Review: ROCKY HORROR SHOW is Absolute Pleasure

What can one hope to do with a show as repeated as Rocky Horror? You could attempt a glamorous revamp, like FOX, and trip over your garters before you hit the starting gate. You could attempt to gimmick the hell out of it, a la The Rocky Horror Punk Show. Or your name could be Jilian Wesolowski. You could be wondrously brilliant, you could strip away the fancy sets and expectations of the audience to give them a damn show. Where FOX goes wrong, Wesolowski goes oh so right. Lo and behold, a revitalized monster- Wesolowski's Rocky Horror Show is a delightful rendition of the classic, swirling viciously around its audience in a demonic game that makes it more experience than show.

Director Wesolowski's show is hard to describe. Immersion has always been a key of Rocky, a staple of the live show. There's something more to it than normal down at the Junction. This feels more like a group of actors performing the classic (hear me out), akin to the film Jesus Christ Superstar- in which a group of people silently drive to the desert, put on costumes, and become the characters.

Wesolowski's Rocky Horror has no sets, no visuals except the performers. The Phantoms, made up of four deviants, create various set pieces and movements. A majority of the cast never leaves the space. While there isn't too much overabundance in breaking the 4th wall or lap dancing on audience members, the cast seems to be fully aware that they're writing you into the story. The Narrator is just as threatening to the audience as each phantom, or lead, who could, at any time, eat you up. The threat is always there, and it is tantalizing.

Further, Wesolowski seems to have accomplished everything FOX wanted- more color, stronger vocals, and all around a wonderful remake of the classic. This Rocky Horror Show boasts the measured, sultry delivery of JC Carr's Frank, the super-star vocals of Cat Pagano's Columbia and Erin Elisa's Janet, down to the best Brad to ever whimper aloud, Keith Martinez. The camp is smart, not too self-aware. The songs are strong, a rock concert that matches the close-up band. The respect to the original is there- but by no means does this copy.

In other words, this Rocky Horror Show is doing everything perfectly.

The cast is a gem, from top to bottoM. Martinez's Brad is an asshole, but more effeminate in a way rarely seen. Matched with the more caged Elisa, when the duo roar to life in the second act, sparks fly. Carr's Frank will have people crossing legs for sure. Carr is sexy, knows it, flaunts it, belts it. Make sure you bring protection, he's certainly one of the dirtier Franks out there.

The most unpredictable people Wesolowski has thrust onto her stage is the supporting cast of misfits, and Phantoms. Aron Wesolowski's Riff Raff is the best singing Riff I've heard since O'Brien, and way more untamed. The wild Riff Raff pairs well with Gabriella Arias' Magenta, both cackling as they tweak around dangerously.

Anybody who has been to The Junction is well aware of the space restrictions. Usually a concert venue, Wesolowski's show is the third to perform a theatrical event on the stage. Only 100 fit into the brick enclosed concert hall, a challenge sound and lighting were frustrated with from day one.

Heather Marks, as Sound Designer, had to deal firstly with the challenges of a full band playing next to the performers, not fifteen feet from performers. She's left every performer handling their own amplifications (excluding keys, who have a hook into the speakers), taking the thirteen actors into her balancing act. Astonishingly, Marks takes the vocals just above the music, just enough to give each musician their needed space (hearing Noelle Rueschman's alto sax is definitely a great time).

David Jones had to light the room, not accustomed to theatrical events, with a shining knife. A circular set-up lies above the audience, with a normal stage rigging around the performers. Manipulating the LEDs and specials to accomadate them was a challenge he fights with every performance, but Jones certainly gives the rock in Rocky Horror (shout out to music director Manny Vidales, your band is kicking ass too).

There's such much to say about Wesolowski's Rocky Horror, the kind of dirty pillow talk that Rocky first inspired with the movie so many years ago. Tallahassee has a dirty little secret waiting for you down at The Junction, one that will leave a sweet taste in your mouth, a few ounces of shame, and a lot of lip-stick. Whether a super slut or a virgin, get out to either the early, or the raunchy late night showings of Wesolowoski's Rocky Horror- guaranteed to thrill you, chill you, and fulfill you.

The Rocky Horror Show plays at the Junction from Oct. 21st-29th, at 8:00pm and 11:30pm. The show is recommended for mature audiences only, outdoor props are not allowed, and there are strobe effects. Tickets and prop bags may be purchased online, or at the door. Contact Jilian Wesolowski for information on buy one, get one tickets for the late performances.

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