Sept. 30, 2025
Contact Dan Pivovar at daniel.pivovar@gmail.com
LA CROSSE, Wis. – It’s alive—and absolutely hilarious! The Viterbo University Conservatory for the Performing Arts will present the monstrously funny The Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein Thursday, Oct. 9–Sunday, Oct. 12 in the Fine Arts Center Main Theatre.
“The musical is the classic Mel Brooks movie brought to life on stage,” said Viterbo student Connor Martin, who plays the role of Dr. Frederick Frankenstein. “All the outrageous comedy, wild characters, and everyone’s favorite moments are here, but with the added energy of live music, dancing, and big Broadway-style numbers. Audiences can look forward to detailed costumes, unique set pieces, and plenty of theatrical surprises that make the story come alive in a whole new way.”
Like the film, the Young Frankenstein musical is a loving comedic parody of the classic horror film genre and the glitz and glam of old Hollywood, explained Dan Pivovar, the director of this Viterbo production. It is filled with huge dance numbers including tap and soft shoe, and he described the music as classic musical theatre.
“Young Frankenstein has Mel Brooks’s iconic humor mixed lightning-fast wordplay, but with all great comedies, the absurdity masks some surprisingly human truths—about legacy, romance, identity, and the eternal struggle to persevere despite the doubts of others,” Pivovar said. “Whether you’re a longtime fan or new to the world of Dr. Frankenstein, we hope you will laugh loudly, cheer wildly, and leave the theatre just a little more alive.”
Pivovar said he has been amazed at the talent, dedication, and professionalism of the cast and crew.
“It’s one thing to be a great actor, singer, dancer, or comedian, but to do all four throughout an entire large-scale production is very difficult,” he said. “These students are like seasoned veterans and seemingly handle it with ease. It has been a huge privilege to serve as director.”
Pivovar is joined by music director Janette Hanson and choreographer Emily Craver. In addition to Connor Martin, this production also stars Viterbo students Isaac Glen as The Monster, Angel Hernadez as Igor, Gigi Marceille as Inga, Claire Capra as Elizabeth Benning, Helen Riddle as Frau Blücher, and Braeden Jackson as Inspector Kemp.
“Rehearsals have been a blast,” Martin said. “This cast has so much chemistry, and we’re constantly cracking each other up while putting the show together. Since day one, the process has been collaborative, educational, and positive. I can’t wait to finally share it with an audience starting on October 9.”
Young Frankenstein is recommended for ages 13 and older for language, mature humor, sexual content, and innuendo. Strobe lights and pyrotechnical devices will be used in this production.
Music and lyrics are by Mel Brooks. Book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan. It is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI). All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI. www.mtishows.com.
Performance times are 7:30 p.m. Oct. 9–11 and 2 p.m. Oct. 12. An American Sign Language viewing section will be available at the Friday, Oct. 10 show. Tickets are $28 for main floor and lower balcony and $22 for upper balcony seating, plus taxes and fees. For more information or to order tickets, contact the Viterbo box office at 608-796-3100 or visit www.viterbo.edu/tickets.
Photo: Viterbo students Connor Martin as Dr. Frankenstein, Gigi Marceille as Inga, and Angel Hernandez as Igor.
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