Sunday, October 24, 2010
By LORRAINE WARDLE
YOUNGSTOWN
“Prepare for the ride of your life,” the Narrator tells the audience as “The Rocky Horror Show” begins. And she’s not kidding. With amazing actors, crazy costumes and, of course, transvestites from Transsexual Transylvania, the Rust Belt Theater Company’s “The Rocky Horror Show” is one wild ride.
The Rust Belt’s “Rocky Horror” is a revival of Robert Dennick Joki’s popular production. The show is in a new venue this year at the recently refurbished Calvin Center. Much of Joki’s original cast members reprise their roles along with some great new additions.
In case you’re not familiar with the show or the movie based upon it, a quick recap: “The Rocky Horror Show,” written by Richard O’Brien, is a cult-hit horror-comedy-musical.
Brad and Janet, an innocent young couple, get a flat tire while driving through the country in the rain. In search of a telephone, they come to a spooky castle owned by Frank N Furter, a sort of Dr Frankenstein-meets-dominatrix who gives both Brad and Janet a wild night. The show is sexually charged, fast-paced and lots of fun but not for the faint-of-heart.
Joki has made a name for himself as one of Youngstown’s most-talented and creative directors. His innovative and original productions have brought him critical acclaim, and “Rocky Horror” is no exception.
The production is staged in the round, with the actors in the middle and the audience seated around the “stage” area. Throughout the play, the ensemble moves through and around the audience, effectively bringing them into the play.
Musical numbers frequently involve interaction with the audience. And audience participation is encouraged, including grab bags with items to throw at the actors.
Joki seems to both exude and attract talent. For this show, he has assembled an amazing cast, from the lead roles to the chorus. Eric McCrea and Alyssa Connelly reprise their roles as Brad and Janet with humorous interpretation and strong singing.
Also impressive in their reprisals were Melissa Cook as Magenta, Andrew Labedz as Eddie, Richard Morrow as Rocky and Nicole Zayas as the Narrator.
Newcomer Jennifer Caventer proved an excellent addition with her performance as Columbia.
Stealing the show, as he always does, was Sawn Lockaton as Riff Raff. His “Time Warp” was easily the best number in the play. And “Rocky Horror” would not be complete without Joki’s larger-than-life Frank N Furter. Joki is just as amazing as a performer as he is a director.
Since this is a new venue for Joki and company, there are a few technical kinks to work out. The theater space is a former school gym, which creates serious sound problems. The high ceiling and large, open area give the space unfortunate acoustics. It was very difficult throughout the production to clearly understand what the actors were saying and singing.
In time, they’re sure to remedy the problem. And in the meantime, “The Rocky Horror Show” is a blast to watch. Joki and company literally brought down the house.
“The Rocky Horror Show” continues Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m. and midnight. For reservations, call 330-507–2358.