Monsters on the Loose 

Young Frankenstein, Mel Brooks’ musical adaptation of his classic comedy film,  was nominated for Best Musical at the 2008 Tony Awards. Now a humorously horrifying new production kicks off two successive shows at the Ojai Art Center, both dealing with well-known dangerous characters but strictly for laughs. The present production is about the reluctant grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein (who pronounces his name as Fronk-en-steen) creating his own monster, who of course escapes with hilarious consequences. That production is followed in September by Dracula – A Comedy of Terrors. The ultra-fast-paced reimagining of the vampire legend, which Ensemble Theatre produced last season, is packed with quick wit, rapid-fire costume changes, and a handful of actors portraying multiple characters. Frankenstein fills up weekends from June 20-July 20 at the Ojai Arts Center Theater, with Dracula due September 26. Info at (805) 640-8797 or www.ojaiact.org.

If you can wait about three weeks, you won’t have to travel all the way to Ojai to see Brooks’ barn burner of a comedy as SBCC Theatre Group is also producing Young Frankenstein from July 9-26 in the Garvin Theatre to open its 80th season.

Call (805) 965-5935 or visit www.theatregroupsbcc.com.