By Sandy Benson
Guest Writer
The 2023 summer musical at the Peacock Performing Arts Center in Hayesville features lots of moving parts. Depending on whom you ask, Young Frankenstein, the musical by Mel Brooks is an engineering masterpiece or a monstrously fun nightmare. Fortunately, the venue has a capable set-building crew and experienced stage managers to help the cast navigate it.
“It’s complicated, almost everything moves,” said Andy Dula of Andrews, who’s been helping build sets for more than a year. This time he brought along his friend Walt Martins, of Murphy.
“I’m a painting contractor, so I’ve been around construction,” said Walt. “This set is quite involved but it’s a lot of fun.”
Hayesville’s Randy Catts explained. “This set is different from the box sets we usually build because the parts are mobile, they roll on and off. Some have two sides so they can be turned around. There’s even a cave with two wings.”
Other interesting pieces include a bookcase that turns and functioning gallows. “We must devise a method for the floor to drop without injuring anyone,” said Don Jones of Hayesville.
Styrofoam makes components light but they still must be safe to use. Crew leader Jim ‘Sully’ Sullivan said there is limited ability to brace wall structures on movable platforms. “We must maintain stability and keep the set structurally sound and functional.”
Newcomer Chuck Staten of Young Harris worked on a set of wagon wheels that moves on a platform, creating an optical illusion that they are turning. “My 10-year-old son played a pirate in Miss Robbie’s ‘Little Mermaid” earlier this summer, that got me interested in helping out,” he said.
Jim Oliver, of Brasstown, rounds out the set crew.
Co-stage managers Kay Thomas, of Hiawassee and Ali Ballentine of Hayesville work with the cast during nightly rehearsals.
“This a favorite movie of mine,” said Thomas. “The musical follows it closely while expanding the plot. The music is enjoyable and the enthusiasm of the actors makes it fun to see it come together.”
Ali is equally excited. “Young Frankenstein is such a special production to be a part of. It’s a well-loved classic with sophisticated music and witty dialog, yet we are able to make it something truly our own with our wonderful performers and fabulous choreography. A true must-see show.”
Performances are Fridays - Sundays, August 11-13 and 18-20. For details visit: www.thepeacocknc.org, call or visit the office at (828) 389-2787, 301 Church St., Hayesville.