By Johnnie-Margaret McConnell
pop writer
Nick Demos, Lyric's now former artistic director, thrusts himself from the state this week to direct on the New York stage.?Demos leaves behind one final work for area theatre goers, Richard O'Brien's cult sensation "The Rocky Horror Show."
Yes, it's everything the stage and movie versions of The Rocky Horror are known for, shock and awe.?Demos recruited national and regional talent to put on O'Brien's science-fiction/sexual exploration musical.? Demos' loaded cast is exploding with talent. For me, talent is the only reason to come to Rocky Horror.?I'm not a cult member.
O'Brien's original musical ran for six weeks during the summer of 1973 in England's
Royal Court Theatre. America's music entrepreneur Lou Adler's viewing led to the subsequent American production at Los Angelos' Roxy Theatre in 1974. The cult film-classic quickly followed.? Up to this point, interaction was not a part of the musical.
Many attribute the beginning of the Rocky Horror participation phenomenon to the midnight showings at New York City's Waverly Theater (now called IFC Center).?
Demos ensures OKC virgin viewers, the term for first time viewers among Rocky Horror fans, are properly instructed on standardized shot outs as well as necessary props.?Lyric is selling prop bags for $5; no outside props are allowed. More on the cult rise of what began as short-run musical can be found at the well-maintained Web site http://www.rockyhorror.com.
Rocky Horror followers, it's a given you will see Lyric's version, but for the rest of us it is a rare opportunity to see a live production with unquestionable talent.
Oklahoma City native Renee Anderson plays the Usherette for your science fiction double feature of Brad Majors and fianc? Janet Weiss' wild night at Dr. Frank 'N' Furter's castle. Needing help with a flat tire, the unsuspecting couple stumbles into another world of morals direct from Transsexual, Transylvania.
Anderson is eerily inviting as both the Usherette and maid Magenta.? Her dark, sultry voice and blazing magenta spiky hair play nicely against the sweet vocals of Bradley Beahan (Brad) and Heather Hawkins (Janet). Multimedia is used throughout the production to project the background story as well as air Stephen Hilton's (Narrator) teasing monologues throughout the production.
The shock begins with Dr. Frank 'N' Furter's (Monte Wheeler) entrance. An imposing figure before high heels, Wheeler owns the stage in his patent-leather mary-jane heels and black fishnet stockings complete with blazing red corset and Barbara Bush white pearls.?Wheeler's vocal range is as wide as Dr. Frank 'N' Furter's sexual desires.
Dr. Frank 'N' Furter's latest pleasure creation is Rocky (Nick Adams).? Another Broadway veteran among cast members, Adams' body is as hard as Dr. Frank 'N' Furter's body is for him. Adams' performance proves he is more than eye candy.
Even if you've never seen "Rocky Horror," you've probably heard a few of the famous tunes, "Time Warp" and "Sweet Transvestite" par example.?If you can get past the grit and desire, Demos' cast brings artistry to otherwise group line dancing and drag cat walk tunes.
Rocky Horror does have a plot, albeit twisted. Will Brad and Janet's engagement withstand the pressures of another world's morals? Will Dr. Frank 'N' Furter kill again? Don't worry, you don't have to go in costume or buy the prop bag to enjoy while finding out these answers.
One final cast note: Jennifer Bryne is magnetic as Columbia. Her long, lanky body is well played adding sensuality to an otherwise manipulative game of sex.
Just in case you're still wondering, "Rocky Horror" is not a show for all virgins.?There is strong language and sexually explicit scenes throughout the show.?Variety magazine reported in June that MTV is planning a remake for television. "Rocky Horror" may yet capture the consciousness of a third generation.
Lyric's "Rocky Horror" tickets are $40. Senior discounts (ages 65+), Group discounts (10+), and college student discounts (week of show with ID) are also available. Performances run through November 1; Thursdays at 7:30 p.m., Fridays at 8 p.m., Saturdays at 6 p.m. and 10 p.m. However, the Friday, Oct. 31 performance and the late Saturday, Nov. 1 performance will both begin at midnight instead of the times previously listed. For tickets, visit www.lyrictheatreokc.com, call 524-9312, or go to 1727 NW 16th St, Oklahoma City, OK.
