Photo: A scene from the TUTS production of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Photo courtesy of Os Galindo. — A scene from the TUTS production of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Photo courtesy of Os Galindo.

REVIEW: “Rocky” horrifies student reporter

By Joana Castillo Last updated Nov 18, 2016 548 0

“Don’t dream it, be it.” That’s exactly what Theatre Under the Stars (TUTS) did with the cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” when they brought the story to life on stage. Shortly after the FOX network broadcasted the 2016 remake of the 1975 movie version, TUTS is presenting the stage version of the cult classic until Nov. 20.

To be completely honest, this was my first time even hearing about “Rocky,” and I was not ready for what was to come. The opening scene was pretty normal (as normal as it gets for something like “Rocky”). Then BAM I got hit with Dr. Frank N. Furter’s first performance of the night with “Sweet Transvestite.” Now for those who have seen Rocky Horror Show before this is no surprise but for someone like me who had never seen the film or an

Now for those who have seen “Rocky” before this is no surprise, but for someone like me who had never seen the film or an on-stage performance of this kind, it was quite the shocker. Was the man wearing 5-inch heels and strutting his stuff? What is going on here? So many thoughts were going through my head.

I had never been to anything as wild and weird.

Despite the thrusting and dirty dancing, “Rocky” had me on my toes the entire time. The music was energetic and catchy, the dance moves were phenomenal and the singing was impressive. I was so intrigued that I had to go watch the original 1975 film. If this is your first time watching “The Rocky Horror Show,” I’m warning you now, it is not for the faint of heart.

In order to have a successful on-stage production of the freaky, weird and amazing classic, there must be a great Frank N. Furter. Tim Curry, who plays the original “Dr. Crazy” as I like to call him, is a tough act to follow, but for Pierre Alexandre, this is not a difficult task. Alexandre brings forth the right amount of sexual aggression that the character of Dr. Frank N. Furter requires.

As for the recently engaged couple Janet Weiss and Brad Majors, played by Connor Lyon and Scott Harrison, do a phenomenal job in bringing out the perfect balance between innocence and sexual freedom. Erin Wasmund played two roles in the show, that of Usherette, with an amazing opening performance, and Magenta. Adam Gibbs and Madison Turner played Riff Raff and Columbia; their performances were anything but boring.

Photo: Actors Scott Harrison and Connor Lyon portray characters Brad and Janet, respectively, in the TUTS production of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Photo courtesy of Os Galindo. — Actors Scott Harrison and Connor Lyon portray characters Brad Majors and Janet Weiss, respectively, in the TUTS production of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” *Photo courtesy of Os Galindo.*

In the original version the narrator was a man, but TUTS cast the character as a woman for their production, played by Suzan Koozin. The role was beautifully executed by Koozin who was funny and gave us the step-by-step instructions on how to time warp. Her performance alone was entertaining.

I was impressed with the audience engagement during the show. Although no outside props were allowed in the theater, TUTS knew that the audience interaction was part of the fun of “Rocky.” TUTS sells $5 bags filled with newspaper, rubber gloves, confetti, a flashlight, toilet paper and playing cards for the audience members to purchase. They are to use these at the designated times during the performance to enhance the performance and enjoyment of the production and the overall “Rocky” experience.

Richard O’Brien’s “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is set to continue on through Nov. 20 at The Hobby Center – Zilkha Hall. For tickets and additional information you can visit https://www.tuts.com/shows/rocky-horror-show.