By AJ Jaffari
What happens when Mel Brooks unleashes his unmistakable brand of comedy on one of cinema’s greatest horror stories?
Young Frankenstein at Broadway Sacramento’s Music Circus is a gloriously ridiculous celebration of classic movie monsters, Broadway spectacle, and unabashed silliness. Based on Mel Brooks’ beloved 1974 film, the musical lovingly spoofs the Frankenstein story while packing in witty one-liners, outrageous characters, and a score that’s just as entertaining as the comedy itself. It’s the kind of musical that asks audiences to leave logic at the door—and simply enjoy the ride.
Following the reluctant Dr. Frederick Frankenstein as he inherits his infamous grandfather’s Transylvanian estate, the show quickly spirals into a whirlwind of misunderstood monsters, eccentric servants, and unforgettable musical numbers. Music Circus embraces the larger-than-life nature of the material, delivering a production that’s every bit as bold, energetic, and delightfully over-the-top as audiences could hope for.
I always look forward to making the trip to Broadway Sacramento’s Music Circus, and Young Frankenstein reminded me exactly why. This venue has a remarkable way of presenting large-scale musicals in an intimate setting, and this production was no exception. From the opening number until the final curtain, I found myself laughing, smiling, and completely swept up in Mel Brooks’ wonderfully absurd world. It’s one of those musicals that never apologizes for how goofy it is—and honestly, that’s exactly what makes it work so well.
The cast was exceptional across the board, but a few performances particularly stood out. Ben Dibble was outstanding as Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, bringing commanding stage presence, effortless charisma, and a terrific voice to the role. He balanced Brooks’ signature comedy with enough sincerity to make you genuinely root for the character throughout his increasingly ridiculous journey.
Lesli Margherita was nothing short of flawless as Frau Blücher (neigh!). Having had the privilege of seeing her on Broadway in Gypsy as Tessie Tura, I already knew she possessed extraordinary comedic instincts, but she somehow managed to exceed my expectations yet again. Her timing was impeccable, her physical comedy was fearless, and she fully embraced every wonderfully goofy moment the role had to offer. She was an absolute joy to watch.
Kirsten Scott also impressed tremendously as Elizabeth. Her vocals were spectacular, and she brought a confident stage presence that made every entrance feel like an event. She handled both the comedy and musical demands of the role beautifully, delivering one standout moment after another.
The production elements were equally impressive. Glenn Casale once again demonstrated why he’s one of the strongest directors working in musical theatre today. The pacing never lagged, and every comedic beat landed exactly where it needed to.
Sara Edwards’ choreography was bright, energetic, and perfectly suited to Brooks’ brand of humor. Every number felt polished while maintaining the playful spirit that defines the show.
Visually, the production was a feast. Christian Johnson and Jamie Kumpf’s scenic design was grand without overwhelming the unique Music Circus stage, creating an appropriately cinematic world for the story to unfold. Milton Cordero’s projection design added another layer of atmosphere and helped seamlessly transport the audience through the show’s many locations.
Mary Folino’s costumes were another highlight, capturing the exaggerated personalities of each character while honoring the classic horror aesthetic. And I have to give special recognition to Destinee Steele’s wig design. Quite honestly, these were the best wigs I’ve seen all season—beautifully crafted and perfectly styled for every character on stage.
Young Frankenstein is exactly the kind of musical that reminds us how much fun live theatre can be. Filled with laugh-out-loud comedy, powerhouse performances, and spectacular production values, Broadway Sacramento has another hit on its hands. Whether you’re a longtime fan of the film or discovering the story for the first time, this production is monstrously entertaining. I can’t recommend it enough.
Young Frankenstein runs through July 19 and tickets are available here.
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