With much “Antici…pation”: A Rocky Horror Picture Show Review
The icy weather on Saturday night didn’t stop the show-goers for the North Frontenac Little Theatre’s production of Rocky Horror Picture Show at Soldiers Memorial Hall in Sharbot Lake. Every seat was filled, party hats were on. After all, as The Criminologist said, “they were not going to let a storm spoil the events of their evening… it was a night out they were going to remember for a very long time.” “BORING!… FAST FORWARD!… WHERE’S HIS NECK!” shouted the Sharbot lake crowd.
The play began with “Science Fiction” wonderfully performed by co-director Tim White. Flashlight in hand, he captured the iconic red lips from the film perfectly. This cut to the film which revealed a story line of strange and intriguing happenings one fateful night at a mysterious castle. With clever direction by Lily Legacy and Tim, the hybrid version went back and forth between the movie on screen and the theatre cast acting and singing the musical numbers.
Throughout the performance the audience played a role as well. Dancing and singing, yelling out witty remarks, blowing bubbles, covering their heads with newspaper to stay dry, and throwing toast, toilet paper, and cards.
Back on stage the cast belted the hit songs that tell a twisted tale about a chiseled monster man named Rocky (Tankut Alp Ertek) who was animated to life by mad scientist Frank-N-Furter (Lily Legacy). Newly engaged, an innocent couple Brad (Conny Rennebarth) and Janet (Daelin Verkindt) are in for a transformative awakening as they realize the goings on within the castle walls.
From the moment they were greeted by Riff Raff (Greg Morris), Magenta (Margo McCullough), and Columbia (Joelle Parr) with songs “Over at the Frankenstein Place” and “Time Warp” alongside the Criminologist played by Alder Legacy-Zierer, who brought new meaning to the pelvic thrust, the couple began to submit to the seductive charm of the castle's residence.
Next Eddie (Erik Zierer) rode in on his motorcycle singing “Hot Patootie” ultimately meeting his fate at the hands of Frank-N-Fruter. His uncle, Dr. Von Scott (also played by Erik) arrives to look for his nephew Eddie after learning his brain had been removed by aliens. Dr. Von Scott alerts Brad and Janet that the band of misfits is in fact a band of space explorers from another galaxy with powers beyond their own.
All members played their roles to a tee and sang with heart. From the comical and cheeky “Sweet Transvestite” to the more somber “I’m Going Home” the talented cast wowed the audience with each note.
In honour of the 50th anniversary of the 1975 film the Little Theatre Company put on a memorable rendition of this cult classic. “Let’s do the time warp again!” ■
