Review by Carol Montana, photos provided
FORESTBURGH, NY (July 11, 2012) – Howls of laughter and screams of delight came from the audience at the opening night performance of “The Rocky Horror Show,” playing now through July 22 at the Forestburgh Playhouse.
The musical, written by Richard O’Brien, opened in London in June of 1973 and has seen thousands of productions worldwide since then. Indeed, the 1975 film, which was adapted from the musical, has such a cult following that it holds the title of longest running release in film history.
It’s a parody, of course, of the B horror movies so popular in the 1950s.
But all that is just by way of introduction. Just check your brains at the door (but make sure you get them back at the end), because this production at Forestburgh is fun, fun, fun!
It’s all about Brad and Janet, an engaged couple on their way to visit Brad’s former science tutor. Caught in a downpour with a flat tire, they walk to an old castle and into an experience neither they nor the audience will soon forget, where Dr. Frank N. Furter, a pansexual transvestite has created his own Frankenstein-like creature name Rocky.
Make no mistake, this is not your typical play with actors presenting their lives as though there is a fourth wall between them and the audience. Nope, this is heck of a lot more amusing because, in the “Rocky Horror Show,” actors cavort onstage and in the audience, wearing high heels, bustiers and fishnet stockings. And you never know what’s coming next because the show is full of surprises.
The story is narrated clearly and concisely by the popular host of Thunder 102 radio’s morning show “Ciliberto and Friends,” Paul Ciliberto. At first, things move along nicely and fairly sedately. And then comes Ciliberto’s dance debut, which evokes gales of laughter when he introduces and then takes part in the show’s signature song “Time Warp.” Ciliberto’s performance is hilarious.
And the entire cast is an ensemble wonder in this marvelously delightful show. Not only does the cast mesh together in a cohesive unit to make this show work, they even blend together to play windshield wipers and seatbelts. Told you it isn’t your typical play.
Katie Sarno, last seen as the delightful hairdresser in “Legally Blonde” is hilarious as Magenta sister of Riff Raff, the hunchbacked handyman (read Igor), creepily and eerily portrayed by Kyle VanZandt.
Emma Carpenter as Columbia is nothing short of colorfully delicious as the resident groupie. Brad is sweet and nerdy and wonderfully confused thanks to Gregory Bourke, and Joyah Spangler, the wonderful dancer from “Legally Blonde” is the genial, good natured Janet.
With his strong voice and flair for the absurd, Matthew James Grey makes Dr. Frank N. Furter a freaky drag queen with a heart of gold and an aching longing for satisfaction. His beautiful rendition of “I’m Going Home” brought thunderous applause from the audience.
He didn’t have much to say or sing, but Michael Graceffa – a hunk of the first order in his shiny, clingy briefs and matching booties – played Rocky as a sweet newborn, confused, eager to please and oh so good to look at.
Kevin Confoy, previously seen this year as the arrogant Professor Callahan in “Legally Blonde” is the over-the-top paraplegic Dr. Scott. And although his heavy German accent makes it hard to understand him, Confoy adds to the fun with his exaggerated movements and speech.
And Zachary Bencal as Eddie makes the most of his small, but oh-so-important part, giving of himself (literally) to make the show work.
The songs are surprisingly lyrical (for a rock musical) and the cast performs some nice harmonies under the musical direction of Kevin Lawson.
Ashleigh Poteat does a nice job with the minimal but very effective costumes, and Scene Designer Darcy Engel’s set has stripped the Forestburgh stage to the bare walls, revealing what a remarkable job the company does with such a small space. The set is rustic and creepy, dark and eerie, as is the creative lighting by Michael Bert.
The marvelous Dann Dunn’s choreography shines, as usual, throughout.
Thanks to director Larry Smiglewski, it’s a fun way to spend an evening or a matinee!
Because of Ciliberto and Thunder 102’s strong support of many local and national charities, 10% of all ticket sales for “The Rocky Horror Show” will be donated to charity. Each of the charities listed below will receive the 10% proceeds of 2 performances of the 14-performance run. Remaining performances will benefit as follows:
Tuesday, July 17: St. Jude’s Children’s Research Hospital
Wednesday matinees, July 18: Sullivan County SPCA
Wednesday evenings, July 18: YMCA of Sullivan County
Thursdays evenings, July 12 and July 19:Boys & Girls Club of Sullivan County
Fridays evenings, July 13 and July 20: Community Unity/Federation for the Homeless
Saturday evenings,, July 14 and July 21: GALA Catskills
Sunday matinees, July 15 and July 22: Sullivan County CASA
Performances are Tuesday through Saturday night at 8:00 p.m., Wednesday matinees at 2:00 p.m. and Sunday matinees at 3:00 p.m.
Tickets are on sale online at www.FBplayhouse.org or by calling the Playhouse Box Office at 845-794-1194.
For more information, go to www.FBplayhouse.org.
The Catskill Chronicle 
I am going tomorrow night with friends, thanks for the review Carol.
bob d. 🙂
You’re welcome, Bob. Enjoy!
Questions:
Do they have the actual movie playing on a screen behind the actors?
Is the audience allowed to participate in the traditional ways….lighters, toilet paper, cards, toast, etc?
Do they call out the VIRGINS at the beginning of the show?
Gabriel – No, this is the musical not the movie. For the actors safety, there is no throwing of anything, no lighters. There is plenty of audience involvement, as the actors do circulate in the audience, and at various times during the show. And audience members are encouraged to come in costume if they want.
Carol Montana
Editor
It was VERY tame compared to some RHPS I have been to in the past. The audience did not participate, although the cast does mingle a little. Overall it was a great show, excellent performances. We had a good time (although I would have liked to “Time Warped” if they would have let me)