Review: THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW the Cult Classic Opens at UMKC

The cult classic, The Rocky Horror Show opened on Wednesday March 4 at Grant Hall on the campus of the University of Missouri at Kansas City. Richard O'Brien wrote the music, lyrics, and book for the tribute to B horror movies and science fiction. The show opened in London running 2,960 performances in several locations. The United States premiere ran for nine months, but the Broadway debut only lasted 3 previews and 45 shows. The musical was adapted to film in 1975 and has the longest running release in film history.

Steven Eubank directs the hilarious UMKC undergraduate version, which takes place in the small intimate theater at Grant Hall. Eubank stated the small setting added to the difficulty of producing the campy musical, with additional concern given to sound (would the orchestra drown out the vocals), lighting, and set design. Additional hardships developed in casting, with a limited number of male actors available to perform in the roles of Riff Raff, Eddie, and Dr. Scott.

Eubank designed the choreography that fills the stage, aisles, and at times the seats of the small theater. With the allotted space for Eubank to work, he was able to deliver a very high quality production that entertained from the moment the characters entered the aisle to the final curtain call.

Janet and Brad have attended a friend's wedding and at the event, Brad asks Janet to marry him. They take a road trip during a thunderstorm to visit their teacher Professor Scott, who introduced them, only to break down near a secluded mansion. Seeking a telephone to call for help with the car they are greeted by an array of unusual (to say the least) characters including the sweet transvestite, Dr. Frank N. Furter and his henchman Riff Raff.

The mad scientist is happy to show the couple his newest creation, the well-built blonde Rocky Horror. The hilarity continues as Brad and Janet succumb to advances made by Frank N. Furter and are trapped inside the mansions walls. The brilliance of Eubank engulfs the theater in the scenes of Janet and then Brad with Frank N. Furter. Wanting not to ruin it for future audiences, let me just say the puppets looked very happy.

Merit Christensen is wonderful in the role of Janet Weiss, the newly engaged naïve woman who learns not all love is bad, but some of it is Rocky. Christensen has a wonderful voice and delivers her lines naturally. Michael Hanman portrays Brad Majors the nerdy fiancé who finds himself hiding behind Janet when things get tough.

Aaron Mitchell is superb in the lead role of Dr. Frank N. Furter. His vocals are fantastic but he owned the role and before his first song, "Sweet Transvestite" is over, I no longer saw him as an actor but as the character, he was portraying. Lindsay Nelson steps into the role of Riff Raff, the dutiful sidekick for the mad doctor. Jake Swaney gave a strong performance as the blonde musle man brought to life by Frank N. Furter.

Other cast members include Korrie Murphy, Margaret Shelby, Katie Schieferecke, and Anne Haines. The show is filled with the hilarious taunts of hecklers Caiti Rowland, Steven D. Miles, Ethan Zogg, and Jennifer Abate. Back-up vocalist include Yasmeen Wilcox, Emily Polashek, and Maggie Barrett. The band accompanies the cast with Musical Director Daniel Doss, Tyler Harvey, Erik Blume, Kyle Brown, Joseph Levens, and Eric Voeks.

The Rocky Horror Show continues at UMKC through Sunday March 8. If you have never seen the live performance or already a fan of the cult classic, give your sanity a break and attend one of the final performances. Purchase tickets online at the UMKC website. Photo courtesy of UMKC Theatre Department.