BWW Reviews: ROCKY HORROR SHOW Gets Campy Circus Makeover

Anyone who says that perfection can't be improved upon is a liar. Perfection can be improved, as evident in Woodlawn Theatre's current production of The Rocky Horror Show. Woodlawn's 3rd annual production of Rocky Horror manages to surpass the success of last year's production with its use of an imaginative and unique concept and an incredible cast.

Like the 2012 and 2013 productions of Rocky Horror, this one also employs stars of RuPaul's Drag Race. Drag Race winner Bianca Del Rio, who stars as Magenta, excels at finding comedic moments out of even the smallest of her moments on stage. Though she has relatively little time on stage (something she quite effectively ad-libs about), Del Rio uses her quick wit and wicked sense of humor to get some of the biggest laughs of the show. Drag Race judge Michelle Visage, who starred as Magenta in last year's production, steps in as Riff Raff for this version. Once again her powerful soprano voice is outstanding, and her stage presence is undeniable.

But it's Courtney Act as Dr. Frank 'n' Furter who is the true star. Act, who took over for fellow Drag Race alum Adore Delano just weeks before opening, is a force to be reckoned with. Act was told to "stop relying on pretty" during her time on Drag Race, and though she's just as stunning (if not more so) in person, she's certainly not relying on her looks here. Her comedic timing, something not really shown on her T.V. stint, is superb, and her vocals soar and shake the rafters. I doubt that this will be the last time Act steps into this iconic role.

Joining Del Rio, Visage, and Act are a slew of incredible local talent. Kurt Wehner and Carla Sankey bring a campy innocence to the roles of Brad and Janet. Sean Hagdorn (last year's Brad), brings the house down as bad-boy Eddie. Dave Cortez, who was hilarious as Dr. Scott last year, is just as funny this time around, and the muscled Matthew Leiber provides Rocky with a strong voice and boyish charm.

The highest praise, though, must go to director Greg Hinojosa. As director of all 3 of Woodlawn's productions of Rocky Horror, Hinojosa always manages to find a new and unique way to approach the material. In 2012, the show was sci-fi themed. Last year, it was all about S&M. This time around, Rocky Horror goes circus, complete with bearded ladies, clowns, contortionists, fire breathers, and stilt walkers. Even the Narrator (David Blazer) has been transformed into a Carnival Barker, a role Blazer plays extremely well. The circus theme and its ensemble of Transylvanian freaks works well with Rocky's overall message (yes, there's a message in there somewhere) of "Don't dream it. Be it." More than that, the theme is simultaneously sexy and dangerous and is an eye-catching ordeal from beginning to end, thanks to the talents of set designer Benjamin Grabill, lighting designer Chris Muenchow, and the spectacular costumes, designed by Hinojosa himself.

While Woodlawn hasn't announced yet if they'll revive Rocky again in 2015, they'd be insane not to. As long as Drag Race keeps churning out talent (it does), the Woodlawn Theatre continues to harvest outstanding local performers (it does), and Hinojosa comes up with original ideas (he does), I bet we'll all be doing the Time Warp at the Woodlawn every October.

Running time: 2 hours, including one 15 minute intermission.

NOTE: Recommended for mature audiences only.

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW plays The Woodlawn Theatre now thru Saturday, November 1nd. Performances are Thursdays at 8pm and Fridays and Saturdays at 11pm. For tickets and information, please visit www.woodlawntheatre.org

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