New Mel Brooks Musical 'Young Frankenstein' to premiere

NETCONG — The Growing Stage, The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey, located in the Historic Palace Theatre on Route 183 in Netcong presents the Studio Series Presentation of The New Mel Brooks Musical "Young Frankenstein" from July 26 through Aug. 10 with performances Saturday evenings at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 4 p.m.

The production is under the direction/choreography of Emily Cara Portune, a TGS Veteran Performer and Musical Direction by Melinda Bass O’Neill, a TGS Teaching Artist and Veteran Performer. The New Mel Brooks Musical "Young Frankenstein" features a book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan and Music and Lyrics by Mel Brooks. The story follows the grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced "Fronk-en-steen") who inherits his family's estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked side-kick, Igor (pronounced "Eye-gore"), and a 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.

The New Mel Brooks Musical "Young Frankenstein" is a Studio Presentation Series featuring 13 high school and college aged students. This series initiated in the fall of 2009 has succeeded in engaging both patrons and artists. Targeted for specific-aged audiences rather than the wide-reaching family fare of the Main Stage, the series provides community artists with a unique opportunity to participate in the creative process of “trying out” new, more experimental works under the direction of our professional artists. This program allows the company to both cultivate new talent and challenge audiences.

Tickets for The New Mel Brooks Musical "Young Frankenstein" are $12 general admission, with group rates available. Tickets can be purchased beginning one hour prior to each performance at the box office. For any ticketing inquiries, the TGS Box Office at 973-347-4946 or e-mail boxoffice@growingstage.com.

For further information about The Growing Stage, visit www.growingstage.com.

The Growing Stage – The Children’s Theatre of New Jersey programs are made possible, in part, by funding from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, and contributions from numerous corporations, foundations, and individuals.