fort Wayne Civic Theatre

FORT WAYNE — ‘Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein: It’s Alive!’ The electrifying adaptation of Mel Brooks’ monstrously funny film will leave you in stitches. From the creators of the record-breaking Broadway sensation “The Producers” comes this monster new musical comedy. The comedy genius Mel Brooks adapts his legendarily funny film into a brilliant stage creation.

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 side-kick, 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, of course, the monster escapes and hilarity continuously abounds.

We ask that you sign up for auditions by contacting Eunice Wadewitz, Music Director, at (260) 422-8641, ext. 226 or [email protected].

Auditions will be held at 5 p.m. Sunday, Dec. 6, with call backs from 7-10 p.m. Monday, Dec. 7.

Auditions will be held at the Arts United Center at 303 E. Main St., Fort Wayne. Enter from the rear of the building, using the glass doors to the Green Room. Arrive early to check in and fill out an audition form.

Rehearsals will be held from 7-10 p.m. Jan. 4 through Feb. 10, Monday through Friday, and Sundays, Jan. 10, 17, 24, 31. A tech Sunday will be held from noon to 11 p.m. Feb. 7.

Performances are at 7:30 p.m. Thursdays, Feb. 11-28; 8 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays; and 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays.

Audition Requirements:

It is very important that we have all conflicts at the time of the audition. We are seeking strong dancers/singers/actors. Prepare and memorize one verse of an up-tempo song or ballad, which shows off your voice, range, and personality. Standard Broadway show tunes are best. Be sure to bring sheet music (not just lyrics but actual piano music) in the correct key — do not expect the pianist to transpose your music on sight. Have all cuts or repetitions clearly marked. Place your music in a binder or tape the sheets together for the benefit of the accompanist. Pianist is provided. Arrive dressed and ready to dance first, wearing clothes that shows your body type (no baggy clothes). Wear clothing you can move in for the choreography portion of the audition, which will be taught on site. 

Character Descriptions:

Cast size 15-19: Four men principals, three women principals, Ensemble: four to six men, four to six women.

Dr. Frederick Frankenstein — Male, age 30s-50s. Brilliant brain surgeon, professor and grandson of mad scientist Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein. Vocal range: Bb one octave below middle C to G above middle C.

The Monster — Male, age indeterminate. Played by a bigger man – the bigger the better. The misunderstood creation of Dr. Frankenstein. Vocal range: Ab one octave below middle C to F above middle C. Also must be able to emit howling/monster/grunting sounds. Knowledge of tap dancing a plus.

Igor — Male, age 20-50.  Frederick’s faithful, bright-eyed, eager servant and friend–with a hunchback. Vocal range: D below middle C to F above middle C.

Inga — Female, age 20s-40s. Frederick’s bubbly, not-so-bright young assistant. Sexy, attractive. A resident of Transylvania. Vocal range: G# below middle C to A above the treble staff. Yodeling is a plus.

Elizabeth Benning — Female, age 30-40. Self-loving, “madcap”, boisterous fiancé of Frederick. Vocal range: F# below middle C to F#, top line of the treble staff.

Frau Blücher — Female, age 30-60. Intense, stern housekeeper of Frankenstein estate. Former lover of Victor Frankenstein. Vocal range: G natural below middle C to B, third line treble staff.

Inspector Hans Kemp — Male, age 40-60. Head of the police in Transylvania, with a wooden arm and leg. Justice-driven. Vocal Range: A one octave below middle C to F above middle C. Will double as the Blind Hermit – Lonely, poor, blind town hermit longing for a friend. Vocal range: Bb one octave below middle C to Db just above middle C.

Swing cast — Four male and four female, with plenty of featured roles, lot of juicy lines and singing, including a barbershop quartet. We are looking for people with strong dance/movement training. This group will portray gravediggers, villagers, medical students, passengers, mad scientists and various supporting roles.

Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein – Male, age 40-60. Frederick’s infamous grandfather. Vocal range: C# below middle C to G# above middle C.

Ziggy – Male, age 30-40. Well-intentioned village idiot. Vocal range: F below middle C to F above middle C.