Meet The Cast of Young Frankenstein

Each day leading up to opening night, a cast member from our 2015 Community Show Young Frankenstein the Musical will share why they auditioned, what they love about being in the show and their favourite parts of this must-see play.

Our 5th annual community show comes ALIVE at LFT April 16th to the 26th. For more information and to buy tickets, visit the Young Frankenstein event page here.

Linda Tate – Ensemble

1. Past shows at LFT: I’ve never done a show before.
2. Why did you choose to audition? I always wanted to be involved in theatre so I decided this would be a great chance.
3. What do you love so far about being in the production? Meeting new people and realizing the vast talent that’s in Norfolk County.
4. What is your favourite part of the play? I fell in love with the movie in 1974- this was a perfect opportunity to be a part of the musical, all of it is fabulous!
5. Who would you like to thank? Everyone in the production for their patience and support, and my friends and family.

Haley Schott – Ensemble

1. Past shows at LFT: Snow White– LFT’s Young Company. I played Florence the bird.
2. Why did you choose to audition? It seemed like a really fun show. My good friends, Chloe and Grace, were also auditioning and they got parts as well.
3. What do you love so far about being in the production? Watching everyone else act and play their characters because they’re really talented. All of their accents are on point.
4. What is your favourite part of the play? I love the dancing and the overall upbeat and happiness of the show.
5. Who would you like to thank? The cast and crew, especially Heather and Derek.

Robyn Robinson – Victor

1. Past shows at LFT: This is my 1st show wth LFT. I have done 2 shows at SLT, TV commercials & I have been involved in numerous other projects.
2. Why did you choose to audition? To be part of something by Mel Brooks, I couldn’t wait.
3. What do you love so far about being in the production? All the people in the production are great, I have made so many friends. I’ve also enjoyed working with such a professional group!
4. What is your favourite part of the play? I just love a kick line!!! The dance for Puttin’ on the Ritz.
5. Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank everyone on & off the stage. There are so many people involved to create such a first rate production. Thank you to you all!!!!

Madison Reid- Ensemble

1. Past shows at LFT: Debut with Young Frankenstein
2. Why did you choose to audition? Was in Anne of Green Gables-caught the theatre bug and cast members recommended auditioning for Young Frank.
3. What do you love so far about being in the production? The music!
4. What is your favourite part of the play? Puttin on the Ritz and The Brain, and working with a fabulous and talented cast.
5. Who would you like to thank? Derek, our wonderful director, Tony, Michelle, Jan, and Kiri-Lynn as as well as all the behind the scenes people who have worked hard to put together this show.

Kristin Reid – Elizabeth

1. Past shows at LFT: The Drowsy Chaperone
2. Why did you choose to audition? I was in Drowsy and really enjoyed it. I went to school for music and love to sing and dance. This is the best way to do that, it’s a very fun atmosphere.
3. What do you love so far about being in the production? It challenges me to play a role that I wouldn’t normally play. Elizabeth is a lot more outgoing and obnoxious than I am. I had to push limits in terms of my behaviours and what I say/how I say them. It’s been a learning curve.
4. What is your favourite part of the play? Puttin on the Ritz the glitz and glam of it and the fact that the monster is ridiculous!
5. Who would you like to thank? Heather- she keeps us on top of things, Derek- for his creative mind, insight and in very few words he says exactly what needs to be said. Thank you to Kiri-Lynn for her fun and exciting choreography, to Michelle and Tony for their musical direction, and to my loving and supportive fiancée, Paul.

Brian Reichheld – Inspector Kemp

1. Past shows at LFT: The Drowsy Chaperone and basically every other community show at LFT!
2. Why did you choose to audition? I’m a veteran of community theatre, and let’s face it, everyone loves Mel Brooks! Plus, I wanted to work with my wife (Heather) and my theatre family.
3. What do you love so far about being in the production? I get to dance with a wooden leg, fits my dancing abilities to a T!
4. What is your favourite part of the play? The cheesy Mel Brooks humour, and of course Richard Dupp- he’s one of the reasons I keep coming back!
5. Who would you like to thank? Heather, Derek and the whole production crew.

Murray Porteous – Ziggy (The Village Idiot)

1. Past shows at LFT: First show at LFT.
2. Why did you choose to audition? My wife and I spent New Years’ Eve with some friends and we all wrote a list of ten things we wanted to accomplish this year and put them away to read again next New Years’ Eve. This play was not on my list. I don’t think Jennifer believed I was actually going to audition until I was going out the door, but the Young Frankenstein movie released in 1968 was a favourite movie of mine as a kid and I thought it might be fun to try out. Besides, we can live our entire lives doing what we know we can do well and feel quite comfortable, but where’s the fun in that?
3. Who would you like to thank? It has been an honour and privilege to have worked with such a talented and dedicated group of professionals and volunteers – thank you for your patience.

Christina Medeiros – Ensemble

1. Past shows at LFT: First show at LFT.
2. Why did you choose to audition? J.P. (aka Dr. Fronkensteen) came in and said I should be in a play- and I said yes, that’s exactly what I want to do!
3. What do you love so far about being in the production? How it gives me the ability to express my creativity and wild energy that I tend to possess.
4. What is your favourite part of the play? I love the choreography in Transylvania Mania,I like playing Elizabeth Darling- it’s all great, really!
5. Who would you like to thank? Derek and Kiri-Lynn for being wacky and cool and masters of their domain! I feel honoured to have this opportunity to work with such creative people.

Susan LaBone – Ensemble

1. Past shows at LFT: The Drowsy Chaperone
2. Why did you choose to audition? I had never seen the musical but I’ve always loved the movie and thought it would be fun to be part of this production.
3. What do you love so far about being in the production? The challenge of learning many dance routines and harmonies.
4. What is your favourite part of the play? My favourite character is Igor. This role is physically taxing for Richard Dupp but he always gives 100% at rehearsals.
5. Who would you like to thank? The whole production team and of course Derek who gives us so much positive feedback. It’s a nurturing environment that brings out the best in everyone.

Xochilt Kiernan – Ensemble

1. Past shows at LFT: Snow White with the Young Company, and other youth programs.
2. Why did you choose to audition? My 1st step to conquer the world!!
3. What do you love so far about being in the production? When we made mistakes at rehearsal.
4. What is your favourite part of the play? It’s gotta be a SURPRISE.
5. Who would you like to thank? I would like to thank my brothers, Thomas and Daniel, even though they are major pains in the butt- without them I wouldn’t have known my passion for acting!

Michael Fitzgerald – Ensemble

1. Past shows at LFT: First appearance.
2. Why did you choose to audition? I wanted to return to the theatre and thought this would be a great opportunity. I used to be involved in the 80s, but haven’t done anything in a long time.
3. What do you love so far about being in the production? Great cast, great crew and a super director (don’t tell him that). I’m learning a lot!
4. What is your favourite part of the play? Puttin on the Ritz– It’s going to be pretty spectacular when they’re all in costume and dancing- the choreograhpy is amazing!
5. Who would you like to thank? Derek, in particular, and the whole crew.

Richard Dupp- Igor

1. Past shows at LFT: (in reverse order) – The Drowsy Chaperone, The Odd Couple, Nurse Jane Goes To Hawaii, Rumors, Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat, and Jesus Christ Superstar.
2. Why did you choose to audition? A classic Mel Brooks farce! Irresistible!
3. What do you love about being in the production? A cast is a family. Great to be with old friends and make new ones.
4. What is your favourite part of the play? Transylvania Mania despite the fact that it almost kills me every time we perform it.
5. Who would you like to thank? Derek, the entire cast, and crew for all the laughs!

Darleen Degrieck – Frau Blucher

1. Past shows at LFT: Nurse Jane Goes to Hawaii, The Odd Couple, and The Drowsy Chaperone
2. Why did you choose to audition? I just love taking part in the journey from script to stage. Also, Derek Ritschel is the best.
3. What do you love about being in the production? It’s amazing to witness what this wacky bunch of sweethearts pull out of their hearts and heads and throw on stage…
4. What is your favourite part of the play? “Together Again” with Fred & Igor, Inga & Igor’s whip cracking, the wild and crazy energy of “Family Business” and of course Frau’s bent stare and bold remarks.
5. Who would you like to thank? I thank the brilliant cast and crew, Derek, Heather, Jan, Michelle & Tony, Sally and Kiri-Lynn for their guidance and hard work, and my kids as always, for their support, tolerance and love.

Grace Davis – Ensemble

1. Past shows at LFT: The Drowsy Chaperone
2. Why did you choose to audition? I had just finished Anne of Green Gables at The Simcoe Little Theatre and was looking for another opportunity to act and sing. I knew that working with Derek would be a hoot.
3. What do you love about being in the production? I enjoy being in this production because I know every rehearsal there will be something new to laugh about. I get to work with a great cast who are like family to me.
4. What is your favourite part of the play? My favourite character is Igor. It’s hard not to laugh when he’s on stage.
5. Who would you like to thank? I’d like to thank Derek for making this show the cheesiest it can be and to Heather and the rest of the crew who continue to inspire me each day.

Carmen Davis – Inga

1. Past shows at LFT: The Drowsy Chaperone and The Famous Five
2. Why did you choose to audition? This play is outrageously funny – I had to be a part of it!
3. What do you love about being in the production? I like to sing and dance and wear red lipstick. This production allows me to do all three without any inhibitions.
4. What is your favourite part of the play? Playing the seductress Inga is a dream come true. My favourite part in the show is singing Roll in the Hay and although challenging, I get to yodel a few times. Who could ask for anything more?
5. Who would you like to thank? I need to thank my family for all their support, my friends who think I’m crazy but love me anyway and of course my darling director, Derek who was able to see my inner Inga.

Chloe Craig – Ensemble

1. Past shows at LFT: The Drowsy Chaperone
2. Why did you choose to audition? I was in Drowsy last year and loved having Derek as a director. I auditioned because I couldn’t miss an opportunity to work with Derek and the rest of the LFT crew again.
3. What do you love about being in the production? The cast is wonderful, so fun to work with, and always so encouraging and kind. The show is a lot of fun to perform as well.
4. What is your favourite part of the play? I love the numbers ‘Join the Family Buisness’ and ‘Transylvania Mania’.
5. Who would you like to thank? Derek, Heather and the whole LFT crew for working as hard as the actors, my parents for being so supportive, and the talented cast for always making me smile and pushing me to do my best.

Doug Ballantyne- Monster

1. Past shows at LFT: The Drowsy Chaperone
2. Why did you choose to audition? I was in last year’s show- the crowning jewel in my big dumb guy career!
3. What do you like so far about being in the production? Working with the cast and crew. Plus, the script is hilarious.
4. What is your favourite part of the show? Puttin on the Ritz.
5. Who would you like to thank? My wife, son and father.

Maddie Ball – Ensemble

1. Past shows at LFT: The Drowsy Chaperone
2. Why did you choose to audition? I was in Drowsy with Derek and loved having him as a director. I decided I had to be in it because I had such a great time last year.
3. What do you like so far about being in the production? The cast are great to work with and make it really fun. Everyone is supportive and wonderful. Kiri-Lynn’s choreography is always a lot of fun, too.
4. What is your favourite part of the show? I love the song Puttin’ on the Ritz.
5. Who would you like to thank? Both my parents for being very supportive, for driving me to rehearsals and listening to me practice my songs. Heather, Derek, Jan, – everyone!

J.P. Antonacci – Frederick Frankenstein

1. Past shows at LFT: This is my LFT debut.
2. Why did you choose to audition? I loved Drowsy at LFT last year and knew this was a place I wanted to perform. I like making new friends and letting the zany side of my personality out on stage. And I couldn’t have asked for a zanier show!
3. What do you like so far about being in the production? My castmates continuously wow me. It’s such a treat to share the stage with so many funny and talented performers.
4. What is your favourite part of the show? There are some truly terrible jokes that still make me laugh even after months of hearing them. That’s a good sign, I hope!
5: Who would you like to thank? Big thanks to Derek, Heather and the production team for giving me this opportunity and for the many hours they put in behind the scenes to make the show, and the overall experience, special.