Young Frankenstein (2024 Teen Show)
British Players Names Young Frankenstein 1st Runner-up in a Musical
Congratulations to the cast and crew of Young Frankenstein, The Talent Machine Company’s summer 2024 teen show, which earned a Ruby Griffith Award from The British Players. The production was named First Runner-up in the Musical Category, earning this recognition in competition with adult theater companies throughout the Washington, Northern Virginia and Marylant region.
The British Players announced the winners of their 2024–2025 Ruby Griffith Awards program on May 3, honoring excellence in community theater. According to the Company, this year’s awards highlight exceptional performances in both musicals and plays, recognizing the dedication, creativity, and talent of local theater companies.
In addition, Young Frankenstein earned rave reviews in the MD Theatre Guide last year when critic, Sue Tilberry called out “the energy and freshness of the young cast” and said “this production is one to remember.”
Ms. Tilberry praised the direction, singing, choreography, the leads, ensemble, lighting, costuming, and the fun and surprising details that set this show apart.
Highlights from the full review:
~~ Cast member Matthew Earl as Frederick Frankenstein “evolves into a righteous, mad scientist…his voice is clear and beautiful, even after all the yelling and mad laugther required of the part.”
~~ Madison Knoppel as Frankenstein’s fiancé, Elizabeth, “has less stage time but makes up for it by her huge, booming voice and captivating presence.”
~~ Austin Starkey as Igor, is “a fluid imp who flaps about the stage like a bat, popping up from behind and between actors with humpy zeal.”
~~ Inga, played by Lily Abbott, “is excellently innocent and vampy at the same time.”
~~ Caroline O’Neil as Frau Blucher “does Cloris Leachman proud as the insane, Teutonic housekeeper who prods the good doctor to take up his grandfather’s work.”
~~ As for the monster himself, Jackson Holt “is terrific as he stumbles about the stage, grunting.” She also compliments his “admirable” dancing in “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” where he taps across the stage in six-inch platform shoes.
~~ Other notable performances come from Ford Warner as Inspector Kemp and Nicholas Landerkin as the hermit.
Tilberry enjoyed the “wildly energetic tap dance number ‘Puttin’ on the Ritz'” and the full-cast dance and production details in “Join the Family Business.”
In her final summary, Tilberry wrote:
“The quality of children’s theater in the Annapolis area will give you a glimpse of the stars of the future and a great night’s entertainment at a reasonable price. Add perfect comic timing, random wolf attacks, frightened and neighing horses, and an armed and angry mob , and The Talent Machine Company’s Young Frankenstein provides a full night of summer fun.”
Young Frankenstein Cast
Frederick Frankenstein: Matthew Earl
Elizabeth Benning: Madi Knoppel
Igor: Austin Starkey
Inga: Lily Abbott
Frau Blucher: Caroline O’Neil
The Monster: Jackson Holt
Inspector Kemp: Ford Warner
Hermit / Ensemble: Nicholas Landerkin
Victor / Ensemble: Anthony Shaffer
Ziggy / Ensemble: Paige O’Neil
Ensemble:
Campbell Banks
Luke Compher
Gabbi Daniel
McKinley Davey
Jasmine Dominguez-Taco
Austin Hochard
Anabella King
Jackson Linnell
Brayden McDowell
Ryan Reed
JJ Reida
Kate Roberts
Bella Rosa
Reagan Scott
Ivy Van Wormer
