The Montana Actors’ Theatre production of the The Rocky Horror Show is a different kind of theatrical experience. At most musicals, audiences are expected to sit quietly throughout the show, save for some polite applause. But at Rocky the audience is truly part of the show! They are encouraged to sing and dance to classics like “The Time Warp” and “Sweet Transvestite,” as well as call out to characters and repeat iconic lines. There are even prop bags sold before the production that include items to be used at key parts throughout the show. A quick rundown on participation is given before each performance to ensure everyone gets in on the fun. And if you’ve never been before, you will be invited on stage to participate in the traditional “De-virgination Ceremony” as part of the pre-show extravaganza. Attendees of the midnight shows will see a bit more flesh as well, so please be advised about partial nudity during both late night shows.
But Rocky is not just a raucous party. This fully conceived musical rivals the production value of any show in the region. The sound and lights are state of the art, with amazing sets and costumes. While the story is campy and admittedly rather odd, the core of the show remains the amazing performances by the talented local cast. Audience members young and old, sober and otherwise, are swept up into a story full of heart, scandal, and yes, alien transvestites. We follow the naive young couple Brad and Janet on a night out. When their car breaks down, they seek assistance at a nearby castle. But when they meet the castle’s mysterious inhabitants they get more than what they bargained for. It’s a story of the loss of innocence, the perils of indulgence, and asks us to question what is “normal” and where we truly belong.
Most people are familiar with the 1975 film The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Starring the late, great Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon, the film sparked a cult following like no other, and to this day remains the longest running film of all time. Though varying from the film-version, the original stage musical The Rocky Horror Show (on which the movie was based) has all the elements people have grown to love, including some songs not included in the movie.
