Whether the Rocky Horror Show is on your bucket list, or you lost your Rocky Horror virginity years ago, Iron Crow’s production of the much-loved cult classic will whisk you into a world of toe-tapping, gender-bending madness and mayhem—accompanied by a cast of characters whose singing, dancing, and humor make for an evening of no-holds-barred, outrageous fun.
When young love birds Janet Weiss (Bailey Walker) and Brad Majors (Brett Clock) find themselves stranded by a flat tire on a stormy night, they seek shelter at transvestite scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s (Timoth David Copney) creepy castle where—in the tradition of B movie horror—Janet and Brad meet the castle’s inhabitants and the wholesome couple’s transformation begins, culminating in Frank-N-Furter’s unveiling of his new creation: the ultimate male specimen, muscular man “Rocky” (Brandon Shaw McKnight).
Iron Crow’s production of the much-loved cult classic will whisk you into a world of toe-tapping, gender-bending madness and mayhem…
Standout performances abound in this production, but even more striking is the cast’s collective joy at leading this radical exploration of sexual liberation and queer identity. Interspersed between—and sometimes during—song favorites “The Time Warp,” “Sweet Transvestite,” and “Hot Patootie,” is an ongoing banter between cast and audience, in a competition to see who can outdo the other’s wit, humor, and sheer outrageousness.
Showstoppers include Weiss and Major’s rendition of “Damn It Janet,” McKnight’s “The Sword of Damocles,” and Copney’s “Planet Schmanet,” each number delivered with notable solo and ensemble vocal and dance talent. Singers are accompanied by a four-piece band that sits behind a rather sparse but bright and lively set, providing solid support with occasional musical reminders of the show’s 1970’s roots.
Costume designer Danielle Irene Harrow deserves special notice for the dramatic flair and attention to detail that captures the Rocky Horror aesthetic.
Music and lyrics by Richard O’Brien, directed and choreographed by Quae Simpson, and with music direction by Jay M. Devaughn, this production might just see you leaving the theatre humming one of Rocky Horror’s catchy tunes, taking a jump to the left and then a step to the right, a bit more liberated, and maybe a little more willing to break the rules yourself.
Advisory: “The Rocky Horror Show” explores mature themes, contains adult language, partial nudity, sexual content and simulated violence. “The Rocky Horror Show” may not be suitable for patrons under the age of 18.
Running Time: Approximately 3 hours with one 15-minute intermission.
“The Rocky Horror Show” runs through February 16 at the Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 West Preston Street, Baltimore, MD, 21201. For more information or to purchase tickets, click here.
