Rocky Horror Seduces in winning performance

by Crystal Johnson

6.02.08

It isn’t everyday a provocative and interactive show comes to town, but for three nights, “The Rocky Horror Show” rocked the West Rutland Town Hall.

Presented by Inn One Theatrics and directed by Jacob Patorti, the show went above and beyond its expectations. Cast members were not only prepared to perform, they had become their characters entirely to make you “shiver with antici…pation!”

Julie Redington, Magenta, and Lily Campbell, Columbia, prove that theory. From the first moment, they ooze sexuality and confidence. The capability of both actors is astounding, especially when Campbell performs a tap dance at the end of the runway.

The subdued characters of Brad, played by Edmund Crelin, and Janet, played by Jessica Bullock, are equally wonderful. Crelin maintains his character’s good nature throughout the show, and hardly falters.

Bullock emits an appearance of virtue until the second half of the show where it becomes clear the Transylvanians have taken their hold.

It is at this point where Janet sheds her good nature to reveal a highly sensual inner demon. After being seduced by Frank ‘N’ Furter, she finds Rocky, played by Jordan Cole, and begs him to “toucha toucha toucha touch” her.

Cole, who shows no shame when parading around in a tiny pair of underwear and fishnet stockings, carries the role of Rocky with ease. His voice soars through the audience and excites each onlooker.

With a magnificent cast such as this, the need for anything more is absent. Riff Raff, played by Wheaton Squier, who dons a Cruella DeVille-style wig and not much else. His appearance is only eclipsed by the way he carries himself on stage and performs during “The Time Warp,” which proved to be an audience favorite.

With so much happening in front of them, audience members were excited to finally greet the master of the house and most recognizable icon of the show, Frank ‘N’ Furter, better known as the “sweet transvestite.”

Play goers roared with laughter and hooted as Frank Wright swaggered on stage wrapped in a cloak, not about to reveal his secret until the right moment. After casting off his cover, he exposed a black ensemble, complete with fishnet stockings, heels and corset.

Wright went well above the expectations of the original Frank ‘N’ Furter, played by Tim Curry, who had developed the character for its original appearance in theater as well as for the film. Wright’s performance was enthralling and seductive, and his voice was similar enough to Curry’s to allow watchers to be comfortable and on the edge of their seats at the same time.

Two small but important roles, Dr. Scott played by Martine Bones, and Eddie, played by Trot J. Abicapo (rearrange the letters), were only with us for a moment but left a lasting impression.

Bones coaxed laughter from the audience every second he wheeled around the stage, while “Abicapo” wooed the cast and audience by gyrating, until being discovered by Frank ‘N’ Furter.

With breathtaking voices and stellar choreography, it is no wonder the cast played to a packed house, most of whom had purchased participation bags to be included in the fun.

The show went off without a hitch, thanks to its wonderfully talented pit-band and the back up Transylvanians, played by David Altobell, Jacob Cornell, Hadley Mueller, Julia Stacom, Virginia Bones, Matthew Dinnan, Mackenzie Sivret and Amy Thomas.