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Review
The 'Rocky Horror Show' is as humorous as it is shocking
The Advocate
MHCC's production of the "Rocky Horror Show" is a must-see for all "Rocky Horror" fans.
The production, seen Tuesday in its second dress rehearsal, includes well-cast and talented actors, crazy costumes, some interesting set pieces, a sprinkling of Lady Gaga, audience participation, all mixed with an obscure plot that has had audience members watching for 35 years with antici . . . pation.
Upon entering MHCC's College Theater, Lady Gaga songs play overhead and there is a large picture frame-looking object on the stage.
At the start of the show, the picture frame is revealed as a shadow box. During the opening song, "Science Fiction/Double Feature," which reminisces about late-night showings of old science fiction movies, the actors create shadow pictures behind the screen that represent the different movies mentioned. It was a humorous way to begin the play and much more entertaining than simply singing the song.
The plot begins with "Brad Majors" (Coleton Sticka) and "Janet Wiess" (Elizabeth Sanchez) getting engaged and driving to tell their old friend, Dr. Everett Scott (Nick Buffinton), the news. Amid a thunderstorm, they get a flat tire and walk to the house of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (James Sharinghousen) to use the telephone.
The house looks like a stereotypical creepy house in the middle of nowhere that no sane person would enter. The house is seen on stage for the entire show, but is easily imagined as the outside of the house, the inside, different rooms, or not there at all due to the actor's staging as well as the changes in lighting.
As Janet and Brad sing and walk to the door, lightning flashes behind the house and thunderclaps follow. The second level windows of the house are lit up showing people inside, dancing provocatively, foreshadowing the night ahead.
The piece that acts as a door, in this and future scenes, comes down and is a solid black rectangle that has a mirror like surface. It made the scenes visually interesting as the actors are faintly reflected on it.
The actors are wonderful.
James Sharinghousen, from Clackamas, was a fantastic "Dr. Frank-N-Furter." He stood out, not just because the character is shocking in appearance and speech, but because he plays the character so effortlessly. He appeared completely comfortable wearing very little clothing, sparkling corsets and fishnets, while strutting about on stage, commanding the attention of not only the characters in the show, but the audience as well. He stays true to the character of "Frank" as fans of the movie will appreciate, but does not attempt to mimic Tim Curry. He makes the character his own. He was so convincing that it seems some of what he said was ad libbed.
"Riff Raff," the butler, is played by Joe Janey. Instead of the traditional hunched-over monster with long hair, he is tall with short hair. He has a more modern look that works for him. His height and dramatic movements give him a definite stage presence.
"Magenta" and "Columbia" are played by Hana Hailey and Kara Pierson, respectively. Both have beautiful, strong singing voices. Although at times Pierson's vocal clarity was hard to understand, they both had strong performances.
Elizabeth Sanchez plays "Janet" who is seemingly innocent. She rolls in her shoulders like she is self-conscious. She shuffles her feet like a young girl, almost to the point of annoyance. However, when she stops shuffling and is no longer displaying her self-conscious mannerisms, it emphasizes the change in her, which occurs during the song "Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me." The switch from innocent to not so innocent, showcases Sanchez's acting talent.
Lady Gaga's music playing before the show and at intermission is not the only Gaga-related part of the show.
There are numerous points in which the famous okay sign over one eye is implemented. It is used in choreography for songs such as "Dammit Janet" and "Time Warp." At one point, "Dr. Frank-N-Furter" uses it as he says the word "zero."
Pieces of choreography from Lady Gaga music videos, such as the chorus of "Bad Romance," are danced in some of the musical numbers.
It maybe a bit surprising to see "Dr. Everett Scott" walking around on crutches with hand grips instead of having a wheelchair. In the music video for the song "Paparazzi," Lady Gaga moves around relying on crutches with hand grips. Not having the wheelchair may confuse some in the audience, but it is a clever connection.
Over time the movie version of this show began to have showings where the audience "participates." Audience members of this play are invited to participate. Director Jennifer Hunter said toast, squirt guns, newspaper, and bubbles can be brought to the theater — but not rice. "It is a nightmare to clean," she says. The narrator begins the show telling the audience to dance when they want, but not on the stage.
The "Rocky Horror Show" performances are today and Saturday at 7:30 p.m., Feb. 24 to 26 at 7:30 p.m. and Feb. 27 at 2 p.m. There is also a special midnight showing Feb. 19.
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