The monster musical Young Frankenstein had its much-awaited Broadway opening on Thursday night, complete with a superstar-studded audience. In the house was the great Gene Wilder, who co-wrote and starred in the 1974 film on which the show is based and who joined the legendary Mel Brooks — the musical’s creator (and film co-author and director) — on stage for the curtain call.
Celebrating after the performance was the show’s supremely talented cast, including Roger Bart (Frederick Frankenstein), Sutton Foster (Inga), and Christopher Fitzgerald (Igor)…
…Emmy Award winner Megan Mullally, who makes a triumphant return to the Great White Way as Frederick’s “madcap fiancée” Elizabeth…
…the incredibly brilliant Andrea Martin, who steals the show as the fearsome Frau Blucher…
…the sublime Shuler Hensley, out of his monster makeup, with his lovely wife, Paula…
…and the woman behind it all, director-choreographer Susan Stroman.
The first-night throng included some of Hollywood’s funniest folks, including Tony Award winner Billy Crystal…
….the hilarious Martin Short, who starred in the L.A. company of Brooks’ The Producers and was a member of SCTV with Andrea Martin…
… and Oscar winner Goldie Hawn, too long absent from the big screen.
Also on hand for the opening were the beautiful Natalie Portman, who will be seen on the big screen this month in Mr. Magorium’s Wonder Emporium…
…the legendary Elaine Stritch, who will return to the Café Carlyle in January…
…former Gilmore Girls star Lauren Graham…
…fan favorite David Hasselhoff, who played Roger DeBris in the Las Vegas production of The Producers…
…the talented Brad Oscar, who played both Max Bialystock and Franz Liebkind in the Broadway production of The Producers…
…and perennial Broadway booster Rosie O’Donnell, who co-starred with Mullally in the 1994 revival of Grease.
For TheaterMania’s review of Young Frankenstein, click here.