by Nancy Holley

Special KRL coupon code at the end of this article.

Get ready Visalia and surrounding environs — The Rocky Horror Show is coming to the Ice House Theatre opening October 16! For millions of fans, Rocky Horror represents a zany, quirky, out there experience that they want to have again and again.

For those of you not familiar with the story, the show opens with Brad and Janet attending a wedding, which results in Brad proposing with the rollicking “Damit Janet.” They then set off to tell their science teacher Dr. Scott about their engagement, but have a flat tire. All pretty normal, right?

Normalcy is left behind as they seek aid at the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. From then on, the show literally rocks and rolls through the antics of the crazy occupants.

Corey Ralston (Brad) has watched the movie hundreds of times. “It is so bizarre and campy that theater kids like me are drawn to it.” But Corey’s Dad was also a fan. “My Dad used to go to the midnight showing in the late 70s with his friends and thought it was cool that I was into it.”

Cast of Visalia Players production of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW

Brad’s fiancée, the naïve Janet, is portrayed by Sadie Pursell, a graduate from the American Musical and Dramatic Academy in Hollywood. “I had never watched the cult classic and thought I would be in the chorus. After the initial auditions, I watched the movie and got more and more into it. I was thrilled to get a major role.”

Arriving at the castle, Brad and Janet meet Dr. Frank-N-Furter, an over the top transvestite from another planet, and his servants Riff Raff and Magenta. Sean Hopper is Dr. Frank-N-Furter, who flaunts his power as master of the castle in “Sweet Transvestite.” Hopper noted, “It is very different from most of the characters I usually play.
Frank-N-Furter is a sexual predator bad guy. I always try to get the character that has the most meat.”

According to co-director Henry Ralston, “Frank-N-Furter is the leader of an expedition to transform mankind into the perfect specimen. He builds a creature that’s to be the perfect man.” Enter Rocky Horror, blonde, tanned, and buff, portrayed by Bailey Beach. “My mom showed me the movie when I was 15 and I fell in love with it immediately.” Beach sees the show as every theater kid’s dream. “It is just so out there.”

Dr. Scott (Sergio Garza) has two worries. Brad and Janet have not arrived as expected and his nephew Eddie has disappeared. Garza explained, “He knows there are things going on at the castle, but isn’t sure what.” When Dr. Scott arrives at the castle, he is surprised to find Brad and Janet and not find Eddie. Dr. Scott rocks as he reveals Eddie’s true character in “Eddie’s Teddy.”

Co-director Elicia Russell is very enthusiastic about the show. “It’s lots of fun. The songs give insight into the characters, and the first song “Science Fiction/Double Feature” sets the mood.” Russell is hyped about the audience participation which occurs with Rocky Horror. “The Time Warp” includes dance and the audience will dance the “Time Warp.” Everyone knows it.

The interactive part of the show is well known to Rocky Horror aficionados. Actor Ralston commented, “A large part of the fan base likes to do the audience participation script. People can come in knowing how to participate. They can come in costume and that’s encouraged.”

The audience participation script can be downloaded from: www.badmovies.org/movies/rockyhorror/audience.
Prop bags will be available for purchase for those who don’t bring their own. Come and join the fun!

The Rocky Horror Show opens at the Ice House Theater at Race and Santa Fe in Visalia at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, October 16, 2015 and runs for three weekends with evening performances at 7:30 p.m. on 10/16, 10/17, 10/23, 10/24, and 10/30 and matinees at 2:00 p.m. on 10/18, 10/25, and 11/1. NOTE: SPECIAL SHOW AT MIDNIGHT OCTOBER 31. The show contains adult content, language, and partial nudity.

For more information about the Visalia Players and to purchase tickets, check out their website and KRL’s article about VCP. Tickets may also be purchased by calling 734-3900. For details about local arts groups in Tulare County, visit the Visalia Arts Consortium website.

Check out even more local theatre reviews & articles in our Arts & Entertainment section!

To purchase two tickets for the price of one, enter KRLRHS in the Have a code? box on the Buy/Redeem Tickets Reservation page via the Players website.

Nancy Holley has been involved in the Visalia Community Players off and on since the 1970s, both as a director and actor. In 2010, she retired from 25 years as a software consultant and has since expanded her role at the Players. She is now Membership Chairman and assists with the Players on-line ticketing system.