Buzz Extra spoke with Roger Bart, who originated the role of Dr. Frederick Frankenstein, and now reprises the role in the National Tour. Mr. Bart is no stranger to Mel Brooks, as he originated the role of Carmen Ghia in The Producers, before taking over the role of Leo Bloom. He earned Tony and Drama Desk Awards for his portrayal of Snoopy in You're A Good Man, Charlie Brown, as well as Outer Critics Circle and Drama League Award nominations for his performance in YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. 

BART: I'm very excited about the National Tour. I've been to PlayhouseSquare three times. I always like the theaters and the Cleveland audiences are wonderful and appreciative.

EXTRA: You played Igor (pronounced EYE-gor) in the original workshop previews of YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN, right?

BART: I think they originally had me in mind for Igor, so I did the first workshop of it and it was a lot of fun. I always thought of myself as an Igor. I've always loved the clowns more than anything. But I think being hunched over for 300 shows would be a little tiring.

EXTRA: How did you transition from playing Igor to Frederick Frankenstein?

BART: I was ready to go as Igor but then I remember getting a phone call from the director asking me if I'd like to play Frederick. I had spent time playing Leo Bloom, Matthew Broderick's role in The Producers. I guess they thought I had the necessary tools to be both a romantic lead and funny. 

EXTRA: What was it like to work with Mel Brooks?

BART: I was a big fan of this movie…all Mel Brooks movies. I had a lot of one-on-one time with him during YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN. He is able to write on the spot in such a funny way. Mel is like an uncle, a dad to me. I love having him in the room, you can always tell if something is cooking or not. And since we were sitting with Mel, we were sitting with a master.

EXTRA: Is it true that you and Matthew Broderick were at the Four Seasons in Chicago before The Producers opened saying that YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN should be the next Mel Brooks musical?

BART: That actually happened. Matthew and I said YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN would be a natural transition for stage. There had not been a lot of comic monster musicals on Broadway, so we thought it would be unique. And because of the movie's popularity, it would be a great choice. We wanted to keep Mel on Broadway as long as we possibly could. We had one up and were pushing the next one on him. I wouldn't mind being part of the Mel Brooks Repertory Company for the rest of my career!

EXTRA: Actually, you are a part of the Mel Brooks Repertory Company.

BART: So it would appear.

EXTRA: What's your favorite song from the show?

BART: My favorite song is "Together Again." I do love vaudeville. My great uncle played with George Burns and Gracie Allen way back in '29 and '30. So whenever I do that song with Igor, I channel my great Uncle Murray. He was a whistling comic. I also loved Mel Blanc, the other Mel who was influential in my life and all the Warner Brothers cartoons. So many of them are great vaudeville sketches, probably where I learned everything. Daffy Duck was the greatest comic villain of our nation.

EXTRA: So, is Blazing Saddles the next Mel Brooks musical?

BART: I don't really know.

EXTRA: But if it is next?

BART:  Oh yes, I'll be there. 

EXTRA: Meanwhile, with YOUNG FRANKENSTEIN?

BART: Cleveland audiences are in for a good time. It's a fun romp. Halloween is a great time to have a monster musical in town.

Original Broadway Cast. Roger Bart, Shuler Hensley. Photo: Paul Kolnik