Submitted photoThe lead cast for Meridian Little Theatre’s upcoming production “Young Frankenstein: The Musical” are, from left, Zena Limerick, Anna Brown, Danny Rushing, Jennie House, Kris Kuss, Clint Brown, John Alex Nunnery and Emily White.

The cast has been selected and rehearsals are underway for Meridian Little Theatre’s upcoming production “Young Frankenstein: The Musical.”

Writer, producer and director Mel Brooks’ comic masterpiece will be presented May 3-8 at the MLT playhouse. Adapted from the book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Meehan, with music and lyrics by Brooks, “Young Frankenstein: The Musical” tells the story of a young scientist struggling to make a name for himself.

“The electrifying adaptation of Brooks’ monstrously funny film will leave you in stitches!” MLT Director Ellie Massey said. The production is not suitable for young children.

The title character Frederick (Young) Frankenstein will be played by Kris Kuss. A Meridian resident, Kuss teaches theatre arts at the University of South Alabama. He is also an accomplished musician and associate instructor in advanced theatrical combat.

Clint Brown is slated to portray Frederick’s faithful sidekick, Igor. Brown is a graduate of Mississippi State University and was most recently seen on the MLT stage in “Barefoot In The Park.” He’s also had roles in “The Producers” at MLT, “12 Angry Men,” “Carnival” and “Into The Woods” at Meridian Community College, and numerous roles with The Company Of Angels. Brown is employed at All-Star Team Sports.

Zena Limerick will portray Frederick’s creation, The Monster! Limerick is president of the Meridian Symphony Orchestra Association, a member of the Meridian Council for the Arts and the Meridian Symphony Chorus and currently serves on the MLT Board.

Emily White has been cast as Inga, Frederick’s beautiful young lab assistant. White is a singer and musician who performs regularly in and around Meridian. Her last appearance on MLT’s stage was as Judy in “9 to 5: The Musical.”

Frederick’s madcap fiancé, Elizabeth Benning, will be portrayed by Anna Brown. Brown has performed on the stages of MLT, MCC and Newton Little Theatre. She is currently employed with Weems Community Mental Health Center.

Jennie House will portray Frau Blucher, the stern housekeeper at the Frankenstein estate. House has many acting credits on her resume, including portrayingViolet Newstead in last season’s “9 to 5: The Musical” at MLT. House is an award-winning music teacher at Northeast Middle and High schools.

Luke Thomas will portray Inspector Hans Kemp. Thomas made his MLT debut earlier this season in the role of Lord Farquaad in “Shrek.” He has also had roles in “Peter Pan,” “Les Miserables” and “Pride and Prejudice.” He is a junior at Southeast High School and is employed by Excel Gymnastics Academy.

Daniel Rushing will play the Hermit. Rush is an accomplished musician who works at Mississippi Music-Meridian. His acting credits include roles in “Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “The Music Man” and “Frankenstein,” a one-act play where he portrayed Victor Frankenstein.

Scott Farmer is slated to portray Dr. Victor Von Frankenstein, Frederick’s grandfather. Farmer has had many roles on the stage at MLT, including roles in “Joseph & The Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat,” “The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee,” “Cats” and “The Addams Family.” He is also an eight-year veteran of the Rose Hill Society Players.

John Alex Nunnery will play Ziggy, the Village Idiot. Nunnery has been in CenterStage productions, Stage 2 productions, MLT productions and also films. He is in his senior year in the Abeka Accredited Homeschool Program. His parents are Barrett and Rosanne Nunnery.

The cast is rounded out by chorus members Sarah Bolstad, Austin Branning, Ja’Shawn Davis, Whitney Downard, Anna Drinkwater, Nancy Gibson, Brad Hampton, Jordan Harper, Josh Myers, Ashley Rickles, Monte Summers and Tim Wise.

Music director is Wayne McInnis and Carol Merrill is the choreographer.

Curtain time for MLT’s production of “Young Frankenstein: The Musical” is 7 each evening; the Sunday matinee time is at 2 p.m. Tickets are available now online at MeridianLittleTheatre.com and by calling the MLT Box Office at 601-482-6371, Monday through Friday from 9 a.m.-2 p.m.