THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW Written by Richard O’ Brien. Directed by Matthew Wild, with Brendan van Rhyn, Andrew Laubscher, Paul du Toit, Jenny Stead, Daneel van der Walt, Dominique Maher, Pieter van Heerden, Terence Bridgett (until August 10), Adrian Galley (from August 11), Shaun Smit, Lucy Tops, Jenna Robinson-Child, Emile Doubell, Zolani Shangase, Chloe Perling. At The Fugard Theatre until October 31. TRACEY SAUNDERS reviews
THEY’RE back and they are as bold and brilliant as they were last year. After a sold out tour in Joburg the cast of the cult musical have returned to the Fugard and they are even better this time round.
The production last year garnered several Fleur du Cap nominations and awards and it is not difficult to see why.
O’Brien wrote the play in London and it was first performed at the Royal Court Theatre (Upstairs), an experimental and project space for new theatre work in London.
After opening in June 1973 it enjoyed a seven year run moving to larger theatres to accommodate demand. While the world is a very different place, the appetite for the fantastical blend of science fiction and B horror movie hasn’t waned.
The film version may be better known but this adaptation of the original stage musical is a classic and is swiftly gathering a local following of note.
The star of the show is undoubtedly Van Rhyn’s Frank-N Furter. He is majestic in his towering stilettos and makes the role his own. He pouts and struts with an energy that is electric and his rapport with the audience is as intimate as if he was playing a cabaret venue.
He owns the stage and everyone on it and he is not in the least bit bashful about that. Stead as Janet manages the balance between naïve fiancée and budding sexual being with an artful grace.
Her transformation from ingénue to sultry seductress is remarkable. Du Toit’s Brad is her perfect geek partner and while he is no match for Frank-N Furter’s sensuous seduction his charm is undeniable.
Laubscher’s Riff Raff is a tour de force and his dead pan expression at even the most ludicrous antics of his master is maintained with aplomb.
The chemistry between him and his on stage sister Magenta played by Van der Walt is a theatrical treat and if there was a prize for the most riveting on stage couple, they would be strong contenders. Van der Walt’s vocal range is magnificent and she towers above the ensemble both in range and stature.
Maher completes the trio of servants with a Columbia that will creep in to your heart. Her solo tap routine is one of the highlights of a flawless choreographic routine that does not falter.
Bridgett played the role of the narrator until August 10 when Galley returned from the UK tour of Cape Town Opera’s Showboat. Such is the strength of the cast that every performance is marvellous and the adage of the whole being greater than the sum of the parts is brought to mind.
The Fugard stage is relatively small for this larger than life production but the technical skill of the design team transforms the space. The visual animation and lighting are superb and set a new standard for technical design. From Brad and Janet’s drive through the forest to the departure into space of the Transylvanian siblings you are left marvelling.
Lucy Tops belts out the opening number accompanied by a band led by Lingenfelder that never drops the tempo and at times overwhelms the vocal feed.
Seated in a gallery above the stage they bring to life a soundtrack that is responsible for more than one ear worm. This is unadulterated entertainment and an opportunity to leave the world behind and surrender to sheer fantasy and pleasure.
With official dress-up nights the costumes in the audience are set to rival those on stage but they would be hard pressed to compete with Simpson’s design.
Her costumes are beautiful and from your initial greeting by one of the ushers, or could that be an usherette, in the foyer, to when you drool over the corsets in the closing routine you will be seduced by the visual feast she has created.
While the purchase of a participation pack is not mandatory it adds another dimension to the many that the show already enters.
With a “ jump to the left and a step to the right” a smart move to the box office is highly recommended to be part of the Rocky Horror experience that 40 years later is a fresh as ever.
l Performances are from Tuesdays to Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm and Sundays at 5.30pm.
Tickets are from R100 to R250. There is a 16 age restriction and extensive strobe lighting is used. To book, call The Fugard at 021 461 4554.