Rocky Horror Show
The Herndon Observer News Article
THEATER
'The Rocky Horror Show' Opens Aug. 3
By Jeannie Baumann
Observer Staff Writer
(ObserverNews
Online Link)
The 1970s rock genre musical "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," which
later became the quintessential cult classic film, is coming to Herndon in
August when the Elden Street Players presents its version of Richard O'Brien's
reaction to the campy, formulated science fiction and horror flicks of the time.
Richard Klare, executive director of the Players and Rocky Horror producer,
said this is the first-ever community theater production of the musical to hit
the Washington, D.C., metropolitan area.
The story follows an all-American couple circa 1950s who end up in the castle
of a mad scientist filled with zany characters such as a hunchback henchman and
a tap-dancing groupie. Through an off-beat world that mingles science fiction
and fantasy, the couple undergoes a rude awakening and sexual revolution.
Todd Huse, director of the Elden Street Players production, noted that the
success of the musical lies not so much in the plot, but in the outlandish
musical numbers, the audience interaction, and the cult following that the show
has amassed in the past 25 years.
"It's more fun than it is story," Huse said.
Huse, who directed the musical "Tommy" with the Players four years
ago, said this production has added some new twists to its shows. The set,
normally made out of drywall or flats, is made out of steel, a first for the
Players.
"Our entire set has been welded together. It's a steel construction,
which has been a real challenge for us because we wanted the cast to be able to
climb on things, so it was necessary to make it as safe as possible," he
said.
The production has also tapped the band Conspiracy Theory to direct and perform
all the music in the shows. Huse said that working with an already established
band helped alleviate an already challenging musical position, as Rocky Horror
does not, like traditional musicals, have a set score.
Huse said the production has incorporated video elements and other special
effects that he preferred not to reveal before the audience could see it
themselves.
"Things are going to move on this set," he noted.
The Players are also following the lead of the current Broadway production
and selling audience participation kits, in lieu of patrons bringing their own
props and trashing the stage and potentially endangering the actors.
Audience participation has developed into an integral part of the Rocky Horror
experience. Traditions include simulating a rainstorm with squirt guns, while
mimicking a character who holds a newspaper over her head, throwing toast into
the air when another character proposes a toast, wearing party hats and shouting
specific words anytime the first and last names of the couple are mentioned.
But some traditions—specifically the ones that entail water and food—wreak
havoc on the theater and Klare added that a slippery stage can be a potential
hazard for the actors.
Klare said the purpose of the kits is to maintain the fun, enthusiastic
atmosphere without destroying the theater."We don't want them bringing
their own items, for safety and for everyone's fun," Klare said.
Sold by the Herndon High School Drama Boosters, the kits will include feather
boas, party hats, noisemakers, confetti, glowsticks, and newspapers.
Huse noted that while the musical does not contain much explicit language,
the show includes some adult content.
"It's not for everyone," he said. "If audiences are offended,
they'll be offended by others in the audience."
In terms of energy, Huse said that this show will be a tough one to beat.
"It'll be a fun, fun show," he said.
Klare said ticket sales have done very well, with the Aug. 18 show at 8 p.m.
already sold out.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is scheduled to run Aug. 3 to Aug. 25 at the
Industrial Strength Theatre on 269 Sunset Business Park Drive in Herndon.
Performances will be held on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays at 8 p.m., and on
Sundays at 7 p.m. Midnight performances are scheduled for Aug. 11 and Aug. 18.
Call 703-481-5930 or visit eldenstreetplayers.org.
Copyright © 2001 The Herndon Publishing Company
