Review: Loxen Entertainment’s ‘Young Frankenstein’ Is Alive At The Colony Theatre

Loxen Entertainment revives its “Young Frankenstein” at the Colony Theatre in Miami Beach through Sunday, Oct. 19. They previously produced the musical in 2023 at the Manuel Artime Theater. (Photo courtesy of Loxen Productions)

An old favorite gets a fresh treatment with Loxen Entertainment’s production of “Young Frankenstein,” now at the Colony Theatre in Miami Beach.

“Young Frankenstein” is a musical adaptation of the 1974 Mel Brooks beloved, classic comedy, which was written by Brooks and Gene Wilder, who played the title role. It’s a hilarious send-up of not only the cinematic Frankenstein franchise, but the genre of monster movies made by Universal Pictures in the 1930s.

Benjamin Leon IV as Dr. Frankenstein and Javi Cabrera as The Monster in Loxen Productions’ “Young Frankenstein” at the Colony Theatre, Miami Beach through Sunday, Oct. 19. (Photo courtesy of Loxen Productions)

Brooks brought “Young Frankenstein” to Broadway in 2007, six years after his success with “The Producers,” hoping that his monster musical, too, would be a hit.

The plot follows the movie closely, but the musical numbers, written by Brooks, give the story bounce and buoyancy. The original Broadway production garnered mixed reviews and earned four Tony Award nominations. The show is now a popular choice for regional theaters, especially around Halloween.

Young Dr. Frederick Frankenstein (pronounced Frankensteen by the good doctor) has a brilliant career as a medical professor in New York City, along with a narcissistic bombshell of a fiancé named Elizabeth. And while he’s not above singing a rousing, rhapsodic tribute to the human brain in the delightful and linguistically challenging opening number, he is definitely the straight man in the lunacy of the world around him.

Frederick goes to Transylvania to settle his notorious grandfather’s estate – Grandpa Victor was the one who brought a dead man back to life, an act that Frederick abhors. He meets Igor, grandson of Victor’s trusty servant; Inga, a comely, curvaceous lab assistant, and Frau Blucher – cue horse whinny – the castle’s housekeeper. And even though Frederick is disgusted by his grandfather’s obsession with playing God, he soon follows in grandpa’s footsteps, determined to prove that he can reanimate a dead man as an intelligent being.

Loxen’s production of “Young Frankenstein” is impressive. They use the Colony Theatre’s large stage to great effect, with scenic designers Pedro Balmaseda and Jorge Noa creating a spooky, cavernous castle that looks as if it goes on forever.  Special kudos to the designers for the creative, floaty pillars at the start of the second act. And Loxen must have spent a small fortune on dry ice to create the foggy atmosphere needed to ground “Young Frankenstein” in the right place and time.

Scenic designers Pedro Balmaseda and Jorge Noa created a spooky, cavernous castle that creates atmosphere on stage at the Colony Theatre, Miami Beach, in Loxen Entertainment’s “Young Frankenstein.” (Photo courtesy of Loxen Productions)

That all literally sets the stage for the talented cast to do their stuff. Benjamin Leon IV plays Frederick Frankenstein with wit and charisma. Leon is a likable everyman plopped in the midst of unusual circumstances and displays physical and theatrical agility. Leon makes it fun to watch his Frederick go from mild-mannered professor to mad scientist.

Corey Vega shines as Igor, Frederick’s loyal servant. The handsome young actor disappears under Igor’s cloak and hump, creating a lovably creepy character, who delivers some of the best lines in the show with wicked glee.

Benjamin Leon IV stars as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein in “Young Frankenstein.”
(Photo courtesy of Loxen Productions)

As Inga, Daniella Alexis Santos beautifully balances her character’s innocence and overt feminine charms. She also has a lovely, soaring voice, and amazing gymnastic prowess, both of which are used fully on her first act song, “Roll in the Hay.”

As Frau Blucher. Irene Gonzalez achieves the near impossible – she takes a classic character indelibly associated with the original actress – the film’s Cloris Leachman – and makes it her own creation. Gonzalez’s methodical, robotic movements, her grimace every time she hears a horse whinny, her performance of Frau Blucher’s big number, “He Vas My Boyfriend,” are all glimmers of brilliance.   In real life, Gonzalez sports a shaven head and the decision to leave it bare was an inspired choice, one that imbues Frau Blucher with a greater sense of mystery and turns a mundane moment toward the end of the show into a hilarious sight gag.

Daniella Alexis Santos as Inga in a seductive scene with Benjamin Leon IV as Dr. Frankenstein in Loxen Entertainment’s production of “Young Frankenstein” at the Colony Theatre. (Photo courtesy of Loxen Productions)

Javi Cabrera is terrific as The Monster. Cabrera has a tough job – not only must he act under heavy makeup and other accoutrements that create The Monster’s look, but his character must evolve in a very short time. Cabrera’s halting walk, his emotive grunts, and later, his impressive tap-dancing moves add up to one endearing monster.

Fabiana Cueto plays self-absorbed Elizabeth to the hilt, reinterpreting all the typical bombshell cliches to great effect, especially on her first act number, “Please Don’t Touch Me.”

Craig Dearr is impressive in dual roles, as that Inspector suspicious of the goings on now that a Frankenstein is back in the castle, but especially as the lonely blind man who offers hospitality to The Monster. The large ensemble is a hard-working bunch, whether they are playing angry villagers or tap dancers.

The talented cast is matched by a team of designers who bring the show to life. Beth Fath’s costume design, especially her BDSM-inspired look for Frau Blucher, are inventive and playful. Amanda Enriquez’s hair and makeup design, so crucial to “Young Frankenstein,” are spot on. Imran Hylton’s choreography throughout the show, but especially on the showstopping “Puttin’ On the Ritz” tap number, keeps the action moving and adds the needed razzle-dazzle.

Loxen Entertainment’s production of “Young Frankenstein” is a delightfully raucous romp through and old classic story.

WHAT:  “Young Frankenstein”

WHERE:  The Colony Theatre, 1040 Lincoln Rd., Miami Beach

WHEN:  8 p.m. Friday and Saturday; 2 p.m. Sunday; through Oct. 19.

COST:  Friday and Sunday: $50, $60, and $70. Saturday and Sunday: $35, $71, and $83.

INFORMATION: 305-674-1040 or loxen.org.

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