PROVINCETOWN ― Leave it to The Provincetown Theater to present terrific singers, an immersive theater in the round and characters so beautiful it’s astonishing. “The Rocky Horror Show,” first a play, then a movie and now celebrating its 50th year, unfolds in creepy, campy splendor under the direction of David Drake.
This visually foreboding set with its static lights, giant chandelier and bank of old-timey wall switches looks like the lair of a mad scientist but there’s nothing to dread here. It’s going to be fun, nutty, sometimes gross, occasionally sexually explicit and features big-time eye candy ― if you take pleasure in viewing the human body in all its forms.
“The Rocky Horror Show”: Book, music and lyrics by Richard O’Brien
What is 'The Rocky Horror Show' about?
An engaged couple have a flat tire on a dark and stormy night. They knock on the nearest castle door for help. They join a bacchanalian night of chaotic carnal pleasure in Frank-N-Furter’s home with his oddball castle staff. As Brad Majors (Zack Johnson) and fiancé Janet Weiss (Madison Mayer) ponder their predicament, they are dwarfed by exceptionally tall Boy Radio playing Frank-N-Furter. He’s wearing the first of three different pairs of sparkly, super-groovy, almost 8-inch platform shoes. making him 7 feet tall. Johnson, Mayer and Radio with six other crazy characters dance and sing through a 95-minute show with a 10-minute intermission clad in heels, corsets, netting… or lack thereof.
Actor Radio Boy's physique is highlight
I’d be a liar if I didn’t admit that Boy Radio’s body is the highlight of this show. This admission doesn’t diminish his acting ability or singing voice (he’s a professional recording artist) but instead seeks to acknowledge that anyone who maintains their body like Radio does deserves recognition for it ― and then some. Entering in a cover-up, Radio drops his cape as he ascends the stage…and he’s stunning.
High points in Provincetown's 'The Rocky Horror Show'
Johnson has a lovely voice when he sings his solos “Once in a While,” and “Damnit Janet.” He and Mayer are real-life partners whose natural affinity adds heft to the otherwise goofy plot. Mayer’s all charming innocence as she sings and struts her way to a new self realization and is aided by a cast of accomplished artists. Evan Montgomery is Rocky, the ‘beautiful creature’ that Frank-N-Furter creates for his own use and he is indeed beautiful. The ensemble sings and dances in high heels and it’s a sight to see.
The first U.S. stage production of “The Rocky Horror Show” was in 1974, pre-dating the cult classic film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” The plot reflects the 1970s’ culture in that a transvestite, Dr. Frankenstein, meets a burlesque show, meets The Dating Game ― complete with space aliens and a chain saw massacre. It’s a rollicking experience containing messages about sexual acceptance. Although the highly skilled band, led by John Thomas, does not play overly loudly, some lyrics are lost. As a result, parts of the plot involving brain transplants are murky.
If you go: 7 p.m. Mondays-Thursdays through Sept. 5 at The Provincetown Theater, 238 Bradford St., Provincetown. Tickets $55 - $75 plus convenience fee if purchased online, or special pricing with $30 under 30 or Card2culture (see website). Box office 508-487-7487 or operations@provincetowntheater.org/.
Shannon Goheen
'Robin Hood' adaptation in Harwich is fun for any age
HARWICH ― Stealing from the rich to give to the poor will get you banished to the haunted forests of Sherwood — if you're Robin Hood or anyone who dares disobey Prince John.
The Cape Cod Theatre Company’s outdoor production of “Robin Hood," an original adaptation by Nick Nudler and Kirsten Peacock, is a fun, magical, and interactive performance for the whole family. From the beginning, young attendees are swept up into the adventure, invited by the rambunctious ensemble to participate in games, like beach ball tossing, and setting a lively tone. The underlying message of the importance of teamwork is woven through the narrative.
While the real king is away, Prince John will play. For this prince, any joy he gets comes from causing turmoil throughout the kingdom. To start leaving his destructive mark, he hikes up the taxes and relinquishes his duty to feed the orphans. This self-absorbed prince does have a love interest in mind, Maid Marian, and is delighted when his marriage proposal is met with a requested bounty for Robin Hood’s head. There’s just one problem: he already banished Robin Hood to the haunted Sherwood Forest, a place most people won’t dare step foot in because of its “ghosts,” but that changes when a reward is offered for his capture. Marian only requested the bounty because she thought no one would ever find him. She is determined to warn Robin Hood, but he has other plans anyway.
What are the best parts of CCTC's 'Robin Hood'?
The most laughs came from TJ O’Leary as Prince John, who delivered an electric performance. His outlandish behavior pairs perfectly with his animated style. Jazzy MacDonald, as Munch — one of the merry “men”— was captivatingly funny.
Nick Stewart, as Robin Hood, and Rachel Walman, as Maid Marian, make a booming entrance, as she reaches for his hand for “help” up, only to toss him across the stage. They both gave a lively and energetic show to remember.
The plentiful children's ensemble is just a joy to watch. Whether they’re mimicking Prince John, singing along or helping Robin Hood out, they make the show wonderful.
Should you see it?
Definitely. It’s not only amusing but especially fun for children who have not been to an outdoor production. This immersive experience ensures that cast members are everywhere in the outdoor vicinity, making the audience feel like they are part of the story. The picnic tables in the center are not only audience seating but used as a stage.
The bugs were standstill for this performance, but you may want to have bug spray on hand.
If you go: Cape Cod Theatre Company outdoor theater, 105 Division St., West Harwich, 7 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays until Aug. 4. There will be an additional performance on Friday, July 26. Tickets are $28 for adults, $25 for seniors, and $18 for people under 21. You can buy tickets online at www.capecodtheatrecompany.org or by calling the box office at 508-432-2002.
Ambermae Rivard
This article originally appeared on Cape Cod Times: Reviews: Cult classic 'Rocky Horror' crazy fun in Provincetown; 'Robin Hood' for all ages
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