Eight years ago, Cygnet Theatre produced a playfully retro and campy production of “Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show,” with artistic director Sean Murray not only directing the show but starring in the lead role of libidinous mad scientist Frank N. Furter.
This month at Cygnet, the 1973 musical has returned with gusto in a very entertaining production, also directed by Murray, that pays homage to his 2016 staging, while enhancing its sexiness, glamour, choreography, costumes and technical elements.
Taking over the role of Frank N. Furter — a Dr. Frankenstein-like character who’s a transvestite from the planet Transsexual — is Nathan Madden, a classically trained ballet dancer and actor who moves with fluidity and grace (even in platform heels), is hilarious, a strong singer and is absolutely stunning in the role. Whether Madden is striking a pose in bustier and fishnet stockings, wielding a chainsaw or drunkenly sliding down a staircase, it’s hard to take your eyes off him.
Standout in the cast include the dryly hilarious Linda Libby as the show’s criminologist/narrator; endearing Jasmine January as squeaky-voiced groupie Columbia; Shanyeyah White as the torch song-singing lab assistant Magenta; and big-voiced Allen Lucky Weaver as Magenta’s brother Riff Raff.
The amusingly awkward Drew Bradford and Audrey Deubig star as the virginal couple Brad and Janet, who stumble into Frank’s mansion one stormy night. A wild-eyed Jacob Caltrider (who co-starred in the 2016 staging as Brad) returns this time as the dogmatic professor Dr. Scott. The quirky Josh Bradford plays Rocky, the clueless and barely dressed monster Frank brings to life in his lab. And Eli Wood and Faith Carrion provide support in smaller roles.
Also deserving of big shout-outs are Jennifer Brawn Gittings for her fantastically kooky new costumes; Luke H. Jacobs, whose lively choreography fills the stage and livens up the show; and Peter Herman for his makeup and wig design.
Because the musical was inspired by the low-budget horror and sci-fi movies of the 1950s, Murray’s production — scenery by Andrew Hull, lighting by Chris Rynne, sound by TJ Fucella and projections by Blake McCarty — has an intentionally cheesy, slapped-together look. It looks much the same as it did in 2016, with Frank’s retro science lab on the stage floor, and the backup singers and band, conducted from the keyboard by musical director Patrick Marion,visible in a loft above.
When “Rocky Horror” first premiered in London 51 years ago, it was an underground hit that comically but heartily celebrated sexual freedom and appreciation for others’ differences. Over the years, the show’s shock value has worn off, drag performers are now celebrated cultural icons and the topics of gender identity and expression are part of a national discussion. This exuberant production of “Rocky Horror” honors that long cultural journey with humor, joy and celebration.
‘Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show’
When: 7 p.m. Wednesdays through Saturdays; 2 p.m. Saturdays and Sundays. Through Nov. 20
Where: Cygnet Theatre, 4040 Twiggs St., Old Town San Diego
Tickets: $39 and up
Phone: (619) 337-1525
Online: cygnettheatre.com
Originally Published: