[Insert Name Here] Theatre Project begins Stray Dog's season with THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW

I remember seeing The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the old Varsity Theatre before it closed down. There was a mood generated by the grungy atmosphere of that old movie house, with fans packed in and dressed for the occasion, that's difficult to recreate when you can just pop in the DVD and watch it at home. Devotees are left waiting for a local production to be staged to get their Rocky Horror fix. Happily, Stray Dog Theatre is presenting an enjoyable and engaging production by the [Insert Name Here] Theatre Project.

Before the action begins, a video projection of trailers for various cheesy horror and science fiction movies from the 1930's to the 1960's plays. And, naturally, I own a copy of every one of the 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 just an excuse to parody the classic horror and science fiction films that Universal Studios was so adept at producing.

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

Joshua Thomas is surprisingly entertaining as Frank 'N' Furter, displaying a talent for camp that I hadn't expected. While his range limits him a bit vocally, he still manages to effectively convey 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 by itself.

Ben Watts has the proper nasally tone we've come to expect in the role of Riff Raff, and Paul Stoff Dean really belts out her tunes with gusto as the Usherette and Magenta. Leo Stoff makes quite an impression as the well defined, and overly muscular Rocky. Chuck Lavazzi hams it up in fine fashion as the narrator.

Additional support is provided by: Tim Clark, Katie Bland, Kelli Halliburton, Elizabeth Schuster, Leslie Sikes, and Vincent Wieck.

Director Chris Owens keeps the action moving fairly well in the first act, but it begins to lose steam right after the beginning of the second act. However, even the movie version stalls at around that same point, so that's nothing new or unexpected. Justin Been creates a simple set to both house the band, and provide another level, complete with staircase. Felia Davenport's costumes add some goth flavor to the show, and Tyler Duenow's lighting adds the right atmosphere.

Though a muddy sound mix proved to be a distraction on opening night, this issue is actually being addressed, and reports are that it's much improved.

The Rocky Horror Show continues through July 18, 2009 at the Tower Grove Abbey. Be aware that the show has a 9pm start. 

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