The new (Abby) normal

The film’s popularity eventually spilled over to Broadway in 2007 in musical form after the unabashed success of Brooks’ other screen-to-stage adaptation, “The Producers.” Riverwalk Theatre’s adaptation of that musical opens on Thursday, and it has some pretty big shoes to fill — quite literally, for actor Chris Goeckel, who plays the Creature.

“It’s so much fun getting to portray the monster,” Goeckel said. “I’ve been a longtime fan.”

Riverwalk’s production of “Young Frankenstein,” directed by Tom Ferris, brings the local community theater season to life in a big way. The show features Josh Martin in the titular role, James Houska as the exceedingly eccentric Igor and Veronica Gracia-Wing as Frankenstein’s fiancé, Elizabeth. The set design also promises to be quite lavish. The Brooks film had sets made of the exact intricate pieces built by special FX wizard Ken Strickfaden for James Whale’s 1931 “Frankenstein” film. Riverwalk’s sets hope to capture that same awe-inspiring aesthetic.

“They’re some of the most aggressive sets I have seen at Riverwalk,” Goekcel said. “The castle disappears and reappears, interchanging with the lab and dungeon. We have had a sizable production crew rehearsing alongside the actors. Hopefully it will wow audiences.”

“Young Frankenstein” will be Goeckel’s 19th production in the Lansing area. Though he considers himself a relative newcomer to the stage, having only had his theater debut 12 years ago, he is no stranger to roles adhering to the “gentle giant” tropes — Goeckel once played Lenny in a Bath Community Theatre Guild production of “Of Mice and Men.” As far as tackling Peter Boyle’s iconic role as the monster, Goeckel doesn’t plan on being too ambitious.

“Boyle’s performance is definitely what I am going for,” Goeckel said. “I’m following it pretty much verbatim.”

So it would seem that all the pieces are in place for that fateful bolt of lightning to strike and bring the play to life. Fans of the film can look forward to all their favorite scenes and dialogue, but with a play being based on a film full of so much ad-libbed material, there is sure to be room for surprises as well. And when the show has its run and Goeckel hangs up his neck bolts for good, he says it’s another thing to cross off his bucket list.

"I´ve always wanted to be in a Tom Ferris-directed play," Goeckel said. "I am really thankful for him casting me. I didn´t want any other role."

Riverwalk Theatre Through Sept. 21 7 p.m. Thursdays; 8 p.m.

Fridays-Saturdays; 2 p.m. Sundays $23 /$20 students, seniors and veterans 228 Museum Drive, Lansing (517) 482-5700, riverwalktheatre.com

MONDAY, SEPT. 15 >> WORLD VIEW LECTURE SERIES: MICHELE NORRIS

Journalist, host and special correspondent for NPR Michele Norris will give a lecture in the Cobb Great Hall at Wharton Center on Monday. Norris’ lecture coincides with her book, “Grace of Silence: A Memoir,” which is part of this year’s One Book, One Community program. Norris has been in journalism for over 20 years, getting her start as an ABC news correspondent and working her way up to cohost of NPR’s “All Things Considered.” She has received numerous awards for her work, which lends insight into American culture and social issues. 7:30 p.m. $20. Wharton Center, Cobb Great Hall, 750 E. Shaw Lane, MSU campus, East Lansing. (517) 353-1982, whartoncenter.com.

FRIDAY, SEPT. 12 >> BEERFEST AT THE BALLPARK

Fans of last spring’s Beerfest at the Ballpark outdoor festival didn’t have to wait too long for a follow-up. Bookending the summer, Beerfest at the Ballpark returns to Cooley Law School Stadium on Friday, celebrating all things beer, cider and mead. The fest promises to enhance some features from the inaugural event, most notably moving the festivities from the front of the stadium down onto the playing field. BAD Brewing Co., Dark Horse Brewing Co. and Griffin Claw Brewing Co. will be among the dozens of Michigan breweries on-hand, joined by a few out-of-state breweries. There will be plenty of live music provided by the Black Barn Band, Joe Wright and Stone Clover. And for those planning on having lots of “fun,” a fleet of cabs provided by iCAb Taxi service will be lined up outside the park to take you home. 6 p.m. $35/$30 adv./$40 adv. VIP. Cooley Law School Stadium, 505 E. Michigan Ave., Lansing. beerfestattheballpark.net.

SATURDAY, SEPT. 13 >> LANSING ART GALLERY ‘ART ON FIRE’ FUNDRAISER

Lansing Art Gallery is firing up the grill and kiln for the unlikely pairing of pig and pottery in its “Art on Fire” fundraiser. Artist Mark Chatterley will be on hand to help guests make customized Raku bowls, a Japanese style of pottery that’s shaped hand rather than by being thrown. While you’re waiting for the kiln tech to finish heating your bowl, you can enjoy a pig roast, beer, wine and live music. The first bowl goes in at 3 p.m. and the last one goes in at 6 p.m.; the festivities will last until 8 p.m. All proceeds from the event benefit the Lansing Art Gallery. Tickets are available online, by phone or at Lansing Art Gallery. 3 p.m. $25/Raku bowl is additional $25. 6396 S. M52, Owosso. (517) 374-6400, lansingartgallery.com.