Homegrown Talent Headlines 'Young Frankenstein'

Local talent A.J. Holmes has created a monster…in the persona of Frederick Frankenstein in the national touring company of Young Frankenstein.

Holmes, an graduate, stars in the smash hit Mel Brooks musical comedy which will begin performances at the Fred Kavli Theatre of the Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza from February 21 to 26.

“It’s my first serious job since college and it’s so close to home, so I’m really excited to perform,” said Holmes, 22, a recent graduate of the University of Michigan’s musical theater department.

Before this breakthrough role, Holmes co-wrote the music and lyrics for “Gibson Fleck,” the first ever student-written and student-produced musical at the University of Michigan.

The composer also wrote a new arrangement for “Hail to the Victors,” which was performed during the 2010 graduation ceremony, with President Obama in attendance.

As a member of Team Starkid, Holmes also co-wrote the music and lyrics of “A Very Potter Musical,” which is now a YouTube sensation.

Holmes credits his parents for his early interest in the performing arts. “My parents were definitely my first teachers,” he said. “My dad was a pianist while my mom was a soprano singer.”

His only sister, a senior at Agoura High, is not into music or performing. “But she’s really supportive and loves watching me perform,” said Holmes.

Holmes also gives kudos to Sherry Coben, the coach of ComedySportz, an improv training program at , for guiding him since middle school. “She’s my best friend’s mom and she really helped me a lot,” he said. “Improv has been a big part of my life since then.”

The grueling rehearsals and performances have been tough this young thespian. Aside from the physical demands of a touring production on the road since September, there are vocal demands as well.

“It does take a toll on my voice,” he said. “I’m just learning how to manage that.”

“Young Frankenstein" winds down in Michigan and Canada in May, after stops in other parts of California, New Mexico, Arkansas, Texas, Florida, Georgia, South Carolina, Virginia, Pennsylvania and New York.

While Holmes has his sights set on New York after the musical wraps up, his current focus is performing in his home turf and wowing the local audience.

By way of a teaser, he said, “It’s intense but everyone who has seen the movie is laughing before the jokes are even cracked. Just expect to have a good time.”