Review: Stray Dog Theatre's Rousing and Arousing THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW

I can recall viewing The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the old Varsity Theatre in the Delmar Loop before it closed its doors many years ago. There was a mood generated by the grungy atmosphere of that old movie house, with fans packed in like sardines, and dressed in various character costumes for the occasion, that's impossible to recreate when you can just pop in the DVD or Blu-Ray and watch it at home by yourself. Besides, it's always more fun to see it with an enthusiastic crowd. Happily, Stray Dog Theatre is presenting an enjoyable and thoroughly engaging production of the original musical the film was based upon, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, and they encourage audience participation (within reason). Go and have an absolute blast!

Before the action begins, a video projection of trailers for various horror and science fiction movies from the 1950's plays (intermission clips play during the intermission, naturally). And, of course I own a copy of every one of the cheesy films on display. It's a nice way to start the night, and it gives you a glimpse of some of the actors who will mentioned by name in Richard O'Brien's fifties-influenced score and book.

The story follows Brad and Janet, a straight-laced, white bread couple who happen upon the spooky Frankenstein place when their car breaks down in the rain. They're suddenly thrust into a wacky scenario that finds them witnessing the "birth" of mad doctor Frank 'N' Furter's latest creation. The plot is really just an excuse to parody classic horror and science fiction tropes. But, it's a fun ride filled with catchy songs and very weird and colorful characters.

Heather Matthews and Kevin O'Brien are quite good as Janet and Brad, respectively. They're both strong singers, and both seem game for the weirdness that their characters experience. Matthews does exceptional work with the sexual abandon of "Touch-A Touch-A Touch Me," and O'Brien is equal to the task with forthright takes on "Damn It, Janet" and "Once in a While."

Michael Juncal is delightfully over the top as Frank 'N' Furter, displaying a splendid knack for camp and for tossing out an amusing retort to the audience from time to time Juncal effectively works familiar material like "Sweet Transvestite" and "I Can Make You a Man". And, he's somehow able to ascend a staircase in ridiculously high heeled shoes, which is a minor feat in and of itself.

Corey Frain has the proper sinister attitude in the role of Riff Raff, and Maria Bartolotta really belts out her numbers as the Usherette and Magenta. Luke Steingruby makes quite an impression as the muscular hunk, Rocky, and Gerry Love hams it up with gusto as the narrator. Michael A. Wells nicely delivers the rockin' "Hot Patootie" as Eddie, and then pops up as the wheelchair bound Dr. Scott. Sara Mae Womack also impresses as the tap-dancing Columbia.

Additional support is provided by: Angela Bubash, Ted Drury, Stephen Henley, Tim Kaniecki,Sarah Polizzi, and Dawn Schmid.

Director Justin Been adds a number of cinematic touches to the proceedings, including opening titles that list the cast and crew. This production is actually the most polished one I've ever seen. It moves at a good clip, breezing through the lull that usually occurs after the frenzied beginning of act two. And, it has a great, game cast. Robert Lippert creates a fairly elaborate castle and laboratory scenic design that works on multiple levels. Eileen Engel's costumes are smart character fits, and offer some unique takes on the original work. Zachary Stefaniak Shaffner provides the choreography that takes full advantage of the stage and the aisles as well. Tyler Duenow's lighting design is just superb, and Chris Petersen's musical direction rocks (AJ Lane on guitar, Bob McMahon on drums, and M. Joshua Ryan on bass).

Be sure to check out this Halloween treat! Stray Dog Theatre's terrific presentation of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW continues through October 29, 2016.

To post a comment, you must register and login.