With a new semester comes new productions,
and this spring semester starts off with a flash and
a bang of fun as the Longwood University Theatre
Department gears up for its musical presentation
of "The Rocky Horror Show," written by Richard
O'Brien. Many, of course, are familiar with the film
adaptation of the musical, "The Rocky Horror Picture
Show," starring Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon.
The Longwood Theatre Department's production
will run Feb. 23, 24, 25, and 26 and again on March
1, 2, 3, and 4. Both Saturday showings of the musical
(the 25th and the 3rd) will be held at midnight,
similar to the long-standing tradition of the movie
version being played at midnight at movie theatres
across the country.
The musical revolves around a couple that has
lost their way when they are caught in a storm.
They then find safe haven at the home of Dr. Frankenfurter,
a "sweet transvestite" scientist unveiling
his newest creation.
Director of the show is the Professor of Theatre
Gene Muto, who describes the musical as a "campy
satire with lots of audience interaction." Muto said
that this is the first interactive show he has ever
done and that it has been an "enlightening experience."
Muto also said that he thinks the audience will be
expecting "everything they have seen in the movie
and other productions." He feels that he has combined
the elements the audience will be familiar
with as well as putting his own unique imprint on
the show.
Muto said that the Longwood Theatre Department
strives to provide students with a variety of
different play styles and that the students involved
with the production of "The Rocky Horror Show"
have had a "tremendous amount of fun" putting
the show together.
The cast features one faculty cast member, music
professor Dr. Chris Swanson, playing the character
Riff Raff. Swanson is also the musical director for
the production.
Senior Kyle Butler, who plays Dr. Frankenfurter,
said that the role makes him a little uncomfortable,
which is why he has enjoyed it so much. Butler also
hopes to put his own spin on his character, made
famous by Tim Curry. "I want to bring Kyle Butler
to the character as well as bring those beautiful
on-screen moments that Tim Curry brought," said
Butler.
According to Butler, the cast has been rehearsing
for approximately five weeks now. A typical rehearsal
lasts from 5:30 p.m. to about 9:30 p.m..
For an added bit of fun and information about
the making of the Longwood Theatre Department's
production of the musical, you can find some "behind
the scenes" videos filmed by juniors Katie
Bennett and Holly Hackworth. The videos can be
found on YouTube with the following link: http://
www.youtube.com/watch?v=dN6LQNrnA5E.
Tickets are $8 for general admission, $6 for Longwood
faculty/staff, senior citizens and students
from other schools/colleges, and $5 for Longwood
students. Box-office hours are 12 p.m. to 5 p.m.,
Wednesday through Friday, and one hour prior to
show times. Tickets can also be purchased online
through the box office website: http://www.longwood.
edu/commstudiestheatre/18642.htm. Come
early as there is limited seating available and tickets
may sell out fast. Contact the Box Office at boxoffice@
longwood.edu for more information.
