“Young Frankenstein” at IU Auditorium

Mel Brooks’ classic movie “Young Frankenstein” will come to life on campus today at the IU Auditorium.

The musical will start at 8 p.m. Thursday and Friday. Tickets are $20 to $41 for children and students with a valid ID. For the general public, tickets are $38 to $60.
Brooks, a three-time Tony winner, wrote the music and lyrics and co-wrote the book for the musical, which is based on his 1974 cult classic film.

The story takes place in 1934 Transylvania and follows the life of Dr. Frankenstein and his hunchbacked sidekick, Igor, as they attempt to bring to life a corpse. Matters are complicated when the good doctor, Igor and lab assistant Inga steal the wrong brain.

Douglas Booher, director for the IU Auditorium, said he expects audiences to enjoy the ironic and impossible situations Frankenstein and his assistants find themselves in.

“‘Young Frankenstein’ showcases Mel Brooks’ unique ability to find the comedic potential behind anything, including this previously frightening story of a mad scientist and his creature,” he said.

Before the show tonight, Bloomington neuroscientist Jill Bolte Taylor and author of “My Stroke of Insight” will give a talk called “Brains Are Cool!” from 7 to 7:30 p.m. at the School of Fine Arts Auditorium, Room 015.

In 1996, Taylor suffered a stroke, but eight years later she recovered. Her neuroscience background allowed her to assess the functions of her brain as it started shutting down.

Taylor’s non-profit organization BRAINS Inc., which aims to raise awareness about brain health, will sponsor 22 brains at the Bloomington High School South Auxiliary Gymnasium from noon to 2 p.m. Saturday.

Tickets for “Young Frankenstein” can be bought at the IU Auditorium Box Office from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., Monday through Friday.

— Jaclyn Lansbery