I'm not sure why it didn't occur to me that the Seattle preview run of Mel Brooks' Young Frankenstein: The Musical features the full Broadway cast. But of course it does, and I couldn't be happier to have seen it. Roger Bart as Frederick Frankenstein, Megan Mullally (!) as his fiancé Elizabeth, Christopher Fitzgerald as Igor (BroadwayWorld interview), Andrea Martin (!) as Frau Blucher (!!), Shuler Hensley as the Monster, Fred Applegate as both Inspector Kemp and the Hermit (BroadwayWorld interview), and Sutton Foster as Inga.

Sutton Foster! As a West coast wanna-be Broadway fan that doesn't get many opportunities to go East, I never thought I'd get a chance to see Sutton Foster live on stage, and had resigned myself to watching for her in Tony Awards broadcasts. People just don't get more talented than Sutton Foster, and I'm looking forward to her continued success. She's featured well in Young Frankestein, though I'd trade it all in to see her in a starring role.

I was less pessimistic about ever getting to see, but no less delighted to have seen, Megan Mullally live, since she has lots of projects that tour the country, including a recent singing engagement with the Seattle Symphony. Check out Megan's interactive storytelling project and personal web site at SupremeStoryProject.com. Of course, Megan blows the roof off of this show, despite limited stage time.

Andrea Martin is at the top of her game, with her own show-stealing number and ensemble comedy contributions. Most excellent.

As a mere wanna-be Broadway fan and not a true well-informed fan, I wish I could say more about the rest of the cast beyond what's in their bios. I immediately recognized Shuler Hensley from his knock-out performance as Jud in the recent revival of Oklahoma! (which I saw on television), so I think I get points for that. I otherwise can only say that Roger Bart, Chris Fitzgerald and the rest are perfectly cast, and especially enjoyable.

The show itself is quite good, and it'll be as great as The Producers after post-preview tweaking. Mel Brooks' lyrics and music are even better this time around. Big beautiful Broadway-style dance numbers and sets, fun strobe, pyrotechnic and projection effects, the whole bit. There are a few shows left in Seattle before it heads to Broadway, so snap up those tickets while you can.

The extensive promotion for the show, including bus ads, billboards, and people dressed as the Monster hanging out downtown handing out fliers, doesn't mention the cast, and it seems like a little name dropping would fill out the preview pretty easily. I'm guessing the promotion isn't just to fill out the preview seats, but also to promote the show's Broadway premiere.