Portlaoise Musical Society is preparing to bring plenty of laughs, music and theatrical mayhem to the Dunamaise Arts Centre next month with its latest production, Young Frankenstein.
The popular Mel Brooks musical comedy will run from November 14 to 21, with a talented local cast taking to the stage for what promises to be an entertaining week of musical theatre.
Based on Brooks’ classic 1974 comedy film, Young Frankenstein follows Dr Frederick Frankenstein, the grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein.
After inheriting his family’s estate in Transylvania, Frederick reluctantly finds himself following in his grandfather’s footsteps, attempting to bring the dead back to life.
What follows is a hilarious combination of eccentric characters, outrageous situations, memorable musical numbers and plenty of comedy.
The production features performers from Portlaoise and the surrounding areas, bringing together experienced musical theatre performers and newer members of the society.
Ronan Walsh takes on the leading role of Dr Frederick Frankenstein, alongside Aidan McColgan as his loyal assistant Igor and Laoise O’Connell as Inga.
Helen Nolan plays Frederick’s fiancée Elizabeth, while Dawn Kavanagh takes on the role of the mysterious Frau Blücher and Colm Hogan stars as the Monster.
Director Dominic Reid said rehearsals have been progressing well and the cast are looking forward to bringing the show to local audiences.
“It has been fantastic to see the cast and creative team come together throughout the rehearsal process,” he said.
“Young Frankenstein is such a fun show, and we are really looking forward to sharing what we have been working on with audiences in November.”
The musical promises an evening of energetic choreography, catchy songs and the trademark humour that has made Mel Brooks’ work so popular.
Portlaoise Musical Society chairperson Angi McNulty said the group was delighted to return to the Dunamaise Arts Centre with another production.
“We are delighted to be bringing another production to the stage in Portlaoise,” she said.
“Our society is very proud of the local talent involved, both on stage and behind the scenes, and we hope audiences will come along and enjoy what promises to be a brilliant week of musical theatre.”
The society has a long tradition of staging musical productions in Portlaoise, with its shows regularly attracting strong support from local audiences.
This year’s production will once again showcase the talent and dedication of the performers, musicians and production team involved.
Young Frankenstein runs at the Dunamaise Arts Centre, Portlaoise, from Saturday, November 14, to Saturday, November 21.
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