'Rocky Horror' is Fantastically Warped

Picture it; June 19, 1973, a small 75 seat theatre with only 63 people in attendance witnessed the Rocky Horror Show for the first time.  It is doubtful that any one of those audience members knew they were witnessing the birth of a phenomenon.  Yet that is just what Rocky Horror has become.  On the high heels of a recent smash Broadway revival, and of course the cult film hit, Frank-N-Furter and his motley crew have brilliantly settled into the Mercury Theatre for the shows latest incarnation.  

The plot (if there are those that have been living in a coffin) follows newly-weds Janet and Brad as their car breaks down on a dark and stormy night.  Looking for help, they come across and old house in the distance (very Sunset Blvd.) and knock on the door for help.  The house is governed by a demented transvestite (not Norma Desmond). Frank-N-Furter, who insists the newlyweds spend the night so that he can unveil to them his "creation" Rocky, a blonde-haired God, who is perfect in every way.  The rest is history!

Packed with energy, there is so much happening on stage it is exhausting trying to keep up.  The jokes, innuendos, and production numbers are brimming with double entendres that even a jaded audience would still giggle if not belly laugh with what is occurring on stage.  With one of the most popular scores written, including "Time Warp," "Sweet Transvestite" and "Touch-A Me," this is two hours of pure, adulterated fun.

Scott Allen Jones' embodiment of Frank-N-Furter is downright perfect. He is very comfortable in the high heels (though I doubt they are comfy to wear).  With leg muscles that I never knew existed, Jones is having a blast with the part and it shows.  Owning all the right attributes of this Sweet Transvestite, Jones has the audience eating from his hand. 

Equally as good and in one of the most creative casting moves this city has seen, is the multi-talented Amy Armstrong as Eddie and Dr. Scott.  As the premier cabaret performer in Chicago, Armstrong knows how to sell a song, and boy oh boy, does she knocks the rafters off the theatre. 

Kudos also to Robert Felbinger who plays Riff Raff, the keeper of the house.  This is a prime example of the saying 'there are no small parts'.  Felbinger has so much stage presence that you can't take your eyes off him.

There are other fine performances too, most notably Tony DiFalco and Dina Diconstanzo as Brad and Janet and Bill Konsoer certainly is nice to watch as Rocky. 

Director Steve Hitterbrand has great respect for this piece and it shows with tight no nonsense staging.  One of our favorite choreographers, Brenda Didier doesn't disappoint and makes even the non dancers in the cast move flawlessly.  Roberta Duchak's musical direction is spot on and lighting designer Matthew DeYoung's effects which go from sensual to freakish, are the best I have ever seen created for the piece.

This is an enduring piece of theatre history and this production must not be missed.  For show times and ticket information call (773) 325-1700.  The Mercury Theatre is located at 3745 N. Southport, Chicago Illinois. 

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