Musical Version of Young Frankenstein Almost Ready

Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan completed the first draft of their musicalization of the 1974 film Young Frankenstein back in September, which they began work on early in 2003, and now casting is almost complete. This month, there will a reading of the new musical, directed by Susan Stroman, who also directed Brooks and Meehan’s Broadway version of The Producers.

Taking over the role of Inga, originally portrayed by Teri Garr, will be Kristin Chenoweth. Shuler Hensley, from Broadway’s Tarzan, will play the Monster. Marc Kudisch, from Thoroughly Modern Millie, will portray Inspector Hans Wilhelm Friederich Kemp. Sutton Foster will take over the role of the doctor’s prim fiancée, created by the late Madeline Kahn. Roger Bart, from Broadway’s The Producers, will play the hunchback Igor (pronounced “EYE-gore”), originated by Marty Feldman. But best of all, Cloris Leachman will reprise her role of Frau Blucher. The role of the doctor has not been cast.

The musical will likely open in Chicago next summer 2007, moving on to Broadway in the fall.