Hilarie Tamar, Evan Montgomery, Loren Lee, Zack Johnson, Madison Mayer, Devon Whitney in The Rocky Horror Show.
Photo: Bob Tucker/Focalpoint
Review by Steve Desroches
When heading over to the Provincetown Theater to see the summer production of The Rocky Horror Show, leave the squirt guns, toast, and rice at home. And perhaps more importantly, keep the witty retorts and smart aleck comments to yourself as this isn’t a screening of the cult classic 1975 film, but rather live theater. That being said, do be ready to laugh, cheer, and most of all be entranced by the amazing musical prowess of the ensemble as they take the audience on a delicious and decadent ride into Dr. Frank N Furter’s laboratory in this special production celebrating the 50th anniversary of the infamous glam rock musical.
The Rocky Horror Show is, of course, a much beloved comedic and camp homage to schlock horror films and science-fiction B-movies written by Richard O’Brien, who played Riff Raff in the original West End production in London as well as in the film adaptation. The Provincetown Theater production directed by David Drake is presented as theater-in-the-round, adding a warmth and fun to the show as is indeed the audience has also been invited to the mysterious castle for one of “the master’s affairs.” The live band, featuring Sue Goldberg, Austin Smith, Joe Hoyt, and John Thomas, who also acts as the Narrator, sets the tone for the show with its inventive use of drums, synthesizer, and the unmistakable sound of the theremin, which often acts as a character unto itself.
For all the frivolity and funk that is The Rocky Horror Show, it is first and foremost a rock-and-roll floor show. And the cast rises to the occasion, especially Zack Johnson and Madison Mayer as Brad Majors and Janet Weiss, who each give powerhouse performances as the soon-to-be corrupted innocent couple. The two, whether as a duet or in solos, wow with their incredible voices providing fresh life to familiar songs. The glittery threesome of Loren Lee as Riff Raff, Devon Whitney as Columbia, and Hilarie Tamar as Magenta, each command the stage, and as a trio provide gorgeous and lush harmonies. Alex Sesenton gives a performance that could wake the dead in dual roles of Eddie and Dr. Scott as she belts out “Hot Patootie” and tears into the comedy of “Eddie’s Teddy.” Evan Montgomery delights as the dim-witted, half-brained Rocky in all his gold lamé glory. And putting an exclamation point to the whole show is Boy Radio as Dr. Frank N Furter. A brick house of a man, Boy Radio towers over the cast in platform boots and high-top wig, acting quite physically as the puppet master to his assembled minions. With massage and steam, he revels in both the erotic electricity and devilish camp of the role. Do not miss this show before it heads back to the moon-drenched shores of their beloved planet of Transylvania!
The Rocky Horror Show runs at the Provincetown Theater, 238 Bradford St. Mondays through Thursdays through September 5 at 7 p.m. Tickets ($55/$75) are available at the box office and online at provincetowntheater.org. For more information call 508.487.7487.
