A monstrous family tradition rocks Lovett Auditorium’s stage from Jan. 17 to 19 with Campus Lights’ production of “Young Frankenstein.” 

Campus Lights was established in 1938 by the men’s music fraternity Phi Mu Alpha Sinfonia, earning recognition for being the longest-running, student-produced musical in the South. The tradition, with the women’s music sorority, Sigma Alpha Iota (SAI), puts musicals on as one of their annual fundraisers for Murray State’s music department scholarships. “Young Frankenstein” marks the 88th annual production of Campus Lights. 

“Young Frankenstein” is a musical based on the 1974 comedy of the same name, following the grandson, Frederick, of the mad scientist Dr. Victor von Frankenstein and his newfound involvement in the family business of reanimation. A bit of passion and a jumpy, rampaging Monster sends the musical’s characters through a wild whirlwind of energetic songs and danger.

Elijah LaRue, junior theatre major, received the role of the main protagonist Frederick Frankenstein. As a theatre major, LaRue has participated in numerous productions but found solace in the role of Frederick, as unlike previous roles, he felt a connection to Frederick’s awkwardness.

“I did not feel like they were me at all,” LaRue said. “In my freshman year, I was in the ‘Adams Family.’ I played Gomez and that was just totally the opposite of the awkward, nerdy guy that I am. This is a role that I feel like I can sink my teeth into and really be more of my authentic self.”

Campus Light’s musicals are started and finished in the span of two to three weeks, creating stress in the cast and crew as they scramble to create custom props, master the sheet music and get their lines and lyrics down in time for opening night.

Chloe LaDon, sophomore theatre major, was thrilled to find herself cast as Inga, going as far as to learn to yodel for the role. 

“Going in, I was super nervous,” LaDon said. “I’m in (SAI), so I worked with one of the members and had her give me vocal lessons because I really, really wanted this. I shook off all the nerves and did it.”

LaDon had just finished the last performance of “Macbeth” and had just gotten into her car when she received a phone call offering her the role of Inga. In disbelief, LaDon thought the entire thing was a joke. 

“I freaked out. I literally asked them on the phone, I was like ‘Are you serious? Is this a joke?’” LaDon said. “They were like ‘No, that would be awful.’ And I literally jumped for joy. I was so happy.” 

LaDon described her character Igna as ditzy but not stupid. Igna has a master’s degree in laboratory sciences, but her behaviorism portrays her as a whimsical, funny woman who just happens to be a tad giddy. 

Many students who participate in Campus Lights return the following years to participate again, with many alumni coming to support and cheer on the cast and staff on Alumni night. It was after attending a showing on Alumni night that Holden Mast, senior theatre/film major cast as Igor, discovered Campus Lights.

“I went and all of a sudden, there are people screaming at the top of their lungs treating (‘Legally Blonde’) like it was the greatest rock concert they’ve ever seen,” Mast said. “They (alumni) come out and they party and just throw as much love and energy and appreciation at the stage they can. For alumni night, we cheer that (a cast member bringing a prop tree onto the stage) on like nobody’s business.”

For Mast, this is his last performance with Campus Lights, since he will graduate in May. He said it hasn’t hit him yet. 

“It has not processed for me that I will not be able to come back next year,” Mast said. “I’m very much a week-by-week person, and I’m very much in this moment. I will not know what to do now that I can’t look forward to the next one, but we have alumni night, and I will do my best to come to every single one.”

An actor at heart, Danny Preklas, junior theatre major, is the director of “Campus Lights,” experiencing the art of theatre from the lens of a director, not an actor. 

“It feels really weird to be on the other end of this because I am so used to being the actor and doing the little dumb bits that I think are funny. It’s weird, but it’s a good weird,” Preklas said. “Getting the chance to direct the show has given me an opportunity to fall in love with this whole crazy cast of characters and this story that I think, despite being a silly comedy, it is a very nuanced and powerful story.” 

After a short few days, Campus Lights opens the doors of Lovett Auditorium to audience members excited to witness the hard work of the dedicated students involved in putting the entire show into fruition.

Performances will be at 7 p.m., Friday, Jan. 17; 2 p.m. and 7 p.m., Saturday, Jan. 18 and 2 p.m., Sunday, Jan. 19. Tickets are available at the doors of Lovett Auditorium with general audience tickets at $15 and Murray State students and staff at $10.