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Craig Woods and Rigel Schmitt get frisky in Rocky Horror Show. Photo by Kristi Patterson, courtesy of Ferndale Repertory Theatre
Rocky Horror Revial Rises in Ferndale By Tiggerbouncer Custodio frontrow@northcoastjournal.com
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NORTH COAST JOURNAL • Thursday, June 2, 2022 • northcoastjournal.com
wish I’d brought my Erotica red lip stain to Ferndale Repertory Theatre to mark the first-time audience members’ foreheads with a large V to anoint them into the cult that is the The Rocky Horror Show, first mounted in 1973 with music and lyrics by Richard O’Brien, and adapted for the screen as The Rocky Horror Picture Show in 1975. For unaware virgins: Every person thrust into the theater for this fun production can be a part of the raunchy, campy action. While the actors perform, the audience, like voyeurs and hecklers given consent, call out lines and questions — you can even pay $5 for a bag of toys at the box office to enhance the experience. There are always people who have come repeatedly, ensuring a good time. The (in)appropriate number of obscenities screamed at the actors during the show will help you relax into it. Fiancées Brad and Janet (Craig Woods and Holly Portman) have a blow out and end up at a castle during the night. Frank N. Furter (Rigel Schmitt) — um, a scientist? — reveals his creation Rocky (Keenan Hilton) to the — um, odd? — assistants.
That’s the plot. But Rocky is so over the top, anything more would spoil the layers that are already excessive in the best ways. Rocky’s appeal is its zany characters (not excluding the band and audience) and ridiculous scenes. This cast is challenged to step up its performance amid the scene-stealing antics of phantoms Carin Billings and Lillian Damron. From the hilarious dances (expertly choreographed by Cleo Deorio) to a monitor scene the audience’s hoopla undoubtedly extended, the pair is impressive. Emma Dobbins’s commitment and energy as Riff Raff stands out as she’s one of few able to create balance with the music and sound to clearly fill the space with her singing. She’s flanked by Veronica Ruse as Magenta and Stephanie McGeary as Columbia, both infectiously joyful in their roles. Alex Boulin’s Eddie is a star’s cameo that bursts onto the stage before getting axed. Brilliant. Brad Harrington’s impossible job of playing straight man to these wild performances catalyzes everything. His take on the Criminalogist is dynamic, everchanging and hilarious, worthy of repeat attendance. It is easy for (asshole) Brad and (slut) Janet,
