Trim Musical Society to stage Irish premiere of Young Frankenstein in Navan
FOR the first time on an Irish stage, audiences will be able to enjoy the madcap musical 'Young Frankenstein', written by legendary comedian, Mel Brooks.
The multi-award winning Trim Musical Society (TMS) have scored a notable first, securing the rights to bring this much sought after production to Ireland and it is taking to the stage in Meath’s Solstice Arts Centre from Tuesday 14th to Saturday 18th February.
The show combines the creative force of Mary Shelley who wrote the original Frankenstein novel together with the comic genius of Mel Brooks. The resulting show is both hysterically funny and poignant – with a heady mix of singing and dancing along the way. Numbers such as ‘Join The Family Business’, ‘Together Again’ and the wonderful Irving Berlin’s ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz.’
The show tells the story of American surgeon Fredrick Frankenstein (Colin Flynn), the nephew of the recently deceased Dr Victor von Frankenstein (Ronan Walsh) – the creator of monsters! Following his uncle’s demise Fredrick travels to Transylvania to wind up his family affairs. There he meets Inga (Louise Cassidy) the beautiful assistant, Frau Blucher (Siobhan Fawsitt) the ominous housekeeper and Igor (Damian Douglas) with his moving hump.
Despite his original intentions, Fredrick ends up trying to emulate his uncle and create new life (Chris Corroon as the Monster). The arrival of his American fiancée (Jenny McCabe) changes everything and love – as it always does – triumphs in the end. It being a Mel Brooks creation, the show carries a parental advisory.
The show has run on both Broadway and the West End for several years but now it is coming to Ireland – the Solstice Theatre in Navan. This is the first time Trim Musical Society have staged a show outside of their home town.
"Our trip to Navan Solstice Arts Theatre will be a one off for the society as Trim’s community theatre is in the final stages of completion," said Sean Fox, the TMS chairperson.
There’s a cast of over 50 featured including several who’ve joined the society specifically to participate in the Irish premiere of Young Frankenstein as well as many local well known faces.
"I’m absolutely thrilled to be back working with Trim Musical Society and the fact that it’s an Irish premiere is just amazing," says director Pat McElwaine. "It is a truly creative show on so many levels and one definitely not to be missed."
The show features a number of spectacular dance routines created by choreographer Laura Douglas in her first outing with Trim Musical Society. Dermot O’Callaghan who directed the hugely successful 'Michael Collins' for the Society in 2020 returns, this time as musical director.
In the 30 plus years of its existence, Trim Musical Society has won many awards for their outstanding productions from the Association of Irish Musical Societies.
As well as the more usual shows like 'South Pacific' and 'My Fair Lady, for example, the society has never shirked from bringing some of the more unusual shows to the stage such as 'Sweeney Todd The Demon Barber of Fleet Street' and more recently, 'Urinetown'.
Tickets are on sale now from the Solstice Arts Centre in person or online www.solsticeartscentre.ie. Opening night tickets are a concession at €20 and €24 for the remainder of the week.