Do the time warp again: LSC-Montgomery presents Rocky Horror Show

MONTGOMERY COUNTY, Texas -- Get ready for the iconic, sexy, rock 'n' roll, sci-fi, cult classic, musical extravaganza that is the Rocky Horror Show presented by the Lone Star College-Montgomery Drama Department Wednesday, April 18 at 5:30 p.m., April 19 – 21 at 7 p.m. and a matinee Saturday, April 21 at 3 p.m.

On a dark and stormy night, Brad and his fiancée Janet are forced to seek shelter in a spooky castle where aliens push their boundaries and the rest, you just have to experience for yourself. The cast and crew are encouraging the audience to come dressed as their favorite Rocky Horror character, scream and interrupt with call outs and throw props at the actors during the show. ‘Usherette bags’ complete with all the props you need, will be sold at the performance.

“Having call outs will be a distraction,” said Andi Roberts who is part of the ensemble. “But, I know we will feed off the audiences’ energy.”

“The audience will see a different show every night,” added Caleb Wyrick who plays Brad. “I think it gets better every time you see it. Once you start getting audience participation, it adds new dimensions, so it is constantly evolving. The show is going to be a roller coaster every time.”

“I am so excited, there are a lot of call outs in my monologue,” said Mallory Abel who is playing the Narrator. “There is no way to prepare for it, you just have to be on your feet.”

Speaking of feet, the men in the show all get the opportunity to wear high heels.

“When I first told my mom I was going to wear a corset and high heels on stage in front of an audience, she immediately got out the rosary and started praying,” said Carlos Manuel who plays Rocky. “After I tried to explain the show to her, she felt only slightly better. So I tried walking in her heels and I fell on my face.”

“I am really excited because I have long legs and I think the heels will accentuate my legs and make them look even longer,” laughed Wyrick.

The cast is ready to face the challenge of taking on these iconic roles that were originated by heavy weights like actor, Tim Curry.

“We have done a lot of research into fans’ preconceived notions of this show, but I am thankful our director does not want to just adhere to the original,” said Wyrick. “It is going to be exciting to see what everyone brings to the table while still keeping that core character everybody knows.”

“We have done gender bending with some of our casting,” said Director Emmy Frank. “The narrator is playing that role as a woman. The Usherette is going to be played in drag and Dr. Scott who is traditionally a man, is going to be a woman playing the role as a man, so she will be in reverse-drag. There will be lots of fun takes on these classic characters that will be sure add interesting dimensions to the story and the voices in the show will blow you away.”

The original play premiered in the 70’s, but hot button topics of sexuality are still relevant.

“Our current political and cultural climate is still wrestling with issues of identity and gender identity and fluidity in 2018,” said Frank. “I think this show is just as relevant today as it was when it first premiered in London.”

The actors have some advice for theatergoers:

“It is one of those shows you need to prepare yourself for,” said Abel. “It is jarring. Especially if you do not know what is going to happen. It might help to see the movie first.”

Rocky Horror Show is rated “R” for language and suggestive, adult situations. Tickets can be purchased online at LoneStar.edu/RockyHorrorTickets or at the box office on the day of the performance. Tickets are $15 for general admission, $10 for seniors (55+) and $7 for students/faculty/staff. Expected running time is two hours with one intermission.