Young Frankenstein - The New Mel Brooks Musical
Mel Brooks
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| Total: 22 Songs |
Customer Reviews
*TSK TSK* Is this titled "The Producers"? I don't think so....
So PLEASE stop comparing Young Frankenstein to it!!!
Let me say, that I personally have not seen the musical Young Frankenstein on Broadway, but unlike most of the know-it-alls who haven’t even listened to the whole soundtrack, I OWN this CD, and can write a decent review that is both truthful and accurate.
First of all, unless you know FOR SURE and are ABSOLUTELY POSITIVE that you like Mel Brook’s stuff, AND share his sense of humor, you won’t understand this musical, and hate it. But hey, that’s not your fault. If you do share his (and my) sense of humor, and was thoroughly disappointed with this, THEN you can write a bad review. But if you have no idea what you’re talking about, leave it to the theater-lovers.
As for the whole, “Mel turning his 1974 classic into a musical” subject, I will only say this: a classic is a classic, and you have to accept new things, especially remakes, with open arms. The music is different, and the actors are different. But they pull it off! Roger Bart’s voice is strong as Dr. Frederick Fronk-en-steen, and can take on the challenge and carry the show. Christopher Fitzgerald, aka Igor (pronounced “Eye-gor”) nearly steals the show, along with Sutton Foster as Inga, who yodels her way to fabulous-ness. Megan Mullally and Andrea Martin bring their personalities into their characters (Elizabeth and Frau Blucher *horse whinny*, respectively). Finally, we have Fred Applegate (as Inspector Kemp) who makes you smile every time he opens his mouth. All in all, people need to accept this for what it is.
For the songs, some are hilarious is Mel Brooks’ classic lyrical puns, while others are just…kind of…are what they are. Example: My personal favorites off the soundtrack are everything from Act One (ending with “Transylvania Mania”). As for Act Two, some songs don’t meet Mel’s standard. “Listen To Your Heart,” “Man About Town,” and “Frederick’s Soliloquy” stand out among the songs of Act Two as the best.
As for “Puttin’ On the Ritz,” definitely the most famous scene of the 1974 movie, it falls flat- to those who don’t know musicals. With the large dance break filling part of the song (along with most of the others), it’s hard to see the genius in it while only listening to, not viewing, the musical. Use your imagination! How is it so hard to see the cast tap dancing in your mind?! This is musical theater, people, and you can’t say the SONG is bad, unless you have seen the musical number ON BROADWAY, complete with Susan Stroman’s choreography! In short, “Puttin’ On the Ritz” is better on Broadway than on the soundtrack.
Other songs need to be listened to more than once to be appreciated. For me, it was Megan Mullally’s songs that confused me. After giving a second listen to “Please Don’t Touch Me” and “Deep Love,” I realized that they ARE good songs, but not to everyone’s liking. Once again: you HAVE to share Mel Brook’s humor to appreciate this musical.
SO, this musical is NOT the original movie, although it, for the most part, sticks to the original plot. Not many changes have been made. If you like Mel Brooks, AND are open-minded, this musical is for you.
Sorry this review was so long- I hope I wasn’t just rambling on, and that I actually helped someone.
Homage to the 1930s
In the film YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, Mel Brooks parodied the visual style of early 1930s horror films. On stage, he plays with 1930s music with nods to Cole Porter's Anything Goes (Please Don't Touch Me), Kurt Weill's Brecht collaborations and Lady in the Dark (He Vas My Boyfriend, The Brain) Sing, Sing, Sing (Transylvania Mania) horror film music (Life, Life; He's Loose) and Jeanette McDonald operettas (Roll in the Hay) to complement Irving Berlin's Puttin' on the Ritz. There's even a barbershop quartet (Welcome to Transylvania). Great fun.
Igor rocks my socks off :)
This musical is so so so good... while it was no Producers it was still great...go see it while the OBC is still there... Andrea Martin is freaking hillarious and the Blind Hermit made me pee my pants :) Igor was absolutely FABULOUS... his hump and walk were freaking hysterical... oh wow...he was my favorite and he stole all the scenes he was in... props to him :) Please Don't Touch Me, Together Again, Please Send Me Someone, and He Vas My Boyfriend are the best... the music doesn't do the show justice but still buy the album!!! And to all of you out there who doubted that this would be a great show..."Well they were wrong weren't they?!" Tee hee... hee...
Biography
Born: June 28, 1926 in Brooklyn, NY
Genre: Soundtrack
Years Active: '50s, '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s, '00s
Top Albums and Songs by Mel Brooks
![Shrek - The Musical (Original Broadway Cast Recording) [Bonus Track Version]](http://a1.phobos.apple.com/us/r1000/046/Music/aa/1b/54/mzi.uvgwluvt.100x100-75.jpg)
- $11.99
- Genres: Soundtrack, Music, Musicals
- Released: Dec 18, 2007
- ℗ 2007 Decca Label Group
