Let’s Do the Time Warp Again!

The Rocky Horror Show

Many theatergoers will remember those low-budget black & white horror and science fiction movies that reined supreme at the box office during the 1930’s through the 1960’s. Targeting teenage audiences, the movies all followed a similar formula, were quite gimmicky and featured some sort of invasion or threat to humanity. B-Films like “Zombies of the Stratosphere,” “Invaders From Mars,” “The Brain Eaters,” “How to Make a Monster,” “Plan 9 From Outer Space” and “Planet of the Vampires,” were popular double features at the local movie palace or drive-in.

British/New Zealand actor Richard O’Brien had been a huge fan of this genre of entertainment. He thought a pop/rock musical based on plot elements from his favorite sci-fi films of the 50’s and 60’s would be successful in the early 70’s, especially with the popularity of such hits as JESUS CHRIST SUPERSTAR and HAIR. The result was THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW that would not only take London by storm, but would be produced to sellout crowds all over the world. The theatrical musical gained even more notoriety when it was adapted for the silver screen in 1975. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” became an international cult classic and, over the last 50 years, is still being shown in movie theaters, especially in popular midnight viewings. The movie inspired audiences to should call-out responses to the film’s inane dialogue, and prompted film lovers to throw certain items mentioned in the movie, like playing cards and toilet paper, into the audience.

Artistic Director Jeffrey Cass hit upon the brilliant idea to name BrightSide Theatre’s Season 14, “For the Fun of It.” And since the first show also coincides with the Halloween season, what better than a fun production of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW—LIVE! His wise decision included inviting audiences to attend the show in costume, if they wished, and to purchase prepackaged BrightSide-approved goodie bags of props at the door, that can be tossed into the audience, when prompted by the characters. Theatergoers are also encouraged to perform call-outs and even sing and dance along with the cast. In other words, unlike previous BrightSide Theater productions, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW boasts plenty of audience participation. So folks, get ready to get decadent, and Let’s Do The Time Warp Again!

Directed with his usual flair and finesse for detail, Mr. Cass has assembled a talented cast of 16 triple-threats, many who are new to the Naperville Professional Theatre. The ensemble company is led by the wonderfully uninhibited actor/singer, John McNally, as a David Bowiesque Doctor Frank-N-Furter. This inventive and energetic Thespian struts, shakes and shimmies his way all over the stage, reminding the savvy theatre patron of Tim Curry, the British actor who originated the role. His Frankenstein-inpsired creation, the titular, muscle-bound Rocky Horror, is played with gusto and gold short-shorts by Ben Chalex. As the pansexual, cross-dressing mad scientist, John McNally is every inch the “Sweet Transvestite,” from transexual Transylvania.

Mr. McNally is joined by Michael Lynch, as nerdy Brad Majors, and Brooke Kassal, as a Brad’s conservative fiancee, Janet Weiss. Both actors absolutely immerse themselves in their roles, with Ms. Kassal often stealing the entire production with her powerful showbiz belt. The couple’s delightful ditty, “Damn It, Janet,” which prompts many call-outs, is especially fun. At times, Brooke’s terrific performance reminded me of the vibrant and talented Broadway star, Kerry Butler, particularly in her “Touch-a-Touch Me” that opens Act II. Hopefully we’ll be seeing a lot more of Brooke Kassal in the future.

Another standout in this cast is one of BrightSide’s brightest returning performers. That dynamic diva, Michelle Bolliger lights up the stage in every role she plays. Beginning the musical as a movie theater Usherette, Michelle belts out “Science Fiction/Double Feature,” the opening number that helps prepare audiences for the campy fun that lies ahead. And, fortunate for us, Ms. Bolliger returns to the musical as Magenta, a servant to the mad doctor. Not only sporting the biggest hair imaginable, Michelle lends her dulcet tones to most of the ensemble numbers.

On opening night, due to an illness, understudy Charlie Kungl stepped into the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s butler and handyman, Riff Raff (normally played by Thomas McMahon). Kungl did a remarkable job, especially in the opening number, “Over at the Frankenstein Place,” as well as the musical’s most popular song, “The Time Warp.” Proving that an actor listed in the program as an understudy or swing is every bit as skilled and talented as the performer who originally portrays a character, Charlie Kungl was excellent.

Another talented actor who’s been seen in several BrightSide productions is character actor, Scott Kelley. Remembered for his hilarious portrayal of Bottom in A MIDSUMMER NIGHT’S DREAM and Sidney in DEATHTRAP, Mr. Kelley is commanding and a real delight as the pompous pontificator, the nameless Narrator. Mary Grace Martens is very funny as Eddie, the brain-damaged biker boy who returns from the dead to rescue his biggest fan, Columbia. Ms. Martens’ rockin’ “Hot Patootie—Bless My Soul” brings down the house. Mary Grace returns in Act II as a wheelchair bound scientist, Dr. Scott. Collette Michelle does a very nice job, both as an Usherette and as Eddie’s tap dancing Groupie, Columbia. And the multitalented ensemble of Phantoms who fill the mansion includes Sebastian Blanco, Michael Bolanos, Angel Diaz, Erica Harrington, Sydnee Howes and Amelia Tam.

For fans of sci-fi cult films and obscure theatrical musicals, BrightSide’s Halloween trick will treat the liberal-minded theatergoer to a confection filled with fun. The musical’s motto is “Don’t dream it…be it;” and the show is said to have been an influence on the counterculture and sexual revolution movements that permeated America after the 1960’s. THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW is for theatergoers who enjoy their musicals a little bit weird and unabashedly wild. Enhanced by Cheryl Newman’s glitzy punk and often revealing Costumes, this is the perfect production for the Halloween season. Featuring Jeffrey Cass’ Salvador Daliesque Direction, and filled with spunk and spirit, this show gives audiences nothing but absolute pleasure. So, as the curtain falls, don’t be shy: Let’s Do the “Time Warp” Again!                 

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented October 24-November 9 by BrightSide Theatre, performed at Meiley-Swallow Hall at North Central College, 31 S. Ellsworth, Naperville, IL.

Tickets are available in person at the box office, by calling 630-447-8497 or by going to www.brightsidetheatre.com.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com