'The Rocky Horror Show' is a time warp of colour, chaos and adventure, featuring a cast of loveable misfits and an iconic soundtrack.
It's no surprise 'The Rocky Horror Show is the only contemporary rock musical to celebrate 50 years on stage – with its cult following and instantly recognisable characters, not to mention its catchy tracks like 'Time Warp' and 'Sweet Transvestite', the production is jam-packed with delights.
Comedian Joel Creasey is met with rapturous applause entering as Melbourne's Narrator. His camp delivery of events is fun to witness, and you know you're in for at the very least a giggle when he appears on stage. He rallies with the audience participation lines like the pro stand-up he is, garnering just as much – if not more – of a laugh with his return quips.
Image © Sam D'Agostino
Blake Bowden and Deirdre Khoo as Brad and Janet respectively illuminate on stage, bursting with energy, and never once fail to match the energy of their cast mates. From 'Dammit Janet' to 'Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me', the pair are magnetic and their chemistry palpable.
Henry Rollo is perfection as Riff Raff, embodying the hunchback so convincingly that any semblance of an actor in a role is gone – he is the real thing, standing right before our eyes. Daniel Erbacher's Rocky successfully ticks the eye candy box, in a character designed to be muscly, dreamy, and a mere plaything for his creator.
Image © Daniel Boud
Opening the show as The Usherette, Stellar Perry's vocals are an absolute dream. What an introduction, and what a way to capture the audience. Her control and her tone are so mesmerising that I'm left wanting more – an understated role and moment in the production but a powerful one nonetheless. Stellar is just as enchanting as Riff Raff's sister, Magenta.
Frank N Furter is a role that Jason Donovan was very clearly born to play. He completely, wholeheartedly embodies the character and steals the show – although, to be fair, it's Frank N Furter's show after all, isn't it?
This character is so thoroughly entertaining to watch, even when not centre stage. I implore you to keep your eyes on Jason even as he traipses around in the background – it's a masterclass in how to leave your real self in the wings and let a character possess every part of you, for every moment you're under those lights. He slinks and stumbles across the set, oozing sexuality and allure. It's so much fun to watch.
Image © Daniel Boud
Staging and lighting, while on the minimal side, holds the audience's attention and adds dimension to the piece. A blinding spotlight on Frank N Furter's white face to close 'Sweet Transvestite' is particularly exciting and captivating.
'The Rocky Horror Show' has all the bells and whistles of an iconic, hallmark musical theatre production. Huge musical numbers, a fun, dynamic cast, and raucous audience participation. Fifty years on, it remains a timeless presentation and a fun, escapist night at the theatre.
★★★★☆ 1/2.
