Do You Remember Doing the Time Warp?

At the Late Nite Double Feature Picture Show

Well folks, it is time to do the time warp again. The Rocky Horror Show has landed at the D’Youville Kavinoky in a rousing, fast-paced homage to the science fiction B movies of the 50s and 60s, but with a bit of a twist. People who attended the “late night double feature picture show” at that time never saw anything like Richard O’Brien’s take on those pulp films. One wonders what Michael Rennie would have made of it?

For those of you who have been living in a cave, or perhaps on another planet since 1975, the film is a cult classic, and the play is the second-most produced play in the nation. (What the Constitution Means To Me is first, for you theater trivia buffs.) The Kavinoky opened the season with that one. Perhaps they will be doing the third most produced play next. 

Get Ready for Midnight Madness

But back to our story – a young and innocent couple, Brad and Janet, newly engaged, have car trouble and stop at a nearby castle to ask to use the phone. A strange looking, rather frightening man, Riff Raff, invites them in wherein they experience a night like no other. The transvestite, Dr. Frank ‘N’ Furter, has been working day and night on his creature, Rocky, and at last the creature is ready to be animated, and what a hot babe he turns out to be. Jealousy, narcissism, and revenge ensue as the pressure mounts between Riff Raff and Dr. Frank. Whatever will happen?

Dan Urtz is terrific as Riff Raff. He pretty much channels the character. Kris Bartolomeo oozes sexuality as Dr. Frank. Unfortunately, their lyrics, particularly for Sweet Transvestite were often overpowered by the music, so much of what they were singing was lost. Many audience members commented on that. It was a problem at other times as well, one that is no doubt fixable.

Melinda Capeles as Janet is sufficiently virginal (until she isn’t) and looks like she was having great fun with Rocky in Touch-a Touch Me, although slowing the song down a bit might have made it more sensual than it was. Stll, very enjoyable. Ricky Needham as the nerdy, somewhat clueless Brad (wasn’t he just a nerd in a recent murder play?) has that role down to a T. Michele Roberts is charming as the Usherette who opens and closes the show with Science Fiction, Double Feature, then is tough as nails as Magenta. Charmagne Chi is a hoot, as always, as Columbia, then shows some depth, or as much depth as this show can muster, when she reveals her broken heart.  Andrew Kowalczewski does a fine job as the mostly naked Rocky. Kerrykate Abel zips in and out in fine voice as the doomed Eddie. Mike Randall is very serious as the Narrator, and John Fredo has a few surprises (assuming you have never seen this before) as Dr. Scott. The Transylvanians are Araia Heathcott, Morgan Kyle, and Dave Spychalski, all of whom play their roles to the hilt.

Lorraine O’Donnell directed. Choreography is by Eric Deeb Weaver. Music Direction is by Allan Paglia.

Forever Iconic

All in all, this is a fine production of this iconic play. The black and white  videos were, for the most part, very engaging. Having clips of all the movies mentioned in Science Fiction Double Feature as the Usherette sang about them, was really fun. The Time Warp song and dance is a highlight. The castle could have been more scary initially, and the band not as loud throughout, but the sold-out opening night audience had a blast, yelling at the characters (no throwing things at the actors allowed), and  dancing in the aisles and in their seats as one must at The Rocky Horror Show.