Mel Brooks is one of my favorite comedians ever and the film Young Frankenstein is not only one of my favorite Mel Brooks films, but one of my favorite films in general. That’s why despite that little bit of skepticism I have about movies being turned into plays (I rarely have a problem when it goes the other way, which I admit is hypocritical), I was pleased to hear that the Paramount Theater was chosen to be site of the world premiere for the Young Frankenstein stage musical, which officially opens this Thursday, August 23 at the Paramount at 7:30 p.m.

For the past two weeks the show has been in previews; I haven’t had a chance to go see it yet, but the people I know who have gone have universally praised Young Frankenstein. Since getting consensus in my circle of friends is all but impossible, I take that as high praise indeed.

The show follows the same basic story as the film, with more songs included–it is a musical, after all–the tale of a young scientist who inherits a castle in Transylvania and must choose between the staid life he has created for himself despite his family’s notorious history or the exciting new life that comes from embracing his family’s past instead of denying it. Tickets are available at the Paramount box office or the usual Ticketmaster outlets.