Young Frankenstein’s Roger Bart as Igor? Almost…..
Can you picture Roger Bart as Igor in the current production of Young Frankenstein? Early on, that was the plan. When actor Christopher Fitzgerald auditioned for the Mel Brooks’ production, it was not for the part he would ultimately inhabit, that of Dr. Frankenstein’s humpy trusted servant Igor. He actually auditioned for the role of Dr. Frankenstein, while Roger Bart at the time was set to play Igor. In an interview in the Chicago Tribune, Fitzgerald says, it made sense to ultimately switch roles. “The great thing about it is Roger and I work so well together that it did work out. Ultimately, for us to find each other and be able to work off each other has been really fantastic.” This is the third Broadway outing for the 35-year-old actor (Wicked, Amour), who counts the ”Young Frankenstein” movie as one of his favorites growing up. Referring to Marty Feldman, who unforgettably played Igor in the 1974 film, Fitzgerald says, “The main thing I tried to steal was that mischievous spirit.” He is obviously quite happy at the Hilton Theatre. “This calls upon every aspect of what I’ve been doing since I was a little tyke,” Fitzgerald says. “It both flips me out and it seems to make some sort of weird cosmic sense.”
March 13th, 2008 at 3:32 pm
I think that it was the best decision to make Mr. Fitzgerald play the part of Igor. I thought I was seeing Marty Feldman channeling through Fitzgerald.
Great casting.
March 15th, 2008 at 8:22 pm
I think Christopher Fitzgerald was one of the best things about “Young Frankenstein.” He was wonderful. He really created a memorable character. While he didn’t make me forget Marty Feldman, he put his own unique spin in Igor. On the other hand, I was disappointed by Roger Bart. I just found him kind of blah.