THE PLAY: This is the stage version of the popular midnite movie classic about an innocent couple who stumble upon a castle inhabited by Dr. Frank ‘N’ Furter and his bizarre entourage.

 

THE PRODUCTION: The cast is full of exuberant performances, selling the songs with rambunctious spirit. Jim Morgan as Frank ‘N’ Furter (reprising the role he played in 1998) seizes the spotlight with a resonant voice and dominant (!) delivery. Levi Meerovich brings twisted delight to his role as Riff Raff. Director Michael Hawke has crammed the stage with an almost chaotic amount of activity, while working every comic opportunity. Kate Belleman’s choreography goes from simplistic to weird. The band (under the direction of Kim Fox) could have used more oomph to fill the room with rock. That could be a sound issue, even though Lucian Restivo and Shane Barber’s mix catches every word (of course, there’s a lot of scream singing). Frank Foster’s set is utilitarian with no design, Andrew Bonniwell’s lights sometime miss the mark, while Shelia Russ’ costumes were fine. A minor note:  Since this is NOT the movie, there are etiquette notes in the program and a Fun Bag ($7) with approved props you can use to participate in the show. To maintain the blonde Rocky illusion, Adam Turck needs to touch up those roots.Running time: 1:50

 

THE POINT: Even though it could have used more overall polish, this racy show is chocked full of boundless energy and raucous fun.

 

(4 / 5)

 

At Richmond Triangle Players thru 10/26 (completely sold out but you might be able to get a standby)

 

In 1976, when Rocky Horror was becoming a midnite phenom, I was reviewing for CBS-6 and did this report.

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