Come up to the lab and see what’s on the slab at Rocky Horror, Mountain Theatre Company’s latest production.
Rocky Horror is a stage production paying homage to the sci-fi, horror, and low-budget b-movies of the mid 1900s. First produced in 1973, Rocky Horror is in its 50th year of glitter, glam, raunchy thrills, and anticipation. Rocky Horror was then cast into an iconic movie in 1975.
While the opening night at Mountain Theatre Company saw 144 people who seemed to laugh throughout the show, it is important to note it is not for all audiences. The material is not for young children. If you are looking for a night of entertainment and laughter, and perhaps an excuse to wear your flashiest outfit, Mountain Theatre may have just the thing.
A young couple find themselves in a close encounter of the third kind when their car breaks down during a storm and they seek shelter and help from a castle down the road. What lies behind the castle is a night of pleasure and horrors as their host, a trans-dimensional Dr. Frank N. Furter, reveals his latest creation, a Frankensteinian man made in the upstairs laboratory.
Rocky Horror is an interactive performance where, at times, the audience is encouraged to yell responses or bring out props and follow the actors. Prop kits, otherwise called ‘survivor kits’, can be purchased at the concession stand for $5. Prop kits come with a guide telling you when to use the included props. At times the sky lit up with glowsticks and the auditorium rang with bells.
Along with participation, the audience is encouraged to dress up, although neither are required to have a good time. If you have never been to Rocky Horror, Mountain Theatre also has a guide on their website describing what to expect.
Scott Daniel, executive artistic director at Mountain Theatre, promised a unique performance.
“I’m very excited about how unique our production will look. Mountain Theatre Company prides itself in its design and production quality. From our talented casts to every incredibly gifted designer and technician, we seek the best this nation has to offer. You may think you’ve seen a classic show like Rocky Horror before, but you’ve never seen quite like this.” Daniel said.
Daniel also said this is Mountain Theatre’s 85th season. With 85 successful years brings the highest attended season Mountain Theatre has seen to date.
Mountain Theatre quickly perfects their shows to get ready to perform for the audience, with Daniel saying it is an 11-day process.
At one of the last full rehearsals, a cast member twisted an ankle, and in flats at that! However, the cast came together the morning of opening night to nail everything down with the new member. If there were lacking pieces, the cast didn’t show it and they were able to keep the show going.
“This group was ready, and they’re even more ready now,” Daniel exclaimed before the performance.
Daniel also took a moment to thank Mountain Theatre’s sponsors. The season sponsor is Highlands Chamber of Commerce, and Ashcourt Family Foundation and Linda Johnson were mentioned as well.
Rocky Horror will be playing throughout October. Tickets can be found online at mountaintheatre.com under the ‘On Stage’ tab. As Rocky Horror stands as an iconic piece of pop culture, especially within the LGBTQ+ community, Mountain Theatre is holding a Pride Night performance Oct. 26 at 7:30 p.m.
“This special performance of The Rocky Horror Show will be a wonderful celebration of our LGBTQIA+ community, allies, family, and friends. Mountain Theatre Company is committed to inclusivity both on stage and off. Everyone has a place at our theatre, and we are proud to celebrate our wonderfully diverse community,” Lindsay Garner Hostetler, director of marketing and outreach, said on behalf of Mountain Theatre.