Darold Rose sums up the latest year-end production of the Canadian College of Performing Arts in four words: “Very funny, very naughty.”
But Rose’s ability to produce and choreograph not one but two Broadway productions of Young Frankenstein with 70 of his students is no laughing matter.
As one of Mel Brooks’ greatest comedic feats, Frankenstein will take over the McPherson Playhouse this month (Apr. 24 to 26) for three evenings of Broadway-style hilarity, which Rose promises will be “monstrously good entertainment.”
“I call it a mad-cap comedy. It spoofs and parodies all the Frankenstein movies and horror films you’ve ever seen,” he says. “The famous scene from the movie is where Dr. Frankenstein tries to prove the monster isn’t scary. … He’s literally dancing with a cane and top hat singing, Putting on the Ritz.”
Previous year-end productions from CCPA students have included broadway classics like Footloose and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
This year’s show is double-cast, which means Rose will be directing 35 new students from the first night to the next, during production.
“If you came two nights in a row, you’d see a totally different set of leads in the show,” he says.
CCPA has groomed some impressive talent over the years, from Call Me Maybe golden child Carly Rae Jepsen (who is reviving her stage roots in the current Broadway production of Roger & Hammerstein’s Cinderella) to Broadway casting director Duncan Stewart. The college also boasts that 80 per cent of its graduates find professional contract work in their field upon graduation.
Rose said Frankenstein offers the ideal opportunity to witness the raw talent working tirelessly in Victoria to keep the arts pulse beating strong.
“It’s going to be a perfect spring comedy to get everybody out, and we intend on having a great time with the show,” he says. “It’s a chance to see these great, talented students showcase their skills. We have some awesome people in the leads, and they can sing like nobody’s business.”
Tickets start at $30 ($25/students and seniors) are available at the Royal McPherson box office.
Young Frankenstein is on April 24 to 26 rmts.bc.ca or call 250-386-6121