Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein Brings Eccentric Characters, Mischievous Humor and Spirited Musical Performances to Boca Raton’s Wick Theatre.

October 15th, 2026

A Little Madness Goes a Long Way

Someone alert the villagers! Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein has escaped the laboratory and landed at The Wick Theatre in Boca Raton, bringing a peculiar collection of characters, mischievous humor and enough questionable medical practices to raise a few eyebrows.

Running through November 1, the musical adaptation of Brooks’ beloved 1974 film starring Gene Wilder, Marty Feldman and Peter Boyle embraces the oddities that made the original a comedy classic. Between the double entendres, eccentric personalities and deliberately ridiculous situations, there’s plenty to enjoy, especially for those familiar with Brooks’ distinctive sense of humor.

Young Frankenstein. photo by Amy Pasquantonio.

Directed by Norb Joerder, this revised West End adaptation captures the film’s playful spirit while finding room for its own theatrical personality. After all, why reinvent the monster when you can simply teach him a few dance moves?

A Hump Above the Rest

Among this delightfully dysfunctional collection of characters, Corey Vega’s Igor stands a hump above the rest. With expressive reactions, amusing mannerisms and well-timed exchanges, Vega brings an endearing strangeness to the role made famous by Feldman.

Young Frankenstein. photo by Amy Pasquantonio.

Rather than forcing the comedy, he allows Igor’s peculiar personality to do much of the work. Whether delivering a cheeky remark or reacting to another questionable scientific decision, Vega has a knack for making even the smallest moments entertaining.

Meanwhile, Aaron Atkinson’s Frederick Frankenstein takes a little longer to find his footing, but the second act gives him an opportunity to shine. His growing confidence and sharper delivery help the entire production settle into a more engaging rhythm as the evening progresses.

Young Frankenstein. photo by Amy Pasquantonio.

Surrounding the mad doctor and his faithful assistant is a cast equally willing to embrace the absurd. Katie DeRosa Tango as Inga, Leah Sessa as Elizabeth, Britte Hammeke as Frau Blücher and Thomas Porat as the Monster each contribute their own peculiar charm. Shane Tanner also deserves recognition for pulling double duty as the imposing Inspector Kemp and the lonely Hermit, two contrasting personalities that fit comfortably into Brooks’ bizarre universe. Apparently, one unusual character simply wasn’t enough for him.

Putting the Fright Foot Forward

Of course, what’s a Frankenstein creation without a little electricity? In this case, much of that spark comes from the musical performances, particularly the lively ensemble that helps carry the show.

One of the evening’s most enjoyable sequences arrives with “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” where spirited tap dancing transforms a familiar moment from the film into an entertaining stage spectacle. Watching Frankenstein’s Monster channel his inner Fred Astaire remains an amusing sight, proving that even the undead can benefit from a few dance lessons.

Choreographer Robert Abdoo makes excellent use of the supporting performers, whose coordinated movements and enthusiasm bring additional personality to the musical numbers. Songs such as “Transylvania Mania” and “He Vas My Boyfriend” further showcase the cast’s talents while leaning into the story’s wonderfully strange circumstances.

Young Frankenstein. photo by Amy Pasquantonio.

It’s during these larger sequences that the production feels especially comfortable in its own skin, or whatever assortment of spare parts the doctor happened to have lying around. The ensemble’s energy becomes increasingly noticeable after intermission, helping make the second act the stronger of the two.

The Doctor’s Orders

The Wick’s visual presentation is another welcome ingredient in this theatrical experiment. From the shadowy laboratory and eerie Transylvanian surroundings to colorful village attire and sparkling Broadway-inspired costumes, the production blends old-fashioned horror with playful showmanship. It’s almost as though a classic Universal monster movie wandered into a Broadway costume department and decided to stay for the evening.

Young Frankenstein. photo by Amy Pasquantonio.

The detailed wardrobe, elaborate props and imaginative scenery complement the characters without making the experience feel overly dark or serious. Subtle special effects and cleverly placed sound cues add another layer of amusement, enhancing the action without overshadowing the performers. Sometimes the smallest theatrical touches prove just as effective as the more elaborate musical sequences.

Young Frankenstein. photo by Amy Pasquantonio.

That same approach carries into the comedy. While the production isn’t an endless parade of laugh-out-loud moments, it finds plenty of amusement in awkward expressions, unexpected remarks and situations so ridiculous that questioning their logic would probably require a medical examination of your own.

There’s also something oddly wholesome about a show so comfortable with shameless innuendo. Brooks has always had a talent for making inappropriate humor feel almost innocent, provided nobody asks too many follow-up questions.

Still Alive and Kicking

Although the audience leaned predominantly toward seniors, Young Frankenstein has enough enthusiasm, physical comedy and musical entertainment to appeal to younger adults as well. Its suggestive material makes it better suited for mature audiences, but appreciating the production certainly doesn’t require having seen the original film in theaters.

Longtime Brooks fans, however, will feel particularly at home. His comedic fingerprints are everywhere, from the cheeky dialogue to the bizarre personalities and improbable circumstances. Not every joke hits its target, but the cast’s commitment to the material, coupled with a stronger second act, makes for an enjoyable evening that celebrates being a little different.

Young Frankenstein. photo by Amy Pasquantonio.

And speaking of legends who refuse to stay buried, Brooks celebrated his 100th birthday this year and is preparing to return onscreen in the long-awaited Spaceballs sequel in 2027. Apparently, a century of making people smile still isn’t enough for the comedy icon. May the Schwartz continue to be with him!

For anyone seeking a lighthearted escape into a world where strange is perfectly normal, The Wick’s Young Frankenstein offers an entertaining dose of theatrical madness. No lightning strike required.

Young Frankenstein runs through November 1, 2026, at The Wick Theatre & Costume Museum, 7901 N. Federal Highway, Boca Raton.

For tickets and additional information, visit www.thewick.org.