'Frankenstein' to put on the Ritz in Salt Lake City next week

Dr. Fronk-en-shteen, his humpbacked sidekick Eye-gor and one very big monster are back — this time on stage in "The New Mel Brooks Musical, Young Frankenstein."

The musical is based on the 1974 movie that not only has a cult following (as do most of Brooks' works), but is listed on the American Film Institute's list of the 100 funniest American movies of all time, in 2003 was deemed "culturally, historically or aesthetically significant" by the National Film Preservation Board and also has a place in the Library of Congress National Film Registry — a pretty lofty status for a parody of horror films.

In charge of making the green monster dance is five–time Tony-winning director and choreographer Susan Stroman, Brooks' partner-in-crime for "The Producers."

"After 'The Producers' opened, Mel and I went to lunch and started talking about another musical," she said, calling from New York City. "I mean, it seems natural that this man would write musicals. When you think about it, there is a song in every one of his movies."

"Of all the things that Mel has accomplished — screenwriting, acting, comedy, radio, TV writing — theater was the most fulfilling for him. He just loved it," Stroman said.

"It's the greatest sound for Mel — an audience's laughter. And you don't get that with TV and movies. So to hear that eight times a week is fantastic; it fills his heart with great joy."

For purists of "Young Frankenstein," there are plenty of similarities to the original movie. "Mel certainly wanted to keep in some iconic jokes; that was important. So he kept those famous quotes and added news jokes and ideas as well.

"Only in Mel's world can you have a monster that not only walks and talks, but sings and dances to 'Puttin' on the Ritz!' " Stroman said.

"You know, Mel is so proud that his shows get the men into theaters," she said of the two Brooks musicals. "So often you can't get the guys to the theaters; it's moms and daughters. But with 'Young Frankenstein' and 'The Producers,' you get the guys, and Mel loves that."

Jumping into "Young Frankenstein" after the record-breaking success of "The Producers" was a challenge both Stroman and Brooks relished.

"That show really changed the lives of everybody in it and it made history in the theater community," Stroman said. "It will always be one of the most important chapters of our lives. But you approach each project with the same enthusiasm and hope, and everything is new again.

"You know, I asked Mel once what he thought was the greatest comedic movie ever," she said. "I thought he'd say Charlie Chaplin or something, but he said 'Blazing Saddles.' There is no funnier movie."

Stroman chuckled when asked if that would be the duo's next collaboration.

"Well, we've had a lunch or two and talked about it. If he gets a couple of songs in his head, then anything can happen."

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Young Frankenstein

Where: Capitol Theatre

When: April 26-May 1

How much: $36-$67.50Phone: 801-355-2787Web: www.arttix.org