Review: Rocky Horror Show

Source: Waikato Times print edition 

10 October 2005
By GAIL PITTAWAY

Rocky Horror Show at the Founders Theatre, October 8-29

Richard O'Brien's Rocky Horror Show was written in the 1970s. It shocked, with men in fishnets and lipstick; an ironic pastiche of horror, science fiction and teen drama in a frenzy of energy.

A year after the unveiling of the statue of Riff Raff, Hamilton Operatic Society has built on the city's associations with the show in this massive production.

David Sidwell's great reputation as a director is already made, but here inspired casting is a further aspect of his craft. For a start, the droll Ginette McDonald is the Narrator -- a role usually given to men in tuxedos. Then there's Roy Snow's Frank'n Furter, Mike Edwards' Rocky and Sam Wares' Magenta -- all totally thrilling performances. The seduction of innocent, geeky Brad (James Schaw) and Janet (Claire Stanley) is hilariously shocking. Nick Wilkinson's Riff Raff seems strangely underplayed at first -- but all becomes clear after intermission.

Musical direction by Campbell Douglas and choreography by Nerida Lister are splendid.

Above all, the set by John Harding is superb. The show continues to look fresh, even after 30 years.