Village Square Theatre is venturing back in time with the adult play “Young Frankenstein,” based on the Broadway play and inspired by the Mel Brooks movie from the 1970s

The PG-13 show begins May 5 and ends on May 21, featuring more than 30 cast members, the oldest of which is 70. There are also a couple of older teens, but all are experienced actors from around the Midlands area, Director Debra Leopard said.

Leopard added that it is PG-13 due to some adult humor with innuendo and jokes. 

“There’s no violence and very little profanity,” she said. “It’s a good date night show and just fun and silly.”

“It’s just a lot of fun. It is just wide open fun from the start to the very end,” continues Leopard describing the play as “old-school Hollywood.”

Even the promotional photo with the cast is done in black and white to exude the Hollywood feel from the 1930s and 1940s, Leopard pointed out. 

The director said the theater plans on doing at least one adult show a year, and this one brought in actors she’s never worked with who were excited to act, dance and sing in the Broadway-produced play. The Lexington theater also reined in a choreographer associated with a Columbia theater, as well as choreographer Christy Shealy Mills, who Leopard notes normally does things at Town Theatre in Columbia.

In addition to the fun choreography, there will be a five-piece orchestra to reinforce the “old-school” vibes.

“I’ve been directing for a long time and I’ve never done this show before,” Leopard said. “It’s a really good group of people and there are no divas considering they’re all so talented.”

The main title character is Davis Herndon who plays the role of Frederick Frankenstein. Leopard said Herndon is a triad of talent who can dance, sing and act.

Frederick Frankenstein inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania and inevitably finds himself in his ancestors’ shoes as a mad scientist with the aid of his trusty sidekicks, Igor and Inga.

Igor is played by TJ Daley, and Inga is the romantic lead played by Maggie Baker. Frankenstein shouts his infamous line of “It’s alive!” as the creature he has wrought is brought to life. The monster is played by Emeritt Van.

According to the summary from the theater’s website the play is “every bit as relevant to audience members who will remember the original as it will be to newcomers. This stage version has all of the panache of the screen sensation with a little extra theatrical flair added.”

“It’s hilarious if you need to escape reality and have a fun time,” Leopard said. “This is a great show to be entertained by and laugh.”