Just in time for Halloween, the Dramatic Theatre is presenting The Rocky Horror Show live onstage for the film’s 50th anniversary.
The onstage production at The Asper Centre for Theatre is being directed by Justin Joseph, Laurie Fischer and Alana Penner. Fischer is not only co-directing the production, but he is always playing the role of Dr. Scott and also a narrator.
“What better year to produce the show than its 50th anniversary, and for Halloween – come do the time warp with us,” said Fischer. “A lot of groups are doing the film. We are the only group doing the stage musical.”
According to Fischer, the audience participation during the Rocky Horror Picture Show is fundamental.
“That’s going to bring an audience in and we know they are going to react,” Fischer said. “In rehearsals now, we are actually doing call backs. We’re shooting out so that people get used to it – the fact that they will be interrupted at all times.”
Fischer explained that during a theatre production how the fourth wall is never broken and that’s the wall between the cast and the audience members.
“This one completely breaks down the fourth wall and we encourage that,” Fischer said. There is a lot of interaction between the narrator and the audience…the audience really becomes part of the show.”
Artistic Director, Justin Joseph explained the show has always been a bucket list production for the company. He also noted the focus for the Dramatic Theatre Company is to select the fan favourites to produce.
“Rocky Horror Show is a cult classic,” Joseph said. “It’s a large show. It’s bigger than life, it’s fantastic, it’s outrageous. And I couldn’t do it alone.”
The theatre production will feature all of the classic songs from the hit film, such as “The Time Warp”, “Sweet Transvestite” and “Science Fiction, Double Feature”.
“They don’t know where they remember them from, but they know them (the songs),” Joseph said.
The local theatre company started as a travelling theatre school and since 2012 the company has produced more than 30 productions.
“We’ve been producing shows, everything from family theatre to adult theatre and now to music theatre,” Joseph said. “It’s take a huge team to put this on.”
Joseph is no stranger to theatre as he’s been involved in one capacity or another since attending Westwood Collegiate as a high school student.
“I was on stage at that point. I grew up in fantastic theatre for children,” Joseph said. “I really got a love of the admin side of theatre.”
The show runs 8 p.m. Oct. 31, 8 p.m. Nov. 1 and 2:30 p.m. Nov. 2. General admission (Rush Seating) $30. For tickets visit dramatictheatre.net.
