TURNERS FALLS — In the wake of a dark period for mental wellness brought on by the COVID-19 pandemic, the Ja’Duke Center for the Performing Arts production of “Young Frankenstein” looks to bring back smiles this weekend.
With a slew of new equipment and only six full shows held prior to the pandemic at the 110 Industrial Blvd. theater that was completed in September 2019, “Young Frankenstein” will be somewhat of a test run, Ja’Duke Vice President Nick Waynelovich said. Ja’Duke’s staff members hope the show will leave the audience with not only a lighter heart, but a sense of marvel after seeing what the theater is capable of.
When trying to decide what kind of show he should welcome back theater lovers with, Waynelovich knew at least one component was crucial.
“There was one thing we felt extremely strong about: we need comedy,” said Waynelovich, who is also a producer and director of the “Young Frankenstein” show.
Adapted from Mel Brooks’ 1974 film, “Young Frankenstein” is a horror-comedy musical where Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, the grandson of mad scientist Victor Frankenstein, inherits his family’s estate and takes up his grandfather’s necromantic project. From there, the plot rolls into a risqué storyline of humor and romance as Frankenstein’s monster escapes to the countryside.
Aside from being the funny show that Ja’Duke wanted to put on, Waynelovich said its science-fiction nature is ideal to show off what the theater can do with its improved facility and technology.
“We’re finally to the point where we know what our theater is capable of,” he said. “This is probably one of the hardest shows I’ve done in the past 10 years.”
The highlight of the production is the “flying Frankenstein table,” which uses what Waynelovich said is the “only true fly system in Franklin County.” Ja’Duke will also employ fire-retardant print backdrops designed by local retired performer Dave Neil to provide vivid, realistic settings, as opposed to using traditional painted backdrops.
“There’s beautiful sets,” ensemble member David Vinton said. “It’s pretty cool and I’m excited for the community to come see it.”
Additionally, nearly all props and set pieces are designed and constructed on-site. The action takes place on the new 5,000-square-foot spring-floored stage and its expanded sideplay areas.
“It’s been a lot of fun bringing this show to the stage because there’s so many elements,” Waynelovich said.
The staff at Ja’Duke hopes their new theater, which can accommodate 535 people, can foster a renewed sense of togetherness. For the staff and 40-member cast themselves, reuniting to put on the show has brought back the missed feeling of camaraderie.
“It’s the sort of event you couldn’t do prior to now because you have so many people who need to meet together,” said Waynelovich’s daughter, Kim Williams, who is Ja’Duke’s president and majority owner, as well as a producer and lighting director for the “Young Frankenstein” production.
“Young Frankenstein” shows will be held this Saturday at 7 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m., as well as on Aug. 20 at 7 p.m., Aug. 21 at 7 p.m. and Aug. 22 at 2 p.m. Tickets are available online at bit.ly/2Uf1QTW. The price is $15 for adults and $12 for children and seniors.
Reach Julian Mendoza at 413-772-0261, ext. 261 or jmendoza@recorder.com.