Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Picture Show has never left theatres. The 1975 cult-hit movie has remained in limited release for the past 47 years, making it the longest consistently-running movie in cinematic history. Before the movie became an underground classic and the pillar of the midnight screening phenomenon, there was the 1973 play, The Rocky Horror Show, that made shockwaves around the world, first in London’s West End and then on Broadway in 1975. Both versions starred the legendary Tim Curry, then an unknown.
Lyric Theatre of Oklahoma brings the stage musical to their Plaza Theatre stage Oct. 5 -30. Each production — staged every third year — has a new cast, new costumes and a new setting. The 2019 version was inspired by the New Orleans French Quarter, and featured peacock-feathered wigs and sparkling costumes galore. For the 2022 production, Lyric has decided to take a note from the original setting of the movie. For this year’s production, they’ve based the antics and action in Denton, Texas.
“In the past, we’ve set the show in a ‘50s drive-in, a sideshow, an ‘80s glam/rock club, and a southern gothic mansion,” Lyric’s Producing Artistic Director Michael Baron said. “This year, we take our cue from a line the narrator shares early in the show: ‘It seemed a fairly ordinary night when Brad Majors and his fiancée Janet Weiss... two ordinary, healthy kids... left Denton that late November evening.’ Jeffrey Meek, Lyric Theatre’s resident costume designer, proposed that we set the show in Denton, Texas this year because what’s scarier than Texas? The show will have everything you love about Rocky Horror, but with a Texas-sized twist,” Baron said.
The Rocky Horror Show follows the loosest of plots. A seemingly squeaky-clean couple, Brad and Janet, attend a wedding in Denton, then get caught in a ghastly storm on their overnight drive home. They seek refuge in a dark, uninviting castle and ask the door attendant to use the phone. As Riff-Raff (played in the movie by Richard O’Brien himself) ushers them in, the pair are immediately stripped down to their under garments and not so much invited as they are shoved into an otherworldly party. There they meet “sweet transvestite” Dr. Frank-N-Furter and his band of ghoulish figures. After they all dance the iconic Time Warp, Frank-N-Furter takes the unsuspecting Brad and Janet up to his lab where he’s been making a man of perfect human form. The plot gets lost along the way, but what results is a cathartic release of everything that’s holding the characters back. Underlying all the crazy is a deeply sincere message of self-acceptance and sexual liberation, a theme that fit snugly amidst the backdrop of the 1970s and the Sexual Revolution.
When the movie debuted, fans started a tradition of attending midnight screenings and dressing in costume. Moviegoers started bringing props to throw at the screen and created an exhaustive list of callbacks for nearly every line in the film. When Tim Curry announces a toast, audiences throw toast at the screen. Any time “Brad” is mentioned on-screen, patrons lovingly follow it with “Asshole!” A similar sentiment is reserved for poor Janet, and Rocky Horror fans deemed her the “slut” of their dreams. The bravest and truest fans even got up in front of the screen and performed as a “shadow cast” alongside the film. The bulk of these traditions are in place for the stage production. No outside props are allowed, but Lyric encourages patrons to dress as their favorite character. Prop boxes are available for purchase at the venue for $5, and a tutorial on necessary callbacks will be provided for any “virgins” in the audience. Lyric is even doing two midnight performances during the run. These midnight happenings are always unpredictable and fun, and they’re the truest way to experience Rocky Horror. For all performances, audience participation will be strongly encouraged. If you’ve never danced the Time Warp, you’ll be an expert by the end. Skeptics who are dragged to the show by their friends leave as believers, and a new crop of Rocky Horror diehard fans will emerge from the shadows.
Rocky Horror is probably best known for its lead character. Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s look and message were ahead of their time. This is always a coveted role, and this year Lyric welcomes new performer Lee Walter to their stage. The cast also includes Sadie Koopman as Janet and Logan Corley as Brad. Michael Baron directs.
The Rocky Horror Show is always an unforgettable night of mayhem and music that leaves audiences shivering with antici…pation for the next one.
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