GIVE YOURSELF OVER TO ABSOLUTE PLEASURE AT THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW
By Kiersten Bjork
“I would like, if I may, to take you on a strange journey…”
Sexy. Thrilling. A blend of campy horror and sensual brilliance. Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show is alive and thriving at Roundabout Theatre Company’s Studio 54. The interior of the theatre has been decked out in glowing green, metallic silver, and more than a few androids and skeletons, fully immersing audiences in the delicious spectacle of the production from the moment they walk in the door.
Sam Pinkleton (Oh, Mary!) directs the current Broadway production (associate director Kedian Keohan), with choreographer Ani Taj (associate choreographer Emily Madigan) responsible for the electric dance and movement woven throughout the story. Kris Kukul serves as music supervisor, with Michael Aarons as music coordinator and Ann James as intimacy coordinator.
Pinkleton serves up a fantastic production, filled to the brim with stand-out performances and clever staging and design work. Known for its audience call-outs, these moments were handled well by the cast. Most of the obvious ones seemed to be fully planned-for in the intentional pauses or cast responses, and most of the audience was ready to shout those out. There were, however, a few instances of a solo call-out or two from audience members that seemed to result in a more improvised actor response. There is really no clear direction on what the audience can or can't do, other than the curtain speech that just asks us to remember that this is a live show, with real humans on stage, and to be respectful of that.
“I would like, if I may, to take you on a strange journey…”
Sexy. Thrilling. A blend of campy horror and sensual brilliance. Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show is alive and thriving at Roundabout Theatre Company’s Studio 54. The interior of the theatre has been decked out in glowing green, metallic silver, and more than a few androids and skeletons, fully immersing audiences in the delicious spectacle of the production from the moment they walk in the door.
Sam Pinkleton (Oh, Mary!) directs the current Broadway production (associate director Kedian Keohan), with choreographer Ani Taj (associate choreographer Emily Madigan) responsible for the electric dance and movement woven throughout the story. Kris Kukul serves as music supervisor, with Michael Aarons as music coordinator and Ann James as intimacy coordinator.
Pinkleton serves up a fantastic production, filled to the brim with stand-out performances and clever staging and design work. Known for its audience call-outs, these moments were handled well by the cast. Most of the obvious ones seemed to be fully planned-for in the intentional pauses or cast responses, and most of the audience was ready to shout those out. There were, however, a few instances of a solo call-out or two from audience members that seemed to result in a more improvised actor response. There is really no clear direction on what the audience can or can't do, other than the curtain speech that just asks us to remember that this is a live show, with real humans on stage, and to be respectful of that.
Luke Evans in The Rocky Horror Show at Studio 54 (Sara Krulwich)
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Rachel Dratch in The Rocky Horror Show at Studio 54 (Joan Marcus)
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The story follows Brad and Janet, two young lovers off to visit Dr. Scott, when their car breaks down. Fortunately, they have just passed a castle, and they make their way through the rain back to the structure in search of a telephone. What they discover inside–from the time-warping denizens of a distant planet, to young Rocky on his first day out in the world–turns their world upside down. The Rocky Horror Show is packed with dynamic numbers, including iconic tunes such as “The Time Warp,” “Hot Patootie,” and “Science Fiction Double Feature,” and the production features a star-studded cast of top-notch talent, creating a thrilling night out that you will want to indulge in.
I went into the production expecting to enjoy Luke Evans’ take on the iconic Dr. Frank-N-Furter, and yet I was not expecting to be so utterly impressed by his performance as I was. From his very first entrance in black leather and frill that leaves very little to the imagination, Evans makes a truly fantastic turn in those eye-catching, high-heeled boots. He balances Frank’s wildness with a soft grace, giving us everything from chaotic glee to sweet charm, and downright delicious sensuality.
Stephanie Hsu is a standout as the buttoned-up Janet Weiss. She does a beautiful job portraying Janet’s arc, delivering us from the naïve, sweet innocence of the early numbers to a powerful, dominating energy in the later moments. Opposite Hsu is Andrew Durand as straight-laced Brad Majors. Durand nails the boy-next-door aura that Brad is known for, and has some delightfully surprising moments that will live rent-free in my brain from here on out—”Floor Show,” I’m looking at you.
As Riff-Raff and Magenta, Andres Quintero (Quintero is one of the understudies for the role, which is usually played by Amber Gray) and Sherie Rene Scott are a thrilling duo. Quintero is equal parts creepy and volatile, capturing the otherworldly nature of the role, while Scott gives Magenta an almost dream-like quality. Her rendition of “Science Fiction, Double Feature” at the top of the show is an immediate hit.
Columbia is portrayed by Caleb Quezon, who shines in the track. Blending a flashy dose of feminine energy with an almost unhinged fierceness, Quezon’s performance is one you can’t look away from.
Josh Rivera’s Rocky took me a bit by surprise, with the grit and growl in his voice. A far cry from his breakout performance in Spielberg’s West Side Story as a baby-faced Chino, Rivera brings a gravely rock-and-roll sound to the role that works incredibly well against the muscled man exterior.
What We Do In the Shadows’ Harvey Guillén plays both Eddie and Dr. Scott, giving two distinctly different, and yet intertwined performances across the two tracks. As Eddie, Guillén is a rock icon, giving us an edgy yet grounded sound. As Dr. Scott, he lets all the quirkiness shine through, earning plenty of laughs from the audience.
Rachel Dratch is a delight as the Narrator. Her delivery and overall take on the character gives us everything we could want and more, including playfully bantering with the audience.
The phantoms that serve as the small ensemble for the production are absolutely superb. These performers look like they are having the time of their lives up there—hip-thrusting, crawling, and dancing their way through the story in colorful, loud wigs and even fiercer makeup. Phantoms include Boy Radio, Larkin Reilly, Paul Soileau, and Tassy Kirbas. Renée Albulario, Anania, and John Yi also serve as swings for the production.
I went into the production expecting to enjoy Luke Evans’ take on the iconic Dr. Frank-N-Furter, and yet I was not expecting to be so utterly impressed by his performance as I was. From his very first entrance in black leather and frill that leaves very little to the imagination, Evans makes a truly fantastic turn in those eye-catching, high-heeled boots. He balances Frank’s wildness with a soft grace, giving us everything from chaotic glee to sweet charm, and downright delicious sensuality.
Stephanie Hsu is a standout as the buttoned-up Janet Weiss. She does a beautiful job portraying Janet’s arc, delivering us from the naïve, sweet innocence of the early numbers to a powerful, dominating energy in the later moments. Opposite Hsu is Andrew Durand as straight-laced Brad Majors. Durand nails the boy-next-door aura that Brad is known for, and has some delightfully surprising moments that will live rent-free in my brain from here on out—”Floor Show,” I’m looking at you.
As Riff-Raff and Magenta, Andres Quintero (Quintero is one of the understudies for the role, which is usually played by Amber Gray) and Sherie Rene Scott are a thrilling duo. Quintero is equal parts creepy and volatile, capturing the otherworldly nature of the role, while Scott gives Magenta an almost dream-like quality. Her rendition of “Science Fiction, Double Feature” at the top of the show is an immediate hit.
Columbia is portrayed by Caleb Quezon, who shines in the track. Blending a flashy dose of feminine energy with an almost unhinged fierceness, Quezon’s performance is one you can’t look away from.
Josh Rivera’s Rocky took me a bit by surprise, with the grit and growl in his voice. A far cry from his breakout performance in Spielberg’s West Side Story as a baby-faced Chino, Rivera brings a gravely rock-and-roll sound to the role that works incredibly well against the muscled man exterior.
What We Do In the Shadows’ Harvey Guillén plays both Eddie and Dr. Scott, giving two distinctly different, and yet intertwined performances across the two tracks. As Eddie, Guillén is a rock icon, giving us an edgy yet grounded sound. As Dr. Scott, he lets all the quirkiness shine through, earning plenty of laughs from the audience.
Rachel Dratch is a delight as the Narrator. Her delivery and overall take on the character gives us everything we could want and more, including playfully bantering with the audience.
The phantoms that serve as the small ensemble for the production are absolutely superb. These performers look like they are having the time of their lives up there—hip-thrusting, crawling, and dancing their way through the story in colorful, loud wigs and even fiercer makeup. Phantoms include Boy Radio, Larkin Reilly, Paul Soileau, and Tassy Kirbas. Renée Albulario, Anania, and John Yi also serve as swings for the production.
Luke Evans and Josh Rivera in The Rocky Horror Show at Studio 54 (Joan Marcus)
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Stephanie Hsu, Harvey Guillén, and the cast of The Rocky Horror Show at Studio 54 (Joan Marcus)
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Scenic design by dots immerses us in Frank-N-Furter’s world. There are different levels for the performers to play with, and the stage itself descends via stairs into the audiences and aisles, which the actors utilize at different moments in the show. From the sweeping staircase of the castle, to Frank-N-Furter’s lab machinery, it’s a set fitting for a sci-fi masterpiece. I particularly enjoyed the silver android mannequins in different spots throughout the theatre, and the hands-on puppetry they were engaged in.
Jane Cox’s lighting design further fills out the world of the show, adding in plenty of color, from electric greens to murky reds, and placing shadow and spotlights with expert skill.
Costume designer David I. Reynoso does a great job taking the iconic looks for characters and building on them, delivering a stellar design across the board. Hair and wig design by Alberto “Albee” Alvarado and makeup design by Sterling Tull are likewise excellent. The makeup looks in this show are particularly impressive, from the phantoms to Frank-N-Furter.
Sound design by Brian Ronan is strong throughout, and features some unique and clever moments.
Jane Cox’s lighting design further fills out the world of the show, adding in plenty of color, from electric greens to murky reds, and placing shadow and spotlights with expert skill.
Costume designer David I. Reynoso does a great job taking the iconic looks for characters and building on them, delivering a stellar design across the board. Hair and wig design by Alberto “Albee” Alvarado and makeup design by Sterling Tull are likewise excellent. The makeup looks in this show are particularly impressive, from the phantoms to Frank-N-Furter.
Sound design by Brian Ronan is strong throughout, and features some unique and clever moments.
Larkin Reilly, Stephanie Hsu, Andrew Durand, and Anania in The Rocky Horror Show at Studio 54 (Joan Marcus)
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Sherie Rene Scott in The Rocky Horror Show at Studio 54 (Joan Marcus)
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The Rocky Horror Show will make you laugh, scream, and might even make you cry. Don’t miss your chance to experience an incredible cast telling this fun, wild story. Get yourself over to Studio 54, and enjoy!
Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show is now playing at Roundabout Theatre Company’s Studio 54 on Broadway. Learn more and purchase tickets at rockyhorrorshowbroadway.com. Production photography is by Joan Marcus and Sara Krulwich.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.
Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show is now playing at Roundabout Theatre Company’s Studio 54 on Broadway. Learn more and purchase tickets at rockyhorrorshowbroadway.com. Production photography is by Joan Marcus and Sara Krulwich.
Kiersten Bjork is a professional theatremaker, performer, and reviewer (Connecticut Critics Circle) from Branford, CT.