Give in to absolute pleasure with 'Rocky Horror Picture Show'
By Kait Barnes, Staff Writer
October 23, 2007 | 4 p.m.
Starting October 23, 2007, going through the 25th and with a special show on Halloween, the Lost Flamingo Company production of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” will be performed at The Union. The doors open at 9 p.m. and the show starts at 10 p.m.
Since the show's inception four years ago, it has easily become LFC's yearly centerpiece. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is a cult classic that resonates with anyone who has ever stood out in a crowd or those who appreciate total campiness. With this kind of appeal, it is no surprise that the show is so popular among Ohio University students.
When Speakeasy asked "Rocky Horror" producer Lacie Turcott about the show’s massive popularity on campus, she said, “I think this kind of town and the kids at OU possess something special about them that draws them into the Union every year in huge numbers to see this strange show. We're a quirky group and that lends itself to great fun and a tendency to party - as well as love 'Rocky Horror' more than the average.”
This year, “Rocky Horror” features an abundance of talented new cast members and special events, meaning that the show promises to be bigger and better, but still true to its independent roots. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is a fun event in itself, but the best part of the show is the audience participation. There are new promotions to increase this participation, such as prop bags and t-shirts. The prop bags are being sold so that fans of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” can pick up some essential props needed for full audience involvement.
The show's cast consists of everyone from freshmen to grad students, though most aren't theater majors. This year, the company had 110 people audition for parts in the show, which is twice as many as last year. The cast of the show prepared and rehearsed for just six weeks, memorizing lines, choreographed dances and brazen musical numbers.
“The beginning rehearsals consisted mostly of learning the movie and gradually moved into more intense acting rehearsal,” she said. “The chorus rehearsed for six hours every weekend, moving from sneakers to heels - a very daunting task for any dancer on such a short schedule, especially the male chorus members. We've also been building more extensive set pieces than we've had before. It's all so much work for all of us, but it's so much fun.”
The most notable “Rocky Horror” cast member this year is crowd favorite Geoff Smith, who has played the flamboyant Frank-N-Furter since LFC's first production. Smith is a fantastic actor, lighting up the stage and drawing all eyes to him. Smith’s extraordinary performance encourages audience participation and rivals that of even the movie’s Tim Curry. This year's performance has been confirmed as Smith's last, so the pressure is on the to see this versatile actor in one of the best roles in recent musical theater history.
While “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” may be about debauchery and frivolous vices, it also helps raise funds for a good cause. Every year, the Lost Flamingo Company donates a share of their revenue to a charity. This year they are donating to the Michael J. Fox Foundation for Parkinson’s Research. The foundation funds stem cell research and focuses on finding a cure for the disease.
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