REVIEW: The Arts Center of Kershaw County's The Rocky Horror Show--A 50-year-old Cult Classic--by Beth DeHart

What in the world is happening at the Arts Center of Kershaw County, you might ask?

Oh, nothing much. Just a little-known production that surely none of you has ever heard of: The Rocky Horror Show!

Just in time for spooky season, this cult classic has made itself at home on the Camden stage with its deliciously twisted blend of Frankenstein, Star Trek, and Fifty Shades of Grey, topped off with music, dancing, and a healthy disregard for good manners.

Maybe there are a few things you haven’t done lately. Heard a live band. Gotten dressed up to see a show. Had a glass of wine in a theater lobby. Well, you’re in luck! You can do all three through October 31 when you see The Rocky Horror Show at the Arts Center of Kershaw County.

Director Bakari Lebby’s aesthetic stamp is visible in the casting and the use of video to punctuate key moments in this musical with music, books, and lyrics by Richard O’Brien. The cast is clearly having fun, and that energy is delightful. Particular kudos go to Catherine Hunsinger as Columbia, Aric Zion as Dr. Scott, Lee O. Smith as the Criminologist, Shelby Sessler as a surprise Riff Raff, and Michael Conway as a Phantom whose performances really bring their characters to life. Applause to Tyler Dee as Dr. Frank N. Furter, Brandon Campbell as Rocky, Carley Kersey as Janet Weiss and Justin Munn as Brad Majors. Rounding out the exciting cast were Alexis Sherr, Matt Williams, Taylor Woodie, Sam Chamberlain, and Kim Scott.

Catherine Hunsinger at the Rocky Horror Show Opening Night Prom

With music direction by Ike Pitts, the live band is stellar. Kudos also to choreographer Erin Bailey for helping bring the production together.

Although of one cloth, The Rocky Horror Show and The Rocky Horror Picture Show are two unique projects. The musical, The Rocky Horror Show that you’ll be seeing in Camden, premiered in London in 1973 and went on to run for 2960 performances there, and has been produced across six continents, in 20 different languages, for more than 30 million audience members across the world. In 1973, The Rocky Horror Show produced and directed by Jim Jarman won the Standard Theatre Award for Best Musical. The 1975 musical/horror/comedy film, The Rocky Horror Picture Show was based on the original 1973 musical stage production and starred Tim Curry in his film debut. Curry had originated the role of D. Frank-N-Furter in the stage production .

Brad and Janet played by Carley Kersey and Justin Munn

Whether you’re a longtime fan of The Rocky Horror Show or a curious newcomer wondering what all the fuss is about, this is an opportunity to experience one of theater’s most delightfully outrageous traditions. It’s glam rock meets American B-movie camp with a Halloween twist!

The Rocky Horror Show runs through October 31 at the Arts Center of Kershaw County. Tickets are available at artscenterkc.org/ac/the-rocky-horror-show/.

It’s not just a musical—it’s an experience!

All photos by Perry McLeod.

REVIEW: The Rocky Horror Show at Trustus Theatre Really Does Have Something for Everyone

What better way to kick off October and Trustus Theatre’s 38th season, “(Un) Familiar,” than with a familiar classic that explores what once were (and sadly for some might still be) very unfamiliar topics?

Cult classic The Rocky Horror Show at Trustus Theatre was, as expected, a great time had by all, and yet very different from the show longtime fans might have come to expect. A sold out showing on Friday, October 7th, the crowd was a mix of veteran fans ready to participate and soon to be new fans squirting each other with tiny water guns. Many viewers were decked out, ready to sing and dance along to the classics they know and love. Director, choreographer, and international award-winning performing artist, Terrance Henderson, has brought refreshing life and transformation to the Rocky Horror legacy.  

With this show, Henderson succeeds at making space for everyone. In his note to the  audience, Trustus veteran Henderson says he looked at the cult classic from his “unapologetically Black and Queer perspective honoring some of [his] own cultural languages and traditions.” Taking inspiration from “Black feminine and gender fluid beings, Black queer, Black trans, Black intersectional and FREE people” Henderson overtly celebrates duality, a classic attribute that is very much at the heart of the show. This blatant duality, arguably the point and purpose of the show, has been criticized for perpetrating harmful stereotypes while also mocking them, both hurting and celebrating the LGBTQ community. But Jasper was not moved toward criticism. In fact, we found that Henderson’s approach, and the alterations he made to the show, felt like a  better, more imaginative Rocky Horror and, most importantly, more inclusive.  

The casting choices for the show were excellent and reflected Henderson’s vision well, with almost every major character in the show being Actors of Color. The vocal talent of the cast members was beyond impressive and well matched by the live band in the theatre’s loft space lead by music director Chris Cockrell.  

Katrina Garvin (Magenta, Usherette), a member of the Trustus Company, mesmerized the audience singing the opening number “Science Fiction Double Feature.” Fellow company member, Samuel McWhite (Riff Raff), induced chills as he descended the staircase singing his solo in “Over at the Frankenstein Place.” It was hard to believe Mel Driggers (Columbia), was new to performing at Trustus, clearly belonging on that stage, and holding their own. Veteran of the role, Walter Graham’s incredible costume changes and perfectly over the top portrayal of Frank N’ Furter received roaring applause and gasps throughout the night while company members Michael Hazin and Katie Leitner kept the audience laughing as Brad and Janet.

 We won’t spoil any other surprises for you, but we can guarantee you will have a great time! 

The Rocky Horror Show will be performed at Trustus Theatre through October 29th.