Young Frankenstein
Young Frankenstein: The Musical, a monstrously funny celebration of comedy, science, and spectacular song and dance. Based on Mel Brooks’ legendary comedy, this musical follows the brilliant, and easily flustered, Dr. Frederick Frankenstein as he inherits his infamous grandfather’s estate and is drawn into a hilariously chaotic experiment of his own.
Packed with outrageous humor, unforgettable characters, and show-stopping musical numbers, Young Frankenstein blends classic monster-movie parody with big Broadway energy. Audiences will delight in the clever dialogue, over-the-top performances, and a story that proves lau
Photos courtesy of Martin Seelig, Catchlight Galleryghter is truly alive. Whether you’re a longtime fan of Mel Brooks or discovering the tale for the first time, this musical is a frightfully good time for all.
Director’s Note
Welcome to Young Frankenstein the Musical! As the director of this production, I am thrilled to bring this hilarious and monstrous tale to life on the stage. Inspired by Mel Brooks’ iconic film, this musical adaptation promises to take you on a wild and outrageous journey filled with laughter, heart, and a touch of the macabre. At its core, Young Frankenstein explores the timeless themes of identity, acceptance, and the pursuit of one’s dreams. Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, our brilliant yet eccentric protagonist, embarks on a madcap adventure as he grapples with his family legacy and strives to create a legacy of his own. Join us on this mad scientist’s journey, as we delve into the joys and perils of scientific exploration and self-discovery. Young Frankenstein the Musical is a celebration of the theatrical experience itself, filled with uproarious comedic moments and heartfelt scenes. Through laughter and music, we aim to ignite your imagination and leave you with a renewed sense of wonder and joy. I extend my heartfelt gratitude to the cast, crew, and creative team for their dedication and boundless creativity. Together, we honor the spirit of Mel Brooks’ film while adding our own flair and excitement to this production. Lastly, I thank you, our cherished audience, for your presence and support. Young Frankenstein the Musical will transport you to a world of laughter, where you can momentarily escape the challenges of everyday life and immerse yourself in a riotous, feel-good experience. Enjoy the show!
-Baron Cooper
Who’s Who?
Hunter Hogg
Fredrick Frankenstein – Hunter is very excited to be returning to the stage with ACLT! After his first role as Benedict in ACHS’s 2018 performance of Much Ado About Nothing, he fell in love with the theatre world. Since then, he has been seen onstage as John Proctor in The Crucible at ACHS, Bastien Andre in Is He Dead?, as well as part of the ensemble for Hair at HCT. He would also like to give a big shoutout to his fiancée, Geli Macknee, for always supporting him, and to all of his friends and family. He also cannot forget the man who made it all happen: Baron Cooper. Thank you for putting together this awesome show!
Sarah Brandt
Ensemble – Sarah is currently a junior in the pre-nursing program at Ashe County High School. She loves to sing and has been active in ACLT productions for about four years. She has also participated in Missoula and the theatre program at Ashe County High School. Sarah loves people and serving the community. She volunteers with the Food Pantry, Habitat for Humanity, and Ashe County Art Council. She is always full of hugs and smiles for everyone.
Olivia Cooper
(Ensemble) Olivia takes great enjoyment in performing with Ashe County Little Theatre. She has appeared in notable productions such as Gypsy and To Kill a Mockingbird. Olivia has showcased her talent in Alleghany Community Theatre’s productions of Lizzie Borden of Fall River and A Christmas Carol. She has appeared in Wilkes Playmakers’ The Real Story of Alice in Wonderland and A Little Mermaid. Additionally, she appeared in Beanstalk Community Theatre’s High School Musical. She served as a stage manager for Ashe County Little Theatre’s productions of Angel Street and ACT’s rendition of Frankenstein.
Edie Miller
(Ensemble) Edie is a veteran of 37 years of ACLT. She has been in numerous productions though the years. She loves working onstage or backstage. Her favorite roles have been Lennie in Crimes of the Heart and Alora in Walking Across Egypt. Her last production was ACLT’s Maltida. This show has been fun with a great cast. Edie has been employed at United Chemi-Con for 54 years. She lives in Jefferson and is married to Eddie and they have a fur baby cat named Stewball.
Michael Howell
Ensemble – Mike is a professor of Social Work at Appalachian State University. He is very involved in the High Country’s arts community, creating art and supporting it through service on several boards. This is the first dramatic production he has been involved in since high school—and what a GREAT show to be part of! Thanks to all his friends and family who’ve been so encouraging. To everyone involved in Young Frankenstein: Thanks, y’all, for letting me join in the fun!
Gage Lambert
(Ensemble) My name is Gage Lambert and I am 13 years old. I attend ACMS going into 8th grade. I was recently in The Frog Prince as an alligator. I have made many friends doing theatre at Ashe County Little Theatre.
Norma Allen
(Ensemble) I am happy to be in my 5th production with ACLT. I live in Crumpler with my husband, Michael, 4 dogs and 1 cat. Mike and I are members of the Jefferson United Methodist Church.
Angelica (Geli) Macknee
(Ensemble) Geli is thrilled to finally be back in the theatre scene with ACLT! After a performing hiatus, she couldn’t resist auditioning for such an iconic and fun musical. You may recognize her from previous roles as Charlie in Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, Young Cosette in Les Miserables, Beatrice in Much Ado About Nothing at ACHS, and many ensemble roles. She is extremely proud of her fiancé, Hunter Hogg, for excelling at his first lead role in a musical, and can’t wait to perform with him for many years to come.
Baron Cooper
(Director) I began my theatrical journey with Ashe County Little Theatre and have had the privilege of performing in both Allegheny Community Theatre and Beanstalk Community Theatre. Over the years, I’ve had the opportunity to embody a wide range of memorable characters in various productions, including Bus Stop, The 39 Steps, Lost in Yonkers, Dracula, The Addams Family, One Flew Over the Cuckoo’s Nest, Cat on a Hot Tin Roof, and A Christmas Carol. In addition to acting, I’ve been truly honored to direct productions such as Murder by Poe, Angel Street, and Frankenstein. I am excited to take on the role of directing the musical production of Young Frankenstein. Thank you to my wife, Vikki, and daughter, Olivia for all your support.
Vikki Cooper
(Stage Manager) I am thrilled to be taking on the role of stage manager for Young Frankenstein the Musical as my very first experience in this position. I am incredibly grateful for the trust placed in me by the production team and specifically Baron for thinking I can do this. I am excited to work alongside the talented individuals who bring this production to life. I want to thank everyone who has helped me through this experience, there have been so many, especially my daughter Olivia by sharing her knowledge and experience.
Liana Epps
(Inga) Liana has been out of the theatre world for seven years and is thrilled to be coming back with this production and incredible cast. This is her first introduction to community theatre, but not her first time performing. With her high school theatre troop, she performed as Terk in Tarzan, and ensemble in Aida, and Alice In Wonderland. Liana would like to thank her husband, William for encouraging her to audition for Young Frankenstein and his consistent love and cheerleading, and for her friends and family for cheering her on and supporting her throughout preparing for this musical.
Lauren Hayworth
(Elizabeth) moved to the High Country in 2006 to study music at Appalachian State, and has loved living here ever since. She currently works as a freelance musician, music educator at the Jones House and the Kudzu Music Store, and yoga teacher at Neighborhood Yoga in Boone. She also performs every Tuesday at the Beacon Restaurant with jazz trio Belleville Rendezvous. Although she’s been focused on music lately, theatre was her first love throughout her childhood and adolescence, and she’s thrilled.
John Kolbow
(Ensemble) John is retired and lives with his wife and 4 cats in Millers Creek. John has been seen in the ensemble of many plays and musicals in Wilkesboro, and now is excited to have the opportunity to work with folks here in Ashe. John sings with the ‘Seniors On Stage’ and is active in his church and choir.
Michael Kotula
(Victor Frankenstein, Blind Hermit) I am delighted to be cast as The Hermit, Victor, and the ensemble in Young Frankenstein. Being happily married for 47 years and retired, performing in plays has become one of my bucket list items. I got the bug for plays and musicals in my senior year of HS, where I was cast as Tony in West Side Story. We recently moved to Jefferson from Kernersville in 2021. There, I was on the board of directors and was cast in four plays.
Jan Kotula
(Ensemble) Jan has enjoyed working with ACLT and all of the cast of Young Frankenstein. Prior to moving to Jefferson, Jan volunteered at the Kernersville Little Theatre assisting with props, making costumes, constructing sets, and feeding cast members. She performed in the ensembles of A Christmas Carol and Alice in Wonderland with her talented grandchildren. She also performed in an all female cast of 1776 as John Witherspoon. She has been married to her best friend and high school sweetheart Mike for 47 years and has two children, six grandchildren and three furkids. During the day Jan is the “Polish Landscaper,” nicknamed by her husband. She also enjoys music, dancing, hanging out with her wonderful family and friends, walking her furkids and playing cards with Lauren and Josh. She hopes you will enjoy the show, a parody of horror and comedy.
Jody Cheek
(Frau Blücher) Jody has been involved with the Ashe County Little Theatre since she moved here from Oregon in 2016. She has been the stage manager for several productions including Bus Stop, Secret Garden, Calendar Girls, and our recent show Bell, Book and Candle. Jody is very excited to portray Frau Blucher in tonight’s show as it has been 6 years since being on stage as Ms. Salt in the production of Willy Wonka. She enjoys singing Karaoke with her theatre friends and spending time with her daughter Lea and her 3 grandchildren Avery, Oliver, and Teddy.
Michael Malloy
(Igor) This is Michael’s 5th season with ACLT. Last seen on the Appalachian Theatre stage as Ray-Bud in Dearly Departed (Beanstalk) Michael’s musical appearances include: The Secret Garden, Matilda (ACLT) Little Mermaid & Elf (WP) plays include Angel Street (ACLT) A Christmas Carol & Moon Over Buffalo (ACT) Parlour Tricks & 12 Incompetent Jurors (WP) and radio drama’s War of the Worlds, A Christmas Carol (ACLT) Flash Gordon Conquers the Universe, Cinderella (Bristol). Michael has also portrayed the Munchkin Coroner and Uncle Henry, Land of Oz. Michael thanks his husband Larry for his continued support.
Les Miller
(Ensemble) Les is happy to be celebrating his 15th year with ACLT in another summer musical. Les has had multiple roles throughout the years, the last time he’s played this many roles in one show was in A Funny Thing Happened on the Way to the Forum in 2009. He’s had the pleasure of being in musicals with his daughter, Caitlin for most of those years. He misses not being on stage with her this year but is enjoying her gift of their first grandson– Life is good! A special thank you to his family, Marilyn and Landon for putting up with all of his craziness.
Jerry Roman
(The Monster) For my one and only, my skinny blondie, my wife. (all the same person,) whom I wish to thank for giving me not only the time, but also the love, to heal. Just another reason that “I HOLD ON.” For Mary B., Chris and Martha. For Docia Blalock and Teri Gillispie, who, thru the decades, and in spite of myself, have remained my, and now, our friends. Thanks to Bud Malmstrom and Handsome Stevie, teacher and friend. If these people have taught me anything, it’s this; what we’ve been means nothing.. it’s who and what you ARE that counts for everything. For Christine Driscoll, man, do I ever, wish you were here.
Della Vodenicker
(Ensemble) Della has been actively involved with ACLT since 2012. She has performed in and directed numerous musicals. A few favorites include Oliver, Annie, Les Miserables, Hello Dolly, Godspell, Fiddler on the Roof, Carousel, The Music Man and Calendar Girls in 2019. Della is retired educator and enjoys being involved in the West Jefferson Arts and is thrilled to be on the stage once again. A big thanks to Director, Baron Cooper for letting her “jump in” and to her husband, Jere for his continued support…and to Jake as he waits patiently on the porch.
Jim Williams
(Inspector Kemp) Jim has been an active member of the Ashe County Little Theatre since 2009, performing in, directing and doing technical work for numerous plays. Recently Jim directed the first Ashe County Little Theatre performance of the 2023 season, Bell, Book and Candle. He has also directed Harvey, Wait Until Dark, Lost in Yonkers and Bus Stop. He loves all aspects of theatre, particularly lighting. Jim lives in West Jefferson with his wife and best friend Rebecca.
Production Staff
Director: Baron Cooper
Producer: Rebecca Williams
Orchestra Director: Bob Garver
Accompanist: Kathy Kolbow
Choreographer: Cynthia Harless
Stage Manager: Vikki Cooper
Master Carpenter: Jerry Brandt
Set Painting: Jerry Brandt, Olivia Cooper, Hunter Hogg, Michael Howell, Jan & Mike Kotula, Geli Macknee, Gilly Macknee, Chloe Skinner, Lara Skinner, Della Vodenicker
Digital Imaging: Baron Cooper, Vikki Cooper
Lighting Design: Jim Williams, Baron Cooper
Lighting Tech: Melissa Edmondson, Maureen Dintino
Lighting Setup: B.J. Lewis, Jon McNeill
Lighting Assistant: Manny Kenn
Sound Design and Tech: Richard Edmondson
Sound Engineer: Mike Birkmire, Rory Greene
Costume Design: Rebecca Williams
Costume Assistant: Peggy Brandt
Costume Tech: Norma Allen, Peggy Brandt, Jan Gambill, Sally Kinka, Susan Meredith, Della Vodenicker, Rebecca Williams
Wardrobe backstage: Peggy Brandt
Props: Peggy Brandt, Edie Miller
Makeup Design: Charna Howson
Makeup Crew: Charna Howson
Backstage Crew: Jerry Brandt, James Cooper, Tristin Gimlin, Ben Matheson
Poster Design: Baron Cooper
Program Design: Linda Dreyer
Publicity: Baron Cooper, Melissa Edmondson, Rebecca Williams
Front of House: Christy Henson
