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November 3, 2003



Theater Reviews

    

A Night of Horror and Comedy

      

RIVERSIDE, CA - Even though most of the public is familiar with the cult film,  Rocky Horror Picture Show, it was originally written as a stage production.  Created by Richard O'Brien in 1973 as a homage to the horror film, the show originally ran for nearly seven years.  The film adaptation first failed at the box office but eventually developed a massive following when it began playing for  midnight showings.  A party atmosphere developed, with audiences cheering, booing, yelling out lines and singing along.  

Performance Riverside's production of The Rocky Horror Show is the perfect blend of the two mediums.  The show runs like the film, so audiences can, and do, participate energetically during the show.  Yelling out portions of the dialogue, talking back to the characters, singing along and dancing in the aisles is completely acceptable and encouraged.  

Performance Riverside's Executive director Steven A. Glaudini masterfully played the part of the Narrator  setting the humorous yet creepy tone for the evening.

Entangled in this twisted romantic honeymoon of  bizarre laboratory experiments was Brad and Janet, played by Damon Kirsche and Anne Warren.  Damon, having appeared on Broadway in numerous shows, gave an outstanding performance as the nerdy groom who finds his heroic side.  Familiar to Southland audiences as the star of Pinafore!, Chris Hall was extraordinary in his portrayal of the comical Riff-Raff.  

Rounding out this stellar cast was Christia Mantzke as Usherette and Magenta, Monica Schneider as Columbia, Eric Anderson as Frank 'n' Furter, Thomas Patrick as Rocky, and Danny Stiles as Eddie and Dr. Scott.  Adding a real flair to this flashy production was the group of Phantoms played by Israel Aguiano, Lindi Duesenberg, Renee Liskey, Collin Rand and Gabriel A. Silva.  The cast and audience fed off of each other's energy making this an exciting, fun-filled evening for all. 

 

 

The production crew deserves three cheers for a stunning visual presentation of this cult classic.  Ovation Nominee Steven Young created magical lighting effects, and  Don Le Master conducted the small, but riveting pit band that drove the show at its legendary frantic pace.

Playing from October 31 through November 16, Performance Riverside's production of the Rocky Horror Show is a must see.  - A. Thomas    Printable Version

For tickets and information: www.performanceriverside.org 

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