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"Young Frankenstein" cast rehearse for the play.
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Cast members try on custom masks.
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Alumni Perform in 'Young Frankenstein' Musical

July 29, 2015

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MACOMB, IL — Western Illinois University alumni are taking an active role in assisting with the new Mel Brooks "Young Frankenstein" musical at the Orpheum Theatre in Galesburg, IL.

"Young Frankenstein" focuses on the grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein, Frederick Frankenstein, inheriting his family's estate in Transylvania. Fredrick ends up finding himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors as he brings to life a rival of his grandfather.

The cast has been preparing the entire summer for the play, which premiered the weekend of July 24.

The director of "Young Frankenstein," Katy Robinson, has been working very hard to ensure the play is of quality.

"It has been very hard and fun at the same time. It's hard to work with 30 people's schedules. There are conflicts and people want to go on vacation and have fun during the summer," Robinson stated. "It is also very fun bringing the characters to life and being unique within the play."

Some of WIU's alumni have been a big help to the play, as actors and behind-the-scenes crew.

Doug Menke (Roseville, IL), who graduated with a major in communications and a minor in theatre in 1992 from Western, is playing "The Monster" in the musical. Menke is also employed as an instructional technology systems manager for University Technology.

In 2009, Menke received a Special Commendation for the role of Ivan by the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival for his performance in "Dearborn Americana," a play written by theatre alumnus Christian Krauspe (Hollywood, CA), which was produced at Western in 2008.

The play's costume designer is Shari Robinson. She studied theatre and graduated in 1995. Robinson is also Katy Robinson's mother.

Cody Cunningham (Keokuk, IA) is the musical director. He graduated from WIU in 2011 with a bachelor of arts degree. Lily Blouin (Galesburg, IL) is the choreographer. She earned a bachelor's degree in musical theatre in 2011 and graduated with a master's degree in history in 2014.

Admission for the play is $16 for adults and $10 for those college-aged or under. For anyone who wants to sit in the Mezzanine, the cost is $20.

The play will run from 7:30-9:30 p.m. both July 31 and Aug. 1. On Sunday, Aug. 2 the play will start at 2 p.m.

For additional information, visit prairieplayers.com/

Posted By: Erika D Davis (WIUNews@wiu.edu)
Office of University Communications & Marketing