"It was strange the way it happened... one of those quirks of fate, really," says Frank N Furter in The Rocky Horror Show.
That's a little how we think of it when it comes to Rocky Horror and how we ended up codirecting. A conversation one day about writing for Illinois Times, some convenient timing, a mutual love of the show – and now, here we are, writing the preview article for our own show. This wasn't planned – we swear.
If you haven't seen The Rocky Horror Show (RHS), you've probably heard of it. If you haven't heard of it and are thinking about going, do your homework. The show's subject matter might cause one to blush or blanch, but more importantly, it's an experience rather than a show. The audience is as much a character as the actors onstage. Forget polite applause and hushed whispers – this is a glittering, unhinged spectacle where audience members are encouraged to sing, dance and shout, often inappropriately.
The story in a nutshell: Aliens have come to Earth to experiment on humans in a campy, comic takeoff of 1950s sci-fi films, right down to the annoying narrator breaking the fourth wall.
This group, on and offstage, is a wonderful mix of veterans (we've performed in RHS a combined seven times) and newbies, so we decided to talk to some of the cast members to get their thoughts on being in the show.
For Kylan Davis as Frank N Furter, he's not only new to stepping into those iconic heels, he's also new to live theater, though you'd never know it. He's the current lead singer of Off the Wall where you can hear firsthand the powerhouse vocals which helped cinch the role for him.
"Obviously, anyone who steps into this role would want to do Tim Curry justice and try to make him proud," Davis said. "Watching the film, live productions and having the opportunity to channel my inner sassy queen really did it for me." It did it for us, too.
Wes Bridges, who has performed RHS previously, says he takes inspiration for his character Riff Raff from the likes of Igor in Young Frankenstein and Bill Sykes in Oliver.
"I try and take those individuals and, like Frank N Furter, create a monster that audiences both love and hate," Bridges said. The maniacal relationship between his Riif and his sister, Magenta, played by Macy Mosley, is creepily entertaining.
Ryan Cour, who plays Brad, said, "I wanted to throw myself into the deep end – do a crazy show that pushed me out of my comfort zone. There is also a history of this show in the community, and I wanted to be a part of that history."
Cour and costar Ellen Tuttle (Janet) have been all-in since day one, and audiences are in for a treat.
Another RHS veteran, Betsy Buttell, longed to play the role of Columbia but it always seemed just out of reach – until 2024.
"What's changed for me is my maturity level – 2014 Betsy wasn't ready to really serve Columbia – 2024 Betsy is," Buttell said. She also spoke to how the approach to RHS has a different vibe. "This time is different because it's through the lens and direction of all women. I think we have a more artistic and comedic way of seeing this show, and I'm so thankful for it."
Jim Leach, who starred in the first Springfield live production in 2009 as the narrator, returns to play the dual role of Eddie and Dr. Scott. He speaks fondly about his experience, "It turned out to be one of the most challenging theater experiences ever, just getting used to the heckling and audience participation. But I loved it and was eager to try it again," Leach said. "Audiences have certain expectations for these characters, and you can't disappoint them."
We noticed consistent threads in these interviews, ones of hope and optimism. Participants expressed hope that the show provides an opportunity for people to escape reality and to participate in a shared experience that celebrates being different, diverse and adventurous, and optimism that the trend continues. As codirectors, we share that hope and optimism.
The cast also features Albert Capati, David Allen, Kristen Houch, Lauren Pumphrey, Emily Standley, Amanda Gottrich, Nia Tiller, Zoe Chase, Antonio King Jr., Lily Stevens, JD Sonneborn, Alana Hamilton, Lauren Williams, Laura Mitkos, Kat Beeler, Theron Butchek, Leilany Cabell, Nicholas Mulcahy and June Southwell.
Rocky Horror contains mature themes and is considered appropriate for those age 17 and older.
Only sanctioned prop bags sold onsite will be allowed for use in the theater. Sales benefit Springfield Theatre Centre's Active and Creative Teen Theater.
Rocky Horror runs Oct. 4-6 and 10-12 at the Hoogland Center for the Arts. For tickets visit: https://www.hcfta.org/tickets.