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UW-Eau Claire's 'Young Frankenstein' runs through Oct. 26

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Published on: October 22, 2025

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It's not too late to see the University of Wisconsin-Eau Claire's production of Mel Brooks' "Young Frankenstein" at the Pablo Center at the Confluence, where shows continue through Sunday, Oct. 26.

This feature production is directed by Arthur Grothe, professor of theatre arts, with musical direction by Emily Sternfeld-Dunn, lecturer of music-voice, and choreography by SK Stone, senior lecturer of dance.

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Grothe is thrilled to bring such an American classic comedy to the stage, and is proud of the work by students and faculty on this elaborate production.

"Our version of 'Young Frankenstein' is a faithful adaptation of Mel Brooks’ classic comedy, with all the mischief, comedic innuendo and humor of the movie," Grothe says.

In the story, we see the grandchild of Victor Frankenstein return to Transylvania, determined not to follow in his ancestor's footsteps. However, his team of Igor, Frau Bluche and Inga all push him to restart his grandfather’s work. Inevitably the allure of "eternal life" is just too much to resist, and Frederick Frankenstein creates a new creature, repeating his grandfather’s mistakes. However, Frederick is able to save the day by transferring his intelligence into the creature.

Grothe describes the musical as one that "pays homage to the original movie, full of puns and comic twists, with lively music and action throughout the production."

"A musical like this can only happen when all the facets of the music and theatre arts department work together," Grothe says.

"We are blessed with so many talented students and faculty. Emily Sternfeld-Dunn was instrumental in coordinating and teaching the music. SK Stone choreographed the show with a keen eye to the story behind the songs. And this production primarily consists of students in the cast, crew, orchestra and several elements of design. Without the talent and resources of the department and the Pablo Center, we couldn’t have pulled it all together."

From the dance perspective, Stone holds similar sentiments about the teamwork required of this kind of show.

"This project has brought together the amazing talents of the students, faculty and staff in all aspects of the production — the numerous elements that appear in the audience's view, as well as the behind-the-scenes facets of theatrical productions that are like phantoms, meaning that you only notice them when they are absent or not fully developed. It takes a village," Stone says.

Tickets for the 7:30 p.m. shows Oct. 22-25 and 1:30 p.m. show Oct 26 can be purchased on the Pablo Center Box Office site.