It's Alive! 'Young Frankenstein' Opens This Weekend

Woodland Hills High School's spring musical "Young Frankenstein" is coming alive beginning this weekend!

The school's department of performing arts presents the show on April 26 and 27, and May 2 to May 4 at 8 p.m. Saturday matinees will be at 1. Tickets cost $12.

The New Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein is based on the 1974 comedy film of the same name written by Brooks and Gene Wilder.

A parody of the horror film genre, this monster new musical is comedy in which Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, a young neurosurgeon, inherits the Transylvanian castle of his grandfather, the famous Dr. Victor von Frankenstein. 

Senior Marika Countouris is playing the role of Elizabeth Benning, Frederick Frankenstein's fiancee.   

"She only likes Frankenstein because he adores her," Countouris said. "She's way out there—a diva.

"It's been a challenge for me because it's different than anything I've done before, but it's definitely a lot of fun."

Senior Dan Herrle has a similarly comedic part in villain Inspector Kemp.

"I have a strong German accent. It's a challenge, but I really like it," he said.

Woodland Hills musical actors, crew and performances are notorious for their Gene Kelly Awards nominations and wins. Countouris was nominated for the best actress award two years ago for her portrayal of Christine in the "Phantom of the Opera."

"I've been really lucky to be a part of the musicals," she said. "You meet so many talented people through the program.

"This show is off the wall, and I want to go out there with my castmates and do my best for these last shows. It'll be fun no matter what happens."

Herrle said he hopes the audience sees everyone's hard work over the last six months come alive on stage.

"It's a Woodland Hills production, so you won't be disappointed," he said.

Tickets

Tickets can be purchased at the door, by calling 412-244-1100, ext. 5187, or by emailing WHMusicalTickets@gmail.com. The box office is open from 6 to 8 p.m. on Tuesdays and Thursdays, and from 2:30 to 4:30 p.m. on Wednesdays.

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