When Madness Takes Its Toll - ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ is Back
By: Bhavna Patel
Left to right: Meghan Vera Starling (Frank’N’Furter), Bailey Bird (Rocky), Erin Yardley-Jones (Riff Raff), Émilie Laliberté (Phantom), Casey Marie Ecker (Colombia)
Amy Blackmore, Executive and Artistic Director of MainLine Theatre and the St-Ambroise Montreal FRINGE Festival, is officially in ‘Rocky mode,’ and has been for weeks. “I think I know the entire script, I could probably recite it if I were put on the spot – don’t do that to me though!” she said. This will be her seventh year of producing and directing the 1975 Richard O'Brien rock sci-fi gothic musical, “The Rocky Horror Show,” which boasts a full house each year. The fall annual fundraising helps to sustain MainLine’s activities. The event includes a 25-member ensemble of artists new and old, and will come with its share of surprises.
“I think I know the entire script, I could probably recite it if I were put on the spot – don’t do that to me though!”
The storyline revolves around a newly engaged couple, Brad and Janet, who find themselves knocking on the door of a mysterious castle, seeking aid for their broken down car and refuge from the heavy storm. Inside, the couple is greeted by mad scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter and embark on an exploratory sexual journey, meeting a slew of wacky characters along the way.
The unorthodox show is known for gender bending amongst its roles and characters. Dr. Frank-N-Furter was traditionally played by Stephanie McKenna, but for the first time in six years, Meghan Vera Starling will bring her take on the character. Starling played Riff Raff, another wild character, in previous years, for which she won an “Outstanding Supporting Actress” Montreal English Theatre Award (META). The change will inevitably bring new light to the stage as Dr. Frank-N-Furter sets the tone of the show to a certain degree.
Left to right: Bailey Bird (Rocky), Meghan Vera Starling (Frank’N’Furter), Patrick Dale (Magenta), Duncan Bain (Brad), Maya Lewis (Janet), Erin Yardley-Jones (Riff Raff)
Celebrating diversity, community and sexual freedom is important for Mainline Theater productions. The “Rocky Horror Show” script goes back to 1975 and certain aspects have become, well, dated. “We had a big conversation between myself and my co-collaborators about certain terms that were being used. So we do play with some updates, while staying true to the original content, because at the end of the day, it’s not a show that takes itself too seriously,” Blackmore said. The goal for everyone is simply to have fun.
For the second year straight, the production will bring in intimacy director, Meagan Schroeder, to ensure a safe experience for all participants involved. Working in an environment where things are clear, transparent and open, makes for more creativity on stage, Blackmore observed. “If someone is uncomfortable with something, we start to explore where we can go from there that’s different and interesting for them. It’s brought in a lot of spice to the show.”
Photo by: Jimmy Karamanis
The Phantoms (Left to right): Amélie Rémillard, Caeleigh McDonald, Emilie Laliberté, Leanna Gelston, Jules Willson, Molly Mckenzie, Nicole Legault, Kaylen Boudreau, Renée Hodgins.
The audience is encouraged to become a part of the immersive experience by yelling out callback lines based off of certain audio cues. A callback guide will be available at the theater. Many Rocky-goers will dress up as characters from the show or in Halloween themes. For first-timers, or ‘Rocky virgins,' Blackmore suggests at least becoming familiar with the “Time Warp” dance moves, or they can simply belt along to the live musical vocals and notes being led by saxophonist Katherine Paradis.
The show will run from October 19 to October 31st at the MainLine Theatre. “We always say ‘Rockies’ vote celebrating diversity, community and sexual freedom,” Blackmore said. And that’s the Rocky Horror Show in a nutshell.