34 MONTEREY COUNTY WEEKLY JUNE 25-JULY 1, 2026 www.montereycountynow.com ONSTAGE While Pacific Repertory Theatre can’t offer you an actual castle getaway, it can certainly take you for a trip—previewed by a long train ride into dark Transylvania landscapes, through the Romanian cities of Brasov and Sigishora, and by sleigh with a yodeling young local named Inga. How is that for a perfect summer escape? On this journey, you are accompanying a promising scientist, Frederick Frankenstein (Travis Poelle), who happens to be a grandson of the proper Frankenstein—Victor Frankenstein, the protagonist of Mary Shelley’s 1818 novel. Thanks to effective digital projection and lighting, it’s a fun, cinematic, almost 3-D-like ride. The creepy castle feels real and spacious, the sleigh ride couldn’t be more bumpy and the skies more ominous. Yes, the grandson will get to resurrect his own monster. The scene of creating this creature (played by Nick Mandracchia) on a huge, vertical platform—the operating table—is impressive. It shows the technical potential of the Founders Theatre stage. In Transylvania, Frederick, along with the audience, forgets about the world he left behind, including an annoying fiance, Elizabeth (Christiana Meeks). It’s hard to blame him. He meets charismatic Igor (Ethan McDaniel), arguably the wittiest and the funniest character in the musical, irresistible Inga (Sarah Gaudoin), who happens to have a degree in Laboratory Science from the local community college, and fascinating Frau Blucher (Donna Federico), who turns out to be Victor Frankenstein’s girlfriend. Mel Brooks’ genius brought Young Frankenstein to Broadway in 2007, following his 1978 movie under the same title. It was written as a parody of horrors, grotesquely combining two popular stories—that of Victor Frankenstein, who performed his dark arts in Bavaria, and of Dracula, a character invented by Bram Stoker in 1897. Transforming a comedy film into a musical was a brilliant move (Brooks did the same with The Producers), giving birth to a series of clever and entertaining songs, starting with such hits as “Welcome to Transylvania,” “Roll in the Hay” and the infamous and absurd “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” delivered by Frederick and the monster himself. Young Frankenstein 7:30pm Thursdays-Saturdays; 2pm Sundays through July 26. No show on Saturday, July 4. Founders Theatre, Golden Bough Playhouse, Monte Verde and 8th, Carmel. $8-$49. (831) 622-0100, pacrep.org. STEPHEN MOORER Monster Smash PacRep’s Young Frankenstein delights audiences with a fun cast and great set design. By Agata Popęda Nick Mandracchia (left) brings the legendary monster to life in the Mel Brooks musical adaptation, and meets a variety of characters including Gary Bolen as The Hermit, right. CITY OF MARINA REMINDS YOU TO… PROTECT OUR WATER AND WILDLIFE RECYCLE AND PICK UP LITTER! Artwork by Los Arboles Middle School Student Happy 4th of July! Voted BEST NEIGHBORHOOD MARKET and BEST BUTCHER SHOP Grove Market proudly carries only the freshest meats and produce. 242 Forest Avenue, Pacific Grove (831) 375-9581 Mon-Sat 8am-7pm • Sun 9am-6pm Time to BBQ!
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