Editorial: Rocking on with Rocky Horror

Source: http://stuff.co.nz/stuff/waikatotimes/0,2106,3436539a6580,00.html

7 October 2005

Two years ago very few Hamiltonians were aware that the creator of The Rocky Horror Show was a city boy, writes the WAIKATO TIMES in an editorial.

Richard O'Brien wasn't born here but he called Hamilton home for his formative years and the old Embassy picture theatre was part of the inspiration for the show.

The connection to what went on to become a world-wide hit has now been recognised with the statue of O'Brien dressed as one of the characters in his show on the site of the demolished theatre.

Last November thousands of Hamiltonians joined with Rocky Horror fans to do the Time Warp at the unveiling of Riff Raff in Victoria St.

That turnout showed there really is an enthusiasm within the city to celebrate its links with one of the most enduring shows of modern times, a show that has a following of perhaps millions of committed fans around the world.

Tonight the 30-year saga of the cult classic continues with the opening performance of The Rocky Horror Show for a 17-performance season at Founders Theatre.

Despite Rocky Horror being the most produced musical in Europe, this is the first time it has gone on stage in Hamilton. So it will be the first time many of those in the audience will have experienced what has become a musical phenomenon.

Some will be in for a shock because it is nothing like more traditional shows that would normally be playing in the city. The Rocky Horror is pure theatre, a high camp rock 'n' roll show renowned for its catchy songs and its fantasy.

That was one of the reasons some of the more conservative of the city's population were outraged when plans for the Riff Raff statue were first released. That furore has died down since the statue's unveiling and hopefully some of the critics will go to the show over the next few weeks. They might then appreciate the global appeal of Rocky Horror and see the opportunities the show opens up for the city.

The Rocky Horror performances are hopefully the first of many events here linked to the cult classic.

Last year O'Brien said he would like to bring the annual convention for the film of the show to the city. Hamilton missed out on that this year. It was held in Las Vegas in June but could very well be a possibility for the future.

Hamilton might be a long way from Transylvania but the enthusiasm of travellers looking for links to The Lord Of The Rings films shows the fans will come if there is something to see and do.

Many came south only because Peter Jackson had turned them on to the sights and scenery they could see here.

Rocky Horror could give another group of enthusiasts an excuse to head to the Antipodes for their vacations. And with some imagination and clever marketing, a week of Rocky Horror could be a significant date on the city's events calendar.

Let's hope tonight's performance of The Rocky Horror Show is the first of many more in the city. It could be the start of a whole new industry.