Undergrad takes the lead: An OVST summer classic

As the temperature rises in Athens, so does the curtain.  

For almost 75 years, the Ohio Valley Summer Theater (OVST) has been providing a summer theatrical experience for Athens and surrounding communities. A community theater organization founded in 1951, OVST also partners with the College of Fine Arts to provide experiential learning opportunities for graduate and undergraduate students onstage and backstage. Many OHIO students work alongside community members to bring the summer production to life, often receiving scholarships as well that allow them to advance their education.

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One of those students is Logan native Katie Maccabee, a junior musical theater major who has grown up on OVST’s stage and is now helping lead the production of “Young Frankenstein” as the flirtatious leading lady Inga, as well as choreographer. She began acting the summer after fifth grade when she joined OVST’s production of “Mary Poppins.” Maccabee says she fell in love with theater during that production and “never looked back.”

This summer, however, brought a new challenge for the performer. Not only did she have to learn a major role, but create multiple, difficult dance numbers including the iconic tap number “Puttin’ on the Ritz.”  

Based on the beloved 1974 film, "Young Frankenstein" follows the misadventures of Frederick Frankenstein, a New York neurosurgeon who inherits his infamous grandfather's estate in Transylvania. What ensues is a riotous tale of reanimation, misunderstandings, and love, all set to an infectious score that pays homage to the golden age of Broadway.  

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Maccabee says she was elated when she heard OVST was producing this musical as she has always been a huge fan, especially of Gene Wilder and Mel Brooks, and it’s been a project she’s never been able to work on until now.  
We sat down with her to talk about her experience with OVST and “Young Frankenstein.”

Q & A with Katie Maccabee

Q: When and how did you get into musical theater?

A: When I was around five, I saw OVST put up Peter Pan. After witnessing that, I knew I wanted to be an actor. OVST was the main reason I got into musical theater at a young age.

Q: Musical theater productions maintain an essential role in society as they provide social commentary that addresses issues relevant to the world. What do you think makes it all unique?

A: I think musical theater has a way of reaching audiences uniquely because of the multiple elements and parts coming together. Everything from the dancing, acting, and singing to set design, lights, and makeup design is driven by the story, and they all play a pivotal role in making the musical successful. Other media might have a niche audience, but there’s something for everyone in musicals, with people making diverse connections to the art.

Q: What does OVST represent for musical theater in the area?

A: OVST represents community and fostering of dreams. Its impact influenced my part in this monumental project. I have had mentors and vocal coaches from meeting some of these people and have been hired for projects and summer camps, teaching kids theater.

Q: What goes into a production that turns a film into a musical?

A: A lot of research goes into production. Musicals take an extra effort because you have to find what made a film so successful, what made the characters memorable and resonate with the audience, and morph all of it into your vision interpreted for a musical. For an iconic film like Young Frankenstein, with this being its 50th anniversary, there’s a lot of pressure to make it perfect but we’re also excited and having a lot of fun breathing life and reimagining the film in the context of a musical.  

Q: What does it mean to you to be the production’s leading lady for such a musical?

A: It's an honor. Sutton Foster originated my role, and she is my favorite actor of all time. Being in this moment and embracing this opportunity of leading, sharing ideas, and seeing everything come together has been a pleasure.

Q: How did you create the choreography for this musical production?

A: For the dancing specifically, we were lucky because the musical already exists, so we didn’t have to start from scratch. The writing is so good that it guides us in the manner and direction to follow. I paid close attention to the dialogue and the lyrics, doing a lot of lyrical analysis to understand the underlying tone and emotion to capture the essence and make them into good songs. Everyone is pulling from their creativity, training from OHIO, and experiences from previous OVST summer camps to build this masterpiece.

Q: Is that a testament to the atmosphere and environment that OVST has created that allows you to tap into your creativity?

A: Yes. OVST’s main strength is its ability to foster individuals and artists who can find their voice and create uniquely. It takes individual ability and creativity, woven together, to convey stories.  

Q: What have been your most memorable moments working on the production?

A: Teaching the only musical number in the film, Putting on the Ritz. Bringing this six-and-a-half-minute number to life with the team was magical.

Q: Do you have aspirations or goals for pursuing musical theater?

A: My number one aspiration is to live as a performer. I would love to continue choreographing and performing, eventually creating regional productions, working on Broadway, and embarking on national tours.

Q: What would you say to anyone interested in musical theater?

A: Do not be scared. Be yourself and expose yourself to spaces that will have you. There is something better on the other side of fear because I understand it can be scary, but I think you will have fun.

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Audiences can catch “Young Frankenstein” from July 12-14 and 19-21 in the Elizabeth Evans Baker Theater in Kantner Hall. For more information and to purchase tickets, visit ovst.org.