Theater
Review
The
Rocky Horror Show
RIVERSIDE,
CA - Even though most of the public is familiar with the cult film, Rocky
Horror Picture Show, it was originally written as a stage
production. Created by Richard
O'Brien in 1973 as a homage to the horror film, the show originally
ran for nearly seven years. The film adaptation first failed at
the box office but eventually developed a massive following when it
began playing for midnight showings. A party atmosphere
developed, with audiences cheering, booing, yelling out lines and
singing along.
Performance
Riverside's production of The Rocky Horror Show is the perfect blend
of the two mediums. The show runs like the film, so audiences
can, and do, participate energetically during the show.
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Yelling
out portions of the dialogue, talking back to the characters,
singing along and dancing in the aisles is completely acceptable
and encouraged.
Performance
Riverside's Executive director Steven A. Glaudini masterfully
played the part of the Narrator setting the humorous yet
creepy tone for the evening. Entangled
in this twisted romantic honeymoon of bizarre laboratory
experiments was Brad and Janet, played by Damon Kirsche and Anne
Warren. Damon, having appeared on Broadway in numerous
shows, gave an outstanding performance as the nerdy groom who
finds his heroic side. Familiar to Southland audiences as
the star of Pinafore!, Chris Hall was extraordinary in
his portrayal of the comical Riff-Raff.
Rounding
out this stellar cast was Christia Mantzke as Usherette and
Magenta, Monica Schneider as Columbia, Eric Anderson as Frank
'n' Furter, Thomas Patrick as Rocky, and Danny Stiles as Eddie
and Dr. Scott. |
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Adding
a real flair to this flashy production was the group of Phantoms
played by Israel Aguiano, Lindi Duesenberg, Renee Liskey, Collin
Rand and Gabriel A. Silva. The cast and audience fed off
of each other's energy making this an exciting, fun-filled
evening for all.
The
production crew deserves three cheers for a stunning visual
presentation of this cult classic. Ovation Nominee Steven
Young created magical lighting effects, and Don Le Master
conducted the small, but riveting pit band that drove the show
at its legendary frantic pace.
Playing
from October 31 through November 16, Performance Riverside's
production of the Rocky Horror Show is a must
see. - A. Thomas
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