“I'm just a sweet transvestite, from Transexual, Transylvania,” if you don’t immediately recognize those lyrics than this probably isn’t the show for you. This cult classic, the basis for the 1975 film, has a strange story. A young couple find themselves stranded when their car breaks down in the middle of nowhere. They end up at the home of Dr. Frank-N-Furter and their bizarre night gets even weirder as they meet his devoted crew of miscreants.
The elegant Athenaeum theatre is an oddly fitting setting for the musical. The set included a full catwalk and scaffolding that allows the cast to take advantage of the whole stage. There were some occasional audio issues and moments when the music overwhelmed the actors’ voices, but it was a minor issue.
Zach Rosing Productions did an excellent job casting actors who were willing to throw themselves full force into the roles. Without their enthusiasm the show could have easily fallen flat, but instead the whole audience caught on to their energy. From the dancing Transylvanians to Scott Keith’s saucy Dr. Frank 'N' Furter, the cast was clearly having a blast. Damon Clevenger’ Riff Raff was spot on in his restrained creepiness and even Logan Moore’s naive Rocky, a role that can sometimes be wooden, was charmingly sweet.
The production could have depended heavily on camp alone and still been an incredibly fun show. Instead it combined some great performances and multimedia elements that were incorporated smoothly into the scenes. Magenta, played by Erin Cohenour, and Betsy Norton as Janet both nailed their songs with their powerful voices. Dave Ruark served as the narrator in via pre-filmed clips that worked perfectly because of his dry delivery.
Again if you find men in speedos and fishnets offensive, this isn't going to be your cup of tea. But if you can embrace the silliness this show is just so much fun. You don’t have to know anything about it in advance to enjoy it. Now who's ready to do the Time Warp this Halloween?
Don't Miss the Show
The show runs until Saturday, Nov. 1 at the Athenaeum Theatre so hurry to get tickets. They can be purchased online at rockyhorrorindy.com or by calling (800) 838-3006. Shows begin at 7:30 p.m. on Oct. 24th, 30th, 31st and Nov. 1st. There is also a 10:30 p.m. showing on Friday, Oct. 24 and 31st and on Saturday, Nov. 1st.
Photos Courtesy of Zach Rosing.
Comments