Frederick Frankenstein, played by Callum Marks, right, meets his relative Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein, played by Taisha Fermin, during a rehearsal of the Thunder Mountain High School production of “Young Frankenstein” at TMHS on Thursday, April 18, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Frederick Frankenstein, played by Callum Marks, right, meets his relative Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein, played by Taisha Fermin, during a rehearsal of the Thunder Mountain High School production of “Young Frankenstein” at TMHS on Thursday, April 18, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

An Abby Normal high school musical

‘Young Frankenstein’ is Thunder Mountain’s next musical

Lightning is coming to Thunder Mountain High School.

To the delight of its cast, “Young Frankenstein,” the high school’s spring musical, opens Thursday and is based on the classic Mel Brooks comedy, which riffs on Mary Shelley’s horror novel and Universal’s monster movies.

[Alaska State Improv Festival is bringing laughs and surprises to Juneau]

“There were rumors swirling that ‘Young Frankenstein’ might be the show, and we were like that would be cool, but it’s never going to happen,’” said Alex Wehe, who plays the Creature in the show. “It’s a lot of fun.”

Callum Marks, who plays Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, agrees.

“I think it’s really fun doing things where the intended audience isn’t 6 to 8 years old,” Marks said.

Callum Marks plays Frederick Frankenstein during a rehearsal of the Thunder Mountain High School production of “Young Frankenstein” at TMHS on Thursday, April 18, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Callum Marks plays Frederick Frankenstein during a rehearsal of the Thunder Mountain High School production of “Young Frankenstein” at TMHS on Thursday, April 18, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Briannah Letter, who plays Frau Blücher, said the PG-13 comedy is definitely a change of pace.

“It’s a little surprising,” Letter said. “We kind of expected to do another children’s show, but I’m glad we did it.”

Plus, the austere Frau Blücher is a change of pace for Letter, too.

“It’s very out of the ordinary for me,” Letter said. “I’ve normally played very kind characters.”

In addition to some semi-raunchy humor, the show includes songs and plenty of chances for physical humor.

Wehe said some of his favorite moments in the show are when he gets to engage in slapstick.

“‘Putting On the Ritz’ is a lot of fun, but my favorite is probably the hermit scene,” Wehe said. “I get beaten up quite a bit.”

Frederick Frankenstein, played by Callum Marks, right, meets his relative Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein, played by Taisha Fermin, during a rehearsal of the Thunder Mountain High School production of “Young Frankenstein” at TMHS on Thursday, April 18, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Frederick Frankenstein, played by Callum Marks, right, meets his relative Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein, played by Taisha Fermin, during a rehearsal of the Thunder Mountain High School production of “Young Frankenstein” at TMHS on Thursday, April 18, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

The show offered a fun challenge for people behind the scenes, said assistant director Sam Viteri, who said he’s had an interest in the technical aspects of theater since middle school.

[Polluting paradise? New sensors will help determine if Juneau’s air is safe]

“There’s a lot of stuff behind the scenes,” Viteri said. “Without the right lighting, without the right set pieces, sometimes a stage with actors isn’t enough.”

Cast members Taisha Fermin, left, Jerome Stroup, Irene Oduro-Dwamena, Frank Johnston, Ursula Syrene, Dean Franklin and Alex Thompson sing in the ensemble during a rehearsal of the Thunder Mountain High School production of “Young Frankenstein” at TMHS on Thursday, April 18, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Cast members Taisha Fermin, left, Jerome Stroup, Irene Oduro-Dwamena, Frank Johnston, Ursula Syrene, Dean Franklin and Alex Thompson sing in the ensemble during a rehearsal of the Thunder Mountain High School production of “Young Frankenstein” at TMHS on Thursday, April 18, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Lightning flashes, a medical table, a giant rotating bookshelf and a hay wagon are all part of the production, Viteri said.

Cast and crew warned that the lightning is a recurring feature of the show and might not ideal for those with a sensitivity to flashing lights.

Alex Klimkewicz, English and drama teacher for Thunder Mountain High School, said the set also includes some deep-cut references to both Boris Karloff and Christopher Lee’s takes on Frankenstein.

Callum Marks, as Frederick Frankenstein, takes a buggy ride with Morgan Blackgoat, as Inga, during a rehearsal of the Thunder Mountain High School production of “Young Frankenstein” at TMHS on Thursday, April 18, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Callum Marks, as Frederick Frankenstein, takes a buggy ride with Morgan Blackgoat, as Inga, during a rehearsal of the Thunder Mountain High School production of “Young Frankenstein” at TMHS on Thursday, April 18, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

“It’s got something for everyone,” he said.

Know & Go

What: “Young Frankenstein”

When: 7 p.m. April 25, 26 and 27, and 2 p.m. April 27 and 28.

Where: Thunder Mountain High School

Admission: Tickets cost $20 for adult and $10 for high school or college students.

The show is recommended for those 13 and older.


• Contact arts and culture reporter Ben Hohenstatt at (907)523-2243 or bhohenstatt@juneauempire.com. Follow him on Twitter at @BenHohenstatt.


Callum Marks, right, as Frederick Frankenstein, chases after Elizabeth Price, as Elizabeth Benning, during a rehearsal of the Thunder Mountain High School production of “Young Frankenstein” at TMHS on Thursday, April 18, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

Callum Marks, right, as Frederick Frankenstein, chases after Elizabeth Price, as Elizabeth Benning, during a rehearsal of the Thunder Mountain High School production of “Young Frankenstein” at TMHS on Thursday, April 18, 2019. (Michael Penn | Juneau Empire)

More in News

(Juneau Empire file photo)
Aurora forecast through the week of Feb. 1

These forecasts are courtesy of the University of Alaska Fairbanks’ Geophysical Institute… Continue reading

Large cracks in the Mendenhall Glacier are observed by U.S. Forest Service officials on the morning of Tuesday, Feb. 11, 2025. (U.S. Forest Service photo)
‘A substantial portion of the Mendenhall Glacier is expected to collapse at any time’

Warning issued Tuesday morning by U.S. Forest Service after recent calving, large crack spotted.

A drone image shows widespread flooding in the Mendenhall Valley in Juneau on Aug. 6, 2024. The flood was from an outburst at Suicide Basin, part of the Mendenhall Glacier complex. A similar glacial outburst flood struck the same area in 2023. (Image courtesy of Rich Ross)
Bill would establish Alaska alternative to federal flood insurance program

The Alaska Legislature is considering a bill that would create a new… Continue reading

A girl uses her cellphone at Bronx High School of Science in New York on Jan. 11, 2016. (Yana Paskova for The New York Times)
Juneau School District seeks feedback from community on cellphone policy

The conversation rises from cellphone bans happening nationally and at the state level.

Juneau International Airport is getting new leadership in its administration and board of directors. (Peter Segall / Juneau Empire file photo)
Assembly names two new airport board members in shakeup after budget stalemate

Angela Rodell and David Epstein, both former members, to get quick start at seeking solution this week.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Sunday, Feb. 9, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Blank posts are seen where the two totem poles once stood at the Fred Meyer main entrance on Feb. 7, 2025. (Jasz Garrett / Juneau Empire)
Fred Meyer totem poles get a second chance at life

Tlingit master carver says they will be refurbished with tribal youth and repurposed.

(Michael Penn / Juneau Empire file photo)
Police calls for Saturday, Feb. 8, 2025

This report contains public information from law enforcement and public safety agencies.

Most Read