BWW Interviews: Colton Berry and Tye Blue Talk THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW

It's that time of year again. You know the one where we break out the fishnets and take that oh so familiar step to the left followed by a jump to the right. Halloween and Richard O'Brien's THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW may as well be synonyms. Luckily for Houston audiences, Bayou City Theatrics is producing the beloved show as a one night only fundraiser on Halloween. I recently spoke with Colton Berry and Tye Blue to get the scoop on why this year's floorshow is too good to miss.

BWW: How did you decide to reprise THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW this season?

Colton Berry: As we make our mark in the Houston theater scene, we want to develop tradition. Every year around Halloween we want people to know that they can come see ROCKY HORROR with us and have a blast. This will be my third time directing the show, and it just doesn't get old. Along the lines of our mission, we want people to experience theater from new perspectives. Reprising the same musical every season with a new take fits perfectly into that vision.

BWW: What was it like being approached to reprise Dr. Frank-N-Furter?

Tye Blue: Well, I think it was always something that was in the back of our heads - me, Colton [Berry], and Jane [Volke]. When I left, I told them my goal was to sustain as much work here at home as I could; retaining some sort of presence. This role is the perfect way to do it. So when the time came around to confirming everything, they knew I would be here as long as we could logistically make it happen.

BWW: How are you preparing for ROCKY this time around?

Tye Blue: Eating less! Studying more.

BWW: We all know that Bayou City Theatrics isn't going to simply rehash your previous ROCKY, so without giving too much away what new surprises are audiences in for?

Tye Blue: I think the physical presentation is going to blow people away. It's a much more fully realized this time!

Colton Berry: As usual, we will give audiences a taste of the ROCKY HORROR film that they know and love, but we will definitely put our own spin on it. This year, the interpretation, from a design perspective, is more similar to the film than any other production I have staged. We are utilizing the look and feel of the traditional design, only amping up the volume and giving everything a huge dose of fabulous. We pride ourselves with our phenomenal local casts, and this year's production follows suit. Vocal interpretations of this beloved music are above and beyond what any audience may expect. Also, characterizations all include a handful of hilarious details this go round.

BWW: The cast is different too. Who will Houston audiences be seeing in these classic roles?

Colton Berry: Tye Blue will be reprising his role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter. PBS's Ernie Manouse will also reprise his role as the Narrator. Scott Lupton and Derrien Kellum step into the roles of the slut and asshole, Janet and Brad. Luke Hamilton dons the gold spandex shorts this year as Rocky. Last seen in our production of LES MISERABLES, both in the role of Eponine (on alternating nights), Erin Wasmund and Hannah Miller portray Columbia and Magenta, respectively. Also, last seen in LES MISERABLES as Fantine, Ronna Mansfield belts the ceiling off as Riff Raff. The production also features BCT Artistic Associate, Jake Frank, as both Eddie and Dr. Scott.

BWW: What is it like doing this show with a new cast?

Tye Blue: It's fun and exciting meeting new folks and seeing old friends. Half the cast is brand new, and half of the cast has been with it since the first year, so it's a cool blend. But everyone in different roles every year is, well, to quote Frank, a "mental mindfuck!" It's hard to keep characters and actor names straight, but I'm getting there. "Oh... you're Magenta this year. Not Columbia. Oh no, you weren't Columbia, you were Riff Raff..." - those types of moments.

BWW: Why should Houston audiences be excited to see this production?

Colton Berry: Whether you're a ROCKY fanatic or a "virgin," this production is jam-packed full of sexy fun perfectly suited for Halloween. Throw in some drag magic, stellar vocals, and a dash of comedic genius and you have yourself an unforgettable evening at the theater!

Tye Blue: Because everyone is ridiculously talented and gorgeous?!?! Well, beyond that, for me, it's all about this being a one-time-only balls to the wall multi-faceted fundraiser event complete with games and a drag show. Plus, the production has grown and morphed into a huge production unlike ever before. It's going to be a monumental evening!

In case you haven't heard, THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW is already close to sold out. Give yourself over to absolute pleasure and snatch up the few remaining tickets before they are gone.

THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, produced by Bayou City Theatrics, plays the Frenetic Theatre, 5102 Navigation Boulevard, Houston, 77011 for one night only on Thursday, October 31, 2013. The performance begins at 8:00 p.m. For more information and tickets, visit www.bayoucitytheatrics.com.

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