Meridian Little Theatre will close out its 85th season with the musical adaptation of writer, producer and director Mel Brooks’ monstrously funny film “Young Frankenstein,” opening Thursday at the Highway 39 North playhouse.

Adapted from the book by Mel Brooks and Thomas Mechan, with music and lyrics by Brooks, “Young Frankenstein: The Musical” tells the story of a young scientist struggling to make a name for himself. electrifying adaption of Young Frankenstein

“Mel Brooks’ monstrously funny film will leave you in stitches,” MLT Director Ellie Massey said cautioning, “This production is not suitable for young children.”

The musical centers around Frederick Frankenstein, grandson of the infamous Victor Frankenstein,(pronounced “Fronk-en-steen”), who inherits his family’s estate in Transylvania. With the help of a hunchbacked side-kick Igor (pronounced “Eye-gore”), and a leggy lab assistant, Inga (pronounced normally), Frederick finds himself in the mad scientist shoes of his ancestors. “It’s alive!” he exclaims as he brings to life a creature to rival his grandfather’s. Eventually, of course, the monster escapes and hilarity continuously abounds.

“Every bit as funny to audience members who will remember the original as it will be to newcomers, ‘Young Frankenstein’ has all the panache of the screen sensation with a little extra theatrical flair mixed in,” Massey said.

With such memorable tunes as “The Transylvania Mania,” “He Vas My Boyfriend” and “Puttin’ on the Ritz,” Young Frankenstein is scientifically proven, monstrously good entertainment, the MLT director said.

The cast for MLT’s production of “Young Frankenstein includes:

Kriss Kuss – Frederick Frankenstein

Zena Limerick – The Monster

Clint Brown – Igor

Emily White – Inga

Anna Brown – Elizabeth Benning

Jennie House – Frau Blucher

Luke Thomas – Inspector Kemp

Danny Rushing – The Hermit

Scott Farmer – Dr. Victor von Frankenstein

John Alex Nunnery – Ziggy

Chorus and featured performers: Sarah Bolstad, Austin Branning, Josh Davis, Whitney Downard, Nancy Gibson,

Brad Hampton, Josh Myers, Ashley Rickles, Monte Summers and Kenneth Ward.

Meridian Little Theatre will present Young Frankenstein through May 8, with a special preview performance on Wednesday. The curtain goes up at 7 p.m. each night with a matinee performance on May 6 at 2 p.m. Tickets are $22 for seniors; military and student discounts available.

The box office is open Monday-Friday, from 9 a.m.-2 p.m. at 601-482-6371. Tickets may also be purchased online at meridianlittletheatre.com