STAGE REVIEW Oakland's 'Rocky Horror Show' is a must

The play is a different kind of theatrical experience.
By DEBORA SHAULIS
VINDICATOR ENTERTAINMENT EDITOR
YOUNGSTOWN -- There's something about Oakland Center for the Arts' production of "Rocky Horror Show" that's more abundant than the cast's fishnet stockings and more satisfying than Dr. Frank N. Furter's succumb-to-pleasure lifestyle.
It is the sense of just how good a community theater ensemble can be.
"Rocky Horror Show" is very similar to "Rocky Horror Picture Show," the 1970s sci-fi movie spoof that became a cult hit and an audience participatory experience. The stage show also is its own creature.
It attracted many "Rocky Horror" virgins Friday, which was opening night, and those folks were each marked upon arrival with a red lipstick V on their faces.
Cast
"Rocky Horror" is a different kind of theatrical experience, as performed by a different kind of cast. The depth of the ensemble is clear from the beginning, when Nikita Jones sets the scene by singing "Science Fiction Double Feature" with a strong voice and a sultry manner. What a surprise to read in the program that she's only a sophomore at Chaney High School.
You expect Frank, the sweet transvestite from planet Transylvania, to be larger than life. You get that from Matthew DiBattiste, who inserts bombast into Frank's frank sexual talk. Others may be better singers, but DiBattiste goes the distance for this character. It's not just any actor who can wear red lipstick so well and run in high-heeled boots, let alone run up and down the auditorium steps without wiping out.
At Frank's side are the pleasure seeking Transylvanians -- Mary K. Farragher, Cristina Cala, Beth Farrow, Mandy Rapp and Jones -- and color cohorts Magenta (Missy Bookbinder) and squeaky-voiced Columbia (Jennifer McCombs). They're a delight to watch as they do "The Time Warp," the show's signature dance number.
All of them converge on all American couple Brad Majors (Brandon Arnold) and Janet Weiss (Danielle Frabutt), who seek help with their car's flat tire and stumble across Frank's weird castle. The mad scientist's new creation, Rocky (Randall Huffman), is unveiled before his guests. Frank's former toy, Eddie (Ryan Ruth), makes a loud, brief appearance, and Brad and Janet have their first sexual encounters, although not as they had imagined.
Arnold captures Brad's nerdiness and Frabutt succeeds at separating the old Janet from the liberated Janet. Both are strong vocalists.
Narrator Tim McGinley's somber observations and vocal styling induce chuckles.
The awards for completely melting into one's character go to Christopher Fidram as Dr. Scott (Eddie's uncle) and Stephanie Ottey as Riff-Raff, Frank's slave. Between the voice Ottey affects and her androgynous appearance, her performance is the most amazing of the production.
New sound system
"Rocky Horror" is the first show to be performed at the Oakland since a new sound system was installed. Frequent patrons will notice the difference and cheer the crisp audio quality. The system was purchased with a grant from Youngstown Foundation.
The show's director, John Murphy, is lighting and scenic designer at Youngstown State University Theater, so there's high quality on the production side of this show.
Sound effects are good, costumes are campy, and Magenta's hair is just the right shade. Props like Rocky's hospital bed and Dr. Scott's wheelchair look like they're from the era when "Rocky Horror" made its debut.
Don't forget to pick up a prop packet in the lobby before the show.
The band keeps its volume in check without sacrificing the fun, as when pianist Tim Webb inserts a few bars of Michael Jackson's "Thriller."
shaulis@vindy.com