Halloween spirit fills concert

Cast members had fun singing, dancing and interacting with the audience.
By L. CROW
VINDICATOR CORRESPONDENT
Last year, the Oakland Center presented "Rocky Horror Show." It was a sellout and won a Marquee Award for best musical of the season. Many of the cast members wanted to get together for another performance, so they are presenting a concert version of the show. It opened Friday at Creekside Golf Dome in Girard. Liz Rubino, owner of Center Stage Performance and Productions, produced the show.
The term concert is used loosely. What the cast did was blend into the fun and festive atmosphere at the nightclub, singing a few songs, taking a break, dancing, mingling with the other patrons, then singing some more.
People were able to continue what they were doing -- playing pool, sitting at the bar or other socializing. Some audience members wore costumes, either based on a show character or other Halloween subject, and at the end, the crowd chose a winner.
A portion of ticket sales plus proceeds from a 50/50 raffle went to benefit The Arthritis Foundation. Friday night's winner chose to donate his portion back to the fund.
Musical performances
The show began with Nikita Jones singing the opener, "Science Fiction, Double Feature," followed by a song by Randy Huffman and Danielle Frabutt as Brad and Janet. Riff Raff (Tony Scarsella) led the group in "Time Warp," complete with dancing, including a tap-dancing Columbia (Jan McCombs).
After a brief intermission, which included additional music and dancing with cast and audience members, the show resumed. Dr. Frank-N-Furter, (Nathan Beagle) clad in a black, sexy, two-piece, complete with black fishnets, boots and pearls, took center stage to sing "Sweet Transvestite." Rocky (Ben Haeke) got his wrappings removed, wearing only tiny little underwear, as he was chased by Frank, who promised to make him a man. Eddie (Ryan Ruth) entered from offstage, singing his famous "Hot Patootie."
After another brief intermission, the cast returned with Rocky and Brad now also clad in black two-piece sets, with red feather boas, fishnets and heels. The group sang "Floor Show," an orgylike dance number, then Magenta (Missy Bookbinder) and Riff Raff returned to call Dr. Frank-N-Furter back home to Transylvania. The show ended with the reprise of "Science Fiction, Double Feature," and the audience was called to join in the dancing of "Time Warp."
If you are one of the millions of fans of this cult classic, the concert is a must-see. If you've heard about it but never seen it, these are great songs, costumes and dancing: sensual, creepy and perfect to get you into the Halloween mood. Everyone is urged to participate in the singing and dancing.
XThere will be another performance today at 10 p.m. at Creekside Golf Dome, U.S. Route 422 in Girard. Only 300 will be admitted. Doors open at 9 p.m. No reservations. Tickets are $10. For more information, call (330) 545-5000.