Review: Rocky Horror Picture Show

Photo courtesy of the Kent State School of Theatre and Dance.

I had never seen “Rocky Horror Picture Show” before going to see the School of Theatre and Dance’s rendition of it last week, and I wasn’t sure what to expect.

To say the least, I was shocked.

Scantily clad “phantoms” in leather harnesses and bright-colored hair and wigs crawl out on stage as the female usher walked out, carrying popcorn and snacks while belting out “Science Fiction.”

The narrator, freshman theatre studies major Kramer Lindsley, had this creepiness to him that made me nervous but I couldn’t take my eyes off him. He held my attention and interacted with the audience, who shouted inappropriate-but-funny jokes and names at all the cast members.

“Asshole” Brad Majors, played by senior theatre studies major Jace Craft-Miller, and “slut” Janet Weiss, portrayed by senior theatre studies major Liz Casper, were the couple we all knew – the sickeningly sweet couple who were totally in love with one another and couldn’t see the danger they were in. However, they grew into their own characters, especially Janet. She went from an almost pathetic, needy fiancé to a vivacious, wild woman who knew she was sexy and wanted to show it off.

Magenta, portrayed by junior theatre studies major Mackenzie Duan, and Riff Raff, portrayed by sophomore theatre studies major Kyle Kemph, had this sexual tension that was made more awkward with the fact that their characters are brother and sister. Both brother and sister captivated the audiences with their amazing voices. Magenta, dressed in bright red corset, crooned, “You’re a hot dog, but you better not try to hurt her, Frank N. Furter” over and over, getting the catchy, funny rhythm stuck in my head. Riff Raff, who performed parts of the “Time Warp” hit many high notes that made the audience cheer, swoon and scream.

Dr. Frank N. Furter, portrayed by junior theatre studies Jayson Kolbicz, walk smoothly and seductively down the flight of dark, metal stairs in heels that made me cringe. His voice, sultry with a touch of insanity and bitchiness, gave me chills as he belted out “Sweet Transvestite.” He had the air of power, yet clinginess that made him somewhat frightening while relatable. He just wanted love – superficial love because he wanted Rocky for his muscles – but still he wanted love like any other person. He knew he was the star of the show, and he wouldn’t let you forget it.

Rocky, freshman theatre studies major Matt Coplai, had this naiveté that made him seem so sweet and innocent, wanting to participate with everyone but afraid of his creator, Frank N. Furter. Yet he also had this wild, narcissistic personality, knowing he was a “Charles Atlas” man and flaunting his muscles to make people sleep with him.

I was able to keep up with the plot of the play – sort of. Brad and Janet’s car broke down, and they get trapped at a doctor’s creepy castle where everyone has sex. Simple right? At least I thought so – until it was revealed Frank N. Furter and his phantoms were all aliens from the planet “Transexual” from the galaxy “Transylvania.” It felt like a slap to the face, but mostly because I’ve never seen the movie. The people around me who had seen it before were excited and singing along during “Planet Schmanet,” “Floor Show” and “I’m Going Home,” all about the home planet.

Yet no matter how crazy the play was, it still worked to make the audience think about their lives. “Super Heroes” had this melancholy tone that made me personally think about the meaning of my life as the narrator talked about the insects of “the human race, Lost in time, lost in space and meaning.”

After the cast took their bows, they performed the “Time Warp” one more time, getting the audience to stand up, “jump to the left and then a step to the right.” For those who saw the movie before, it was a time to show their moves as they repeatedly pelvic-thrusted with the cast while others simply attempted to keep up with the dance but still had a good time.

Overall, “Rocky Horror Picture Show” was an amazing show that kept the audience on their toes with the sexual antics, the beautiful voices and casting and the tall heels the men walked in better than I ever could.