In November of 2012, I was hired to direct the University of Alberta’s first Campus Musical Dinner Theatre. Working alongside choreographer Cara Chong, and Vocal Director Miranda Marks, we lead a team of 29 actors and 18 crew members towards putting on a production of Mel Brooks’ Young Frankenstein. The Campus Musical was a new Student’s Union initiative that went up from March 6 – 9, 2014. Our goal was to give all students from any faculty on the University of Alberta campus an opportunity to express themselves through the theatrical arts.
CAST
Frederick Frankenstein: Connor Meek
Inga: Jessica Watson
Igor: Eric Smith
Frau Blucher: Rebecca Collins
Elizabeth Benning: Daisy Daver
Inspector Kemp: Lyndon Crone
Ziggy: Celeste Birzgalis
Victor Frankenstein: Braden Price
The Hermit: Colin McDonald
The Monster: Brett Calvert
Scientist: Brooke Hodgson
Scientist: Vantanna Luh-Dudiak
Scientist: Jodie McRobbie
Scientist: Sarah Congdon
Scientist: Alexa Roth
Scientist: Alyssa Lightfoot
Scientist: Katrina Clarke
Scientist: Tyla Day
Transylvanian: Gregory Koller
Transylvanian: Reece Hebblethwaite
Transylvanian: Grady Zielke
Transylvanian: Kandis Gilks
Transylvanian: Elizabeth Yu
Transylvanian: Catherine Lynch
Transylvanian: Michaela Chiste
Transylvanian: Chandra Moir
Transylvanian: Kimberly Newman
Transylvanian: Mary-Joyce Lumanglas
Transylvanian: Jonathan Yeung
CREATIVES
Director: Luay Eljamal
Choreographer: Cara Chong
Vocal Director: Miranda Marks
Stage Manager: Darylle So
ASM/Head of Carpentry: Corrine Pelletier
Property Master: Nicole Noel
Tap-Dance Choreographer: Dominic Collin-Doyle
Orchestral Conductor: Christopher Wong
Rehearsal Pianist: Glenn Graham
Costume Designer: Josée Chartrand
Sound Designer/Operator: Sareeta Lopez
Lighting Operator: Natasha Brocks
Producer: Saadiq Sumar
Props Support: Ashley Shields, Lisa Dawn, Rebecca Collins
Publicity: Amy Kwan
Painting: Toban Shadlyn
ORCHESTRA
Keyboard 1: Glenn Graham
Keyboard 2: Melissa Chung
French Horn: Miranda Marks
Reeds: Justin Draper
Bass: Lance Philips
Drums: Ebberly MacLagan
Flute: Cassandra Lam
NEWS & REVIEWS
“The students who perform, as well as those working backstage on Young Frankenstein, come from across campus: sociology, psychology, science, engineering and even medicine. Performers in the show sing, act and even tap dance along to quirky songs like “Welcome to Transylvania” and “Join the Family Business.”
– Dedicated Students Make Young Frankenstein Come Alive (Article)
“This review would be remiss without mentioning the fantastic band. Christopher Wong conducted a quartet of fabulous musicians, who completely brought the show to life. The band was fantastic; one could not expect more from them. It was an excellent idea to have a live band instead of recorded music, as it made a distinct difference in the energy of the production.”
– Young Frankenstein (The Wanderer – Article)
“Tonight I fell in love. With a show called Young Frankenstein. I’m sure the whole city of Edmonton could hear my laugh.”
– Jarrett Hennig (Audience Member)
“Well done Luay! You did such a wonderful job directing Young Frankenstein. My husband and I thoroughly enjoyed the show. I had not seen him laughed [sic] so much throughout an entire show. The casts [sic], the singing, the dancing and the comedy were brilliant!!! Awesome. Two thumbs up! We are looking forward to see your next show.”
– Anne Baxter (Audience Member)
“Luay, you are a very talented, young director. Yor musical, Young Frankenstein was such a delight to watch. My family and I laughed so hard throughout the entire performance. We talked about it all the way home and still were today. (well, we were actually imitating the ‘Putting on the Ritz’ segment). So friggin’ funny! Kudos to you and your entire cast and crew. Loved it!”
– Sharon Price (Audience Member)
“A HUGE Congratulations to the cast and crew of Young Frankenstein. STEIN! A truly fantastic show and incredible work by all involved! Thanks for wonderful night of entertainment and Deep, Deep Love. ;)”
– Rhiannon Perley-Waugh (Audience Member)





















































