By Denny Dyroff, Entertainment Editor, The Times
Young Frankenstein
There have been sightings of a “large monster” in northern Delaware recently.
The monster has been spotted at the Candlelight Theater (2208 Millers Road, Arden, Delaware, candlelighttheatredelaware.org).
The oversized creature is a monster created by Dr. Frankenstein
The reason he is in Arden is that he is one of the main characters in “The Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein,” which is running now through April 19 at the Candlelight.
“The Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein” is a very funny show.
It is a Broadway musical with a book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan and music and lyrics by Brooks. Based on the movie “Young Frankenstein,” it is a 1974 comedy film written by Mel Brooks and Gene Wilder and directed by Brooks.
Described by Brooks as his best film, it is a parody of the horror film genre — especially the 1931 Universal Pictures adaptation of Mary Shelley’s “Frankenstein.”
After the success of the movie, which has been named to the “Top 50” lists of comedy films by a number of organizations, Brooks teamed with Thomas Meehan to write and produce a stage version of the show.
“The Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein” opened on Broadway in November 2007 and was directed and choreographed by Susan Stroman, a native of Wilmington, Delaware. Now, the show is enjoying a special run at one of Delaware’s top theaters.
Three of the main roles in the show are Dr. Frankenstein, Igor (pronounced EYE-gor) and The Monster.
The show tells the story of Frederick Frankenstein, a New York doctor who is ashamed to be a Frankenstein and insists his name be pronounced “Fronkensteen.”
His grandfather Dr. Victor von Frankenstein, a mad scientist, passed away so the younger Frankenstein has to travel to Transylvania to settle the estate.
In Transylvania, Dr. Frankenstein becomes involved with a variety of zany characters including the hunchback Igor, the yodeling lab assistant Inga, the mysterious Frau Blücher and, of course, The Monster.
The play’s creators took the idea of the movie and expanded it. They added music and jokes, so it connects with the audience on a deeper level.
The show has been an audience favorite ever since it made its debut on Broadway.
“Young Frankenstein” features a number of Candlelight’s highly acclaimed veterans.
There is Anthony Connell as the main character, Frederick, and Tori Healy as Frau Blucher. Also featured is former Candlelight actress Julia Kershetsky, who is the play’s Music Director.
A few years back, Kershetsky played major roles in a number of Candlelight productions but that screeched to a halt when her career moved in a different direction.
“I turned equity so now I can’t perform at Candlelight anymore because it’s non-equity,” said Kershetsky during a phone interview Wednesday evening from her home in Philadelphia.
“The only time you can do something that is non-equity is if the show is a benefit. So, ‘Drood’ was my last show at Candlelight. I’ll definitely miss performing there but I keep connected.
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I was the Music Director for “9 to 5 the Musical” and my husband (Max Redman) has been the Production Stage Manager for many, many Candlelight shows.”
Kershetsky graduated from Boyertown High School, where she was involved in theater productions as well as playing varsity field hockey and lacrosse. She then got a degree in classical vocal performance at Penn State University.
Kershetsky, who is one of the most talented performers from Berks County (on a list featuring Taylor Swift), followed with a graduate degree from New York University in musical theater and vocal pedagogy.
She is currently a professor at Molloy University’s CAP 21 in New York.
“I’ve been Music Director for 10 shows – seven at Candlelight,” said Kershetsky, who teaches B.F.A. majors at CAP 21 how to sing.
“The other three shows were at the Walnut Street Theater and the University of Pennsylvania. The show at Penn – ‘A New Brain’ – had a live band. So, I was in a live pit with eight college kids.”
Her previous music direction credits at Candlelight include “Mamma Mia!” (2022 Barny Award), “Big Fish,” “White Christmas,” “9 to 5,” “Escape to Margaritaville” and “Christmas by Candlelight 2025.”
“I’m a professor and a teacher so it’s a natural fit and transition,” said Kershetsky, who owns a full voice studio in Philadelphia — Starling Studio. “I find how the best way the cast is going to learn the music. I give a lot of resources.
“With ‘Young Frankenstein,’ the score had a lot of music for a Mel Brooks musical. The sheer amount of music was huge – with a lot of challenging vocals.
“There was a barbershop quartet acapella – and a lot of off stage singing. The toughest songs were ‘Transylvania Mania’ and ‘Join the Family Business.’ I’m proud of the cast. They locked in.”
Director Jessica Bostock brought it all together well.
“Jessica did a great job,” said Kershetsky. “This is just such a fun show to watch.
“Generations of fans know ‘Young Frankenstein’ from the movie. It’s a really funny comedy that meets your expectations. It’s a shared experience with everybody in on the joke.”
The Candlelight Theater is presenting “The Mel Brooks Musical Young Frankenstein” now through April 19. Tickets, which include a tasty dinner, are $77.50 for adults and $35 for children (ages 4-12).
On March 19, it will be time for the latest edition of Candlelight Comedy Club. The show’s headliner will be Julia Scotti with Buddy Fitzpatrick as the feature.Scotti is a nationally headlining comedian, author, speaker, former teacher, and woman of transgendered experience.
She was a quarterfinalist and fan favorite on Season 11 of “America’s Got Talent” on NBC in 2016. She currently has a comedy special on SHOWTIME called “More Funny Women of a Certain Age.”
In addition to performing standup at venues all over the country, she is currently starring in the critically acclaimed documentary, “Julia Scotti: Funny That Way.” After a very successful film festival tour, it is now streaming on digital platforms.
Scotti had a cameo in the 2022 groundbreaking film “Bro’s” starring Billy Eichner. She has also starred in a short film entitled “Relatable Joy” (playing the role of a comedian) and a Dry Bar Comedy special.
She also has released her second album, “Primal Cuts,” following the huge success of her first album, “Hello Boys, I’m Back!”
Scotti’s brand of comedy is fierce, honest, and fearless. She has been described as a “force of nature” and a “cross between Sam Kinison and Mrs. Doubtfire.” Her performances have been likened to a “chainsaw flying through the room.”
“I’ve played Candlelight a lot over the years,” said Scotti, during a phone interview from her home in Toms River, New Jersey. “Candlelight was where I reunited with Kevin Meaney. We toured together until he passed away.”
Originally from Fairview, New Jersey, for the first 48 years she was better known as comedian Rick Scotti.
“I had always wanted to get into comedy as a kid,” said Scotti. “Instead, I was a drummer in a band. I did that for quite a while. I got my start in comedy in 1980.
“I saw an ad for a comedian for The Jade Fountain in Paramus (NJ). I auditioned with five minutes of material and got hired. From there, I got put on a show with Jackie “The Joke Man” Martling. The lineup also featured Gilbert Gottfried, Jerry Seinfeld and Eddie Murphy – all of whom were ‘unknowns’ at the time.”
Beginning at the Original Improv in New York, Scotti toured most of her career as Rick Scotti, headlining clubs in the United States and Canada. She has appeared on Comedy Central and was a finalist on Showtime’s “The Funniest Person in America” contest for the state of New Jersey (she lost to Ellen DeGeneres).
“I was headlining all over the country in the late 1980s and 1990s,” said Scotti. “In 2000, I was tired career-wise, so I went back to college. I went to Georgian Court University in Lakewood, New Jersey. It was a Catholic all-girls college that was co-ed at night.”
Georgian Court University is a private Roman Catholic university in Lakewood Township, New Jersey. Founded in 1908 by the Sisters of Mercy, the university has more than 1,500 undergraduates and nearly 600 graduate students.
Since transforming from an institution with only women’s dormitories to a fully coed university in 2013, about 24 percent of Georgian Court’s student body is now comprised of men.
“I majored in Education and English,” said Scotti. “Then, I taught sixth grade language and arts at Freehold Borough Intermediate School.”
In 2000, Scotti also left stand-up as she began a life altering transition.
Rick Scotti was performing in comedy clubs across the country when he came to the realization that he was living a false and painful life.
At a time when the words gender dysphoria and gender reassignment surgery were rarely heard, Rick’s awakening led him down the challenging road to a new identity as Julia Scotti.
The consequences of her transition left Julia deserted by her family, friends, and comedy world colleagues.
At age 47, she reinvented herself, went back to college, and became a junior high school teacher. Several years ago, she impulsively stepped back on the stage at a small comedy club.
“I loved teaching, but I couldn’t take administration anymore,” said Scotti. “Chris Rich, an old comedian friend, and I got together. She said – when are you coming back to comedy? I said – I’m 60 years old and transgender – but she didn’t take that as an excuse.
“She got me to come back. I did a show at the Comedy Spot in Bristol, Pennsylvania. Then, I had a weekly cabaret thing in Philly at a club near Second and South. From there, I got publicity on Philly and work started coming in.”
Scotti was the first transgender comedian and finalist in the “Ladies of Laughter” competition held in New York City. She has also been named by the Advocate as one of the “Top 5 Hottest Transgender Comedians of 2013”.
The comedian whose humor transcends ages, sex and genres had a breakthrough a few years ago with her appearances on “America’s Got Talent.”
“‘America’s Got Talent’ sent me an e-mail asking if I wanted to audition,” said Scotti. “I was hesitant at first. To my surprise, I got it. Two reasons I got it were because I’m transgender and because I’m funny.”
Scotti made the panel of Howie Mandel, Mel B., Heidi Klum and Simon Cowell laugh with her irreverent and seriously funny routines. She was a judges’ favorite with Cowell saying “you genuinely made me laugh” and Mandel quoted as saying “you have so much to offer, you are a joy.”
“Howie Mandel was really nice,” said Scotti. “Actually, all the judges were nice to me. I enjoyed my time with them. Making Simon laugh was my goal.
“‘America’s Got Talent’ put me out there. The show has 13 million viewers, and I was on three episodes. After that, I heard from people all over the world.”
Scotti has appeared at major venues all over the country including Dolby Theater (Hollywood, CA), Planet Hollywood, Sin City (Las Vegas, NV), Borgata (Atlantic City, NJ), Arts Quest at Steel Stacks (Bethlehem, PA), The Friars Club (Manhattan, NY), Hard Rock Café (Cleveland, OH), Throckmorton Theater (Mill Valley, CA), Edgewater Casino (Laughlin, NV) and Williamsburg Comedy Club (Williamsburg, VA).
Scotti’s humor is personal rather than political.
“I deal with topics such as getting old, being trans, friendship and my love life – or lack of it,” said Scotti. “I always write about what is going on in my life. I don’t write joke jokes. Everything comes out of situation.
“My inspiration is just life. I’m always writing new stuff – adding new stuff. But I also stay with the older stuff. If you go out to see a band, you want to hear their hits.”
Video link for Julia Scotti — https://youtu.be/tcXi0eNFtAo.
Showtime is 7:30 p.m. and tickets are $40.
Debra Devi, a blues musician based in North Jersey, will be a busy woman this week with two visits to Delaware County.
On March 19, she will be part of a podcast at Jamey’s House of Music (32 South Lansdowne Avenue, Lansdowne, www.jameyshouseofmusic.com).
On March 21, Devi will headline a show at the Kelly Center (4-6 East Eagle Road, Havertown, kellycenter.org).
Devi is a modern-day Renaissance woman. She is an author, has composed music for film and television and fronts a blues/rock band.
Devi plays powerful blues-rockers and blistering psychedelic jams flavored with her soulful voice and expressive guitar playing.
Devi’s latest EP – the live “Jamification Station Vol. 1” — reached #5 on the Relix/Jambands.com Top 30 Radio Chart and then stayed on the chart for three months.
Devi, who has lived all over the country, has called Jersey City home for the last eight years.
“I was born in Florida — in Jacksonville — and then grew up in Milwaukee,” said Devi, during a phone interview Wednesday afternoon from her home in North Jersey.
“Growing up in Milwaukee, I was exposed to a lot of Chicago blues. I went to high school in Milwaukee and then got a degree in economics at the University of Wisconsin in Madison.
“I always wanted to be a writer, but my parents wanted me to choose a more practical career. I had a journalism minor at the University of Wisconsin.
“I then got into Columbia University for grad school where I majored in journalism. I put it to good use.”
Devi is the author of the popular book, “The Language of the Blues” (foreword by Dr. John) which won the ASCAP Deems Taylor Award. The book is blurbed by Bonnie Raitt, Joe Bonamassa, Hal Willner, Ministry singer Al Jourgensen, Ed Sanders, Bob Margolin and Jimmy Vivino.
“I just finished co-writing another book,” said Devi. “It’s called ‘Almost Grown.’ It’s Jesse Malin’s memoir. It will be released on April 7.
“It was a challenging time when we were working on the book. Jesse had a spinal stroke. Then, I had a nephew pass away six months later.
“Jesse is doing well. He’s been in physical therapy. And he has just put on an Off-Broadway play called ‘Silver Manhattan.’”
“Jesse Malin’s Silver Manhattan: A Musical Guide to Survival” is the coming-of-age story of a young kid from a broken home who found life in the streets of New York City.
Malin’s theatrical stage show/full-band concert features songs from his dynamic career and is inspired by his upcoming memoir.
In December 2024 at the Beacon Theatre in New York City, Malin made his celebrated return to the stage following a paralyzing spinal stroke.
Rolling Stone wrote, “Jesse Malin still can’t fully walk, but his comeback concert was a testament to the human spirit.”
A few years ago, Devi also found life in the streets of New York City.
“When I first was living in New York, I was a little punk rocker in the East Village,” said Devi. “I also played in different kinds of bands.
“I had been playing electric guitar for about six months. I always loved the blues, so I started writing and singing my own songs. It was more 70s blues/rock than punk.”
Devi’s self-produced debut, “Get Free” (True Nature Records/Redeye), received raves from Vintage Guitar, Jambase, Marie Claire (Italy) and Guitar International.
“My guitar playing is very influenced by Chicago blues,” said Devi. “The first show I saw was Son Seals and Koko Taylor at the Metropole. I try to do what Son does – not play a lot of notes but just play the right note.
“Blues has been a guidepost ever since. Blues taught me what I know about music.
“My band and I play blues/rock with improvisation – with jamming. We love to improvise. People love that spontaneity.
“What is exciting today is the jam band scene. They’re taking flight from improvisation. I’m one of the few females in the jam band scene.”
Devi has opened for Joan Osborne, Jesse Malin, Ana Popovic, Sarah Shook and the Disarmers, Uprooted (Michael Glialiki) and Marshall Crenshaw.
In 2023, she co-headlined the Haverford Music Festival with Joe Louis Walker and The Bongos, and the East Pete Blues Festival with Greg Sover.
Gov’t Mule bassist Jorgen Carlsson joined Devi on her previous EP, “A Zillion Stars Overhead.”
“I released that album in April 2020 – not a good time to do that with the pandemic just starting,” said Devi. “My most recent album is ‘Jamification Station Vol. 1.’”
“Jamification Station Vol. 1” is a live EP culled from Devi’s livestream show, “Jamification Station,” hosted by American Blues Scene.
Four tracks capture Devi and her band at full throttle, from catchy “Home Again” to a blistering rendition of Jimi Hendrix’s “Crosstown Traffic.” Also featured is a soulful blues-rocker, “Get Free” and uplifting Southern-rock tune “The River.”
The EP was released on June 20, 2022. Musicians on the recording were: Debra Devi – vocals, guitar; Kevin Jones – bass, background vocals; John Roccesano – drums, background vocals; and Martin Schmid – keys, background vocals.
All songs recorded live by Roccesano at Silver Horse Sound in Hoboken, New Jersey except “The River,” which was recorded live by Corey Zack at The Cocoon in Jersey City. It was produced by Devi and Roccesano, mixed by Roccesano and mastered by Fred Kevorkian.
Her North Jersey band now includes Kevin Jones on bass, John Roccesano on drums, and Brian Rigby on keys.
Devi composes and performs songs for film and television, including “Tenderness” (Laura Dern, Russell Crowe), “Getting Off” (Christine Harnos, Brooke Smith), “Driven-Tim McGraw” (VH-1), “Fight Like a Girl” (Maureen Shea, Kimberly Tomes).
Her screenplay “The South Bronx Entrepreneurship Club” is a Big Apple Film Festival semi-finalist, adapted from the book “Goodbye Homeboy: How My Students Drove Me Crazy” and “Inspired a Movement,” which she co-authored with former special education teacher and Network for Teaching Entrepreneurship founder Steve Mariotti.
Video link for Debra Devi — https://youtu.be/olSDqDTU9ps.
The show at the Kelly Center, which has Nikki Moscony as the opening act, will start at 7:30 p.m.
Advance Discount Seating $18. Advance VIP Table Seating, Minimum 2 per table $28. At the door: $38.
Advance Discount sales close 5 p.m. day of show. BYOB is welcome for an additional $5 donation per drinker.
Advance Discount sales close 5 p.m. day of show. BYOB is welcome for an additional $5 donation per drinker.
Devi’s gig on March 19 will be as part of a “Just Guitars Live” podcast which features a live set by Lil’ Ed and The Blues Imperials, a top-flight blues band from Chicago.
“Just Guitars Live” is a partnership between MelodyVision, Films 4 Good, Jamey’s House of Music, and Superior Guitar Works. The podcast provides an in-depth exploration of guitars, guitar players, and the music for which each guitar is renowned.
“The podcast features a different kind of guitar veery time,” said Devi. “I’m the featured guest and I’ll be talking about Stratocaster. I’m bringing my Strat.
“When I first moved to New York, I got a Stratocaster. I still have that Strat.
“In the podcast, I’ll be discussing the history of the Stratocaster and talking about some fun facts with the Strat. I’ll do some playing and then Lil’ Ed will come on and do a full set with his band.”
The hosts are Rodney Whittenberg, Emmy award-winning composer, songwriter, producer, guitarist, and filmmaker, and Tim Huenke, a guitar luthier and TEDx presenter.
Show time is 7 p.m. Tickets are 440.
On March 20, Jamey’s will host Shades of Green and 3rowback and the show on March 21 will feature the Corty Byron Band.
On March 22, Jamey’s Sunday Blues Brunch & Jam will present the Guitar Gamblers featuring Roger Girke, Nick Kane, Jamey Reilly and Joe Biase.
The free show will run from noon-3 p.m.
Uptown! Knauer Performing Arts Center (226 North High Street, West Chester, www.uptownwestchester.org) will host V. Shayne Frederick on March 19, Andy Gross on March 20, Classic Stones on March 21 and Songs Without Borders on March 22.
Kennett Flash (102 Sycamore Alley, Kennett Square, 484-732-8295, http://www.kennettflash.org) is hosting The Collingwood on March 20 and “Love You To: A Tribute to The Beatles” on March 21.
The Colonial Theatre (227 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, thecolonialtheatre.com/events) will host Seven Wonders: A Tribute to Fleetwood Mac on March 21 and James Garner’s Tribute to Johnny Cash on March 24.
On March 21, Steel City Coffeehouse and Brewery (203 Bridge Street, Phoenixville, www.steelcitybrews.com) will host a show by Brother John featuring John Colgan-Davis and Johnny Never.
Additionally, Steel City will host “Live from Laurel Canyon,” a benefit concert for the Phoenixville Community Education Foundation on March 22.
The lineup of March and April shows at Arden Gild Hall (2126 The Hwy, Arden, Delaware, ardenconcerts.com) features Oneida/Carlton Melton/Terry Gross on March 20, Patrick Watson – Uh Oh Tour w/ La Force on March 21, The Tisburys, Mothman Properties, Ripe Enough on April 10 and “Laurie Kilmartin: An Evening of Comedy” on April 11.
The Elkton Music Hall (107 North Street, Elkton, Maryland, www.elktonmusichall.com) will host Quinn Sullivan with Scott Tournet on March 19, Elvis Jackson Attraction & Shiny Metal Boxes on March 20, Adam Weiner aka LOW CUT CONNIE Solo on March 21 and Danielle Nicole with special guest Brody Buster on March 24.
The Queen (500 North Market Street, Wilmington, www.thequeenwilmington.com) will present Sugar Mountain on March 20, Kenny Vanella and Friends on March 21, Aly & AJ on March 22, GWAR on March 25 and Obey Your Master on March 28.
