Time Warp

The cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show takes a local twist with a live performance that is sure to knock your fishnets off.


A jump to the left and then a step to the right can only mean one thing - The Rocky Horror Picture Show is back and coming to the Fox Valley Performing Arts Center. The licensed production of the Richard O’Brien stage musical The Rocky Horror Show resurrects a beloved cult classic, with its familiar story and famously campy songs and dance numbers, and adds its own local flair.

The story, for those not in the know, centers around a couple named Brad and Janet who, lost in the woods after experiencing a blowout, come upon a castle with strange inhabitants, led by Dr. Frank N. Furter, a mad scientist from another planet bent on mastering the secret to creation and life. It was written by O’Brien and opened in London as a stage musical in 1973. Filled with overt sexuality, campiness and wildly memorable characters, the musical is regarded by many as the perfect cult classic.

“The play and film are at once a tribute and a spoof to the 1950s and 1960s sci-fi/horror movie genre, particularly the British Hammer Horror films of that era,” said Craig Hawkinson, director of the Fox Valley production.

The script for the musical and the movie script are almost identical, although there are a few scenes from each that are not included in the other. “Die-hard fans of the movie developed [an] audience script to go along with the film at its screenings,” Hawkinson said. “To this day, Rocky Horror fans gather at [theaters] around the world for midnight showings.”

Hawkinson, who is originally from the Fox Valley, said he chose to bring the play to the area for many reasons, but primarily because it is a “terrific By Kate Kelly musical” and “truly great adult entertainment.” Not to mention the production has not been anywhere near this area for roughly 30 years.

“I think this area has limited itself in the type of [theater] that has been made available,” Hawkinson said. “I am hoping that this production will be a catalyst for this area to move beyond the norm … to stop spinning its wheels on Rodgers and Hammerstein and Neil Simon—and those shows have their place, but there needs to be more entertainment that appeals to a different range of audience.” Hawkinson also feels this will be an opportunity to showcase the immense talent that’s right in our backyards. “We want Appleton and the Fox Valley and the surrounding areas to be progressive and to continue to grow,” Hawkinson said. “If we encourage the arts as a community in a way that allows the artist to express freely, I truly believe that will help people in general grow. We need to push artistic boundaries to do that.” He suggests that the show does just that, and in a fun way that will reach a large and diverse audience. For Hawkinson, simply being an artist and musician himself was a source of inspiration as well: “It’s amazing how much this area has grown over the years and how much growing it has to do. As an artist, this is what I do. This is my contribution to the community. My inspiration is just simply my love of [theater], music, film and art and the joy it brings me to participate.”

The actors, of course, are well aware of the play’s standing as a cult classic and the almost rabid devotion of its fans.

“I admit, I am a little intimidated by the intensity of audience participation this show generates,” said Bethany Gee, who plays Janet in the musical. “I’ve done audience participatory shows before, but this is on a totally different level. This show will be an intense exercise in flexibility and being prepared for the unexpected.”

“This show is a new experience for me in that the film … is such a classic that everyone already has an idea of how it should look and sound,” said Joshua Cobbs, who plays Dr. Frank N. Furter. “By no means am I trying to copy the awesome job Tim Curry did in the movie, but I am aware of audience expectation and am willing to throw a nod to the film every now and again.”

“Mostly, for me, it’s about letting go and having as much fun with the material as possible,” Cobbs continued. “I’m loving our production. The cast is tremendous and continue to amaze me with each rehearsal.”

For Gee, the opportunity to do Rocky Horror was enough to entice her back to the stage in the middle of what was supposed to be her summer off. She had no intentions of participating in any theater productions this summer, but she couldn’t pass up the offer.

“There were two major factors that changed my mind,” Gee said. “First of all, the venue. It’s not every day we locals get the chance to perform at the PAC, as most of their productions are presented by national touring companies. So when that opportunity comes along, you grab it with both hands. Second, it’s Rocky Horror. Anyone who’s paid attention to popular culture in the last 35 years knows about Rocky Horror. Plus, many people are familiar with the movie but not the theatrical version. Those who are live in larger cities, where edgy shows have a bigger audience.”

Gee agrees that most theater in the Fox Valley avoids anything risqué and sticks to mainstream, family-oriented shows.

“Don’t get me wrong, I’m all about doing shows that get future generations hooked on theater,” Gee said. “That’s extremely important for so many reasons. But for actors who enjoy the eccentric and unconventional, the traditional can become very mundane. That’s what makes this production such a unique experience.”

The Rocky Horror Show will be presented at 8 p.m. nightly September 11-20 at the Fox Cities Performing Arts Center. Tickets are $25 for all seats and are available directly from the PAC.

With a truly amazing story performed by a truly amazing cast, what more could the Fox Valley ask for? Hurry up and jump to the left, step to the right, put your hands on your hips, bring your knees in tight and get your tickets. And while it’s the pelvic thrust that really drives you insane, the show itself is certain to make a pretty big impact as well.

Editor’s Note: Yes, the Craig Hawkinson who is directing this is indeed my brother. But our support of this show is less about that than it is the fact that this is an amazing cast who is bringing a truly unique experience to the P.A.C. Come on, have we ever steered you wrong before? We didn’t think so…