Time warp as Rocky Show hits Hamilton

OPENING NIGHT: Rocky Horror Show performer David Artis gets help with his costume from wardrobe assistant Yvonne Milroy. (IAIN MCGREGOR/Waikato Times)  

Source: Waikato Times print edition 

8 October 2005
By JUSTINE TURNER

HAMILTON begins a strange journey as Richard O'Brien's kinky, catchy, cult classic The Rocky Horror Show opens at the Founders Theatre tonight.

It has been 30 years since the show hit the big screen, a year since Riff Raff took his place on Victoria Street, and tonight's time warp in Hamilton begins with the stage show.

Nerves are sure to be on edge, given the show's creator Richard O'Brien will be in the audience.
Producer Paul Mitchell said he was quite nervous about O'Brien's presence.

It was important the cast and crew did the best job they could.

"I'd love it if Richard enjoyed it," he said.

"I've wanted to do this for a very long time. We feel very fortunate to have the rights to the show and very grateful to Richard, with his support in giving us those rights to bring it to Hamilton.

"I believe we've done a superb job, but of course we put our own stamp on it."

Director David Sidwell said Rocky Horror was a great piece to work with, and a few "surprises" had been added to the script.

"I suppose I'm quite nervous too," he said.

"I guess (it's) because the writer doesn't normally go to the opening of their show. But I think he'll love it."

Narrator Ginette McDonald faces nerves of a different kind.

Although familiar with the bright lights of the stage, McDonald has never been in a musical and had to quickly adapt to her "Madonna mic, or Pink one if you're younger", she said, referring to the headset she will wear.

McDonald had realised at a young age she was no singer. "I thought I had no chance. I can't dance. I can't sing."

But after meeting Sidwell and being asked to join the cast, an "iconic twist" later a female narrator was born.

"My shoes are getting bigger and bigger, now I can do the time warp in them."

The Rocky Horror Show runs for three weeks until October 29. On October 11 and 22, audience members are encouraged to come as their favourite Rocky Horror character.