City Lights’ stellar adaptation of the 52-year-old, rock, gothic, sci-fi fantasy “Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show” sparkles. The iconic play has traveled around the world with a movie created in 1975 that has won many awards.
We enter a magnificent, eerie, sci-fi wonder, a UFO chamber where everyone leaves changed, or ends up dead. The visuals and sound effects are masterfully created by Scenic Designer, Ron Gasparinetti, Lighting Designer, Carsten Koester, and Sound Designer, George Psarras.
Usherette (Chloë Angst) bursts onto the scene with a dynamic resonant voice and upbeat energy that envelops the audience. Captivating, she gifts containers of pop-corn as she sings, “Science Fiction Double Feature,” in memory of the 1940-50 B movies such as Flash Gordon and Dr X.
Audience participation is encouraged, as people shout out snarky, preplanned responses to certain clues. “Janet” immediately evokes the response “Slut.” Mistimed loud audience vulgarities did annoy our party. The Narrator, delightful Karen DeHart, brilliantly deters any audience sarcasm with her clever retorts.
The show prompts us to explore our own sexuality without gender boundaries honoring the “They” pronoun for many of the Z generation. The ensemble sings, “Don’t dream it, be it!”. Too many LGBTQ still hide their gender and with it, their sexual desires.
Gwynnevere Christobal, Ethan Glasman, and Kit Wilder photography by Christian Pizzirani
Nerdy Brad (Ethan Glasman) and naive Janet (Gwynnevere Christobal), newly engaged, find themselves in Frank-N-Furter’s mysterious castle after a flat tire strands them in a storm. At the castle, they meet sexually demanding Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Bart Perry), and his fiendish servants: butler Riff-Raff (Kit Wilder); butler’s sister Magenta (Chloë Angst); love-forlorn Columbia (Alycia Adame).
Add Dr. Frank-N-Furter creation, the “perfect man” Rocky Horror (Will Patrick), the sartorial Professor Dr. Scott (Matt Regan) and his lobotomized son, Eddie (Zachary Vaughn-Munck).
The Phantoms: Stephanie Bauman, Chloë Genevieve Fehr, and Dale Tanner, are shadow people who exhibit total sexual freedom. They harmoniously sing in the dark background, sometimes slithering up and down each other’s bodies. Their sleek moves, sneaking in and around the stage like snakes, embodies figures of evil. They are the ID taunting men and women to burst out of their sexual chains.
The Phantoms-photography by Christian Pizzirani
Inventive choreographer Stephanie Staszak creates complex routines with all the character’s dancing and singing in an ever-changing space. The energy permeates through the theatre and the pace is kept quick. Of course, the anticipated “Time Warp” dance, renowned favorite, had us bopping in our seats. Suddenly, Perry (Frank-N-Furter) flashed through a backstage screen, singing “Sweet Transvestite.”
Madness and chaos reigns in Act 2 as Brad and Janet attempt to fight-off Frank-N-Furter sexual advances. Christobol and Glasman, as Janet and Brad, artfully save their naiveite as they lose their virginity, and then each other.
The Ensemble–Photography by Christian Pizzirani
Costume designer Lonie Fullerton creates time-period colorful garb adding the craziness of the denizens in other-world attire. With all the unique clothing, including different designed stockings, Fullerton goes the extra mile for the sake of their artistry.
Director Amber Smith brings to life the actor’s talents, and coordinates a huge musical ensemble. Smith blends the talent of the entire troupe to make this adaptation a near Broadway experience.
City Lights Theater Company’s “Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show” delights in its exploration of sexual identity and transformation through its crazy characters and chaotic scenarios. This kind of sexual exploration, though, is still as relevant today as it was 52 years ago. More individuals are fighting for their gender rights and equality. Kudos to City Lights for reigniting the message behind this iconic masterpiece in such a dynamic, entertaining way.
Come and enjoy the experience, and remember, “Don’t dream it, be it!”
Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show, book, music and lyrics by Richard O’Brien, Music Direction, Brian Allan Hobbs, Vocal Director, Tina Paulson, at City Lights Theater Company, San Jose www.cltc.org till August 25, 2024
Cast: Alycia Adame, Chloë Angst, Stephanie Bauman, Gwynnevere Christobal, Karen DeHart, Chloë Genevieve Fehr, Ethan Glasman, Will Patrick, Bart Perry, Matt Regan, Dale Tanner, Zachary Vaughn-Munck, Kit Wilder