Oscar Madson as Brad, Caz Shegogue as Riff Raff, and Clari Swaggard as Janet. Photo by Sean McCoy.
If you’re anything like me, you have been shivering in antici…pation for Monumental Theatre Company’s upcoming production of “The Rocky Horror Show.” Known for pushing boundaries and casting some of the best up-and-coming DC-area talent, Monumental brings a fresh club version of the cult classic to their new space at Dance Place.
Monumental delivers an entertaining night at the theatre filled with extraordinary vocal talent and high-energy choreography…
For our “virgins,” “The Rocky Horror Show” is an irreverent musical following the newly engaged Brad Majors (Oscar Madson) and Janet Weiss (Clari Swaggard) after their car breaks down in a rainstorm two miles away from the mansion of the ‘Sweet Transvestite,’ Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Upon entering and stripping down to their underwear, the young couple learns that Frank-N-Furter (Christian Montgomery) and his Transylvanian henchmen, Riff Raff (Caz Shegogue), Magenta (Dani Rizzo), and Columbia (Jayson Broadnax), are celebrating the birth-day of Frank-N-Furter’s newest creation – a blonde, muscled man named Rocky (Jackson Miller). The tale chaotically and sexually unfolds from there.
With music, book, and lyrics by Richard O’Brien and originally produced and directed for the West End and Broadway by Jim Sharman, the musical also made large waves as a 1975 film, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” and immortalized the recently-passed Tim Curry’s turn as Frank-N-Furter. Unknown to anyone involved, Monumental’s production timing has allowed for a perfect celebration and tribute to Curry’s iconic performance.
With a wild absurdist plot, “The Rocky Horror Show” gives creatives lots of room to play. Co-directors Jimmy Mavrikes and Michael Windsor succeeded in creating a glittery and sexy playground for the actors to explore. However, the vision missed the cohesion needed to elevate the overall production.
Many of the technical elements felt very disjointed, leading to moments of confusion and overstimulation. The costumes designed by Justin Sosebee and hair and makeup by Ali Pohanka made it feel as thought each ensemble member’s look was designed for a different production of “The Rocky Horror Show.” For example, when looking at the ensemble of Phantoms, one donned sheer lingerie while another wore street clothes. While each design choice could have worked on its own, the stark differences between aesthetics left me with more questions than answers and was a distraction from enjoying the immense talent displayed onstage.
The band, led by music director Marika Countouris, was a highlight of the production, featuring a new remixed version of “Floorshow,” which on its own was incredible. Notwithstanding, when added to the already busy show, it felt slightly out of place.
Continuing with the muddled vision was how each actor was portraying their style of the story. Each performer vocally soared, with special shout-outs to Madson’s strong vocal prowess in “Once in a While,” Miller’s energetic “The Sword of Damocles,” and Montgomery’s show-stopping “I’m Going Home.” The direction led to some confusion about the overall tone of the production, creating mismatched performances. While you don’t need the same cookie-cutter characters (example: Brad doesn’t have to be a nerd), it’s important that each character strongly fits into the world that has been established. For example, Dr. Scott’s (Sydne Lyons) overly colorful makeup design and consistent accent changes were very misplaced compared to the more naturalistic approach for Brad and Janet, other non-Transyvlanians, and the Narrator (a hilarious Cera Baker). It was often more overpowering and exorbitant than the unfolding action, at times pulling focus from the main plot.
Breaking through the pack was Montgomery’s lonelier portrayal of Frank-N-Furter. Rather than leaning into the evil, angry angle, Montgomery focused on Frank-N-Furter’s depth and need for companionship, adding new dimensions to the character. Shegogue also shone as Riff Raff, commanding the stage in the iconic “The Time Warp” and as a butler who is truly done with their master’s antics.
It’s clear how much fun the cast is having on stage, making “The Rocky Horror Show” a blast for everyone who attends. Monumental delivers an entertaining night at the theatre filled with extraordinary vocal talent and high-energy choreography by Ahmad Maaty. If you’re looking to pregame the spooky season or celebrate Tim Curry’s legacy, you’re sure to enjoy this interactive retelling.
Running Time: Two hours including one 15-minute intermission.
Advisory: Recommended for ages 13+. Contains adult language, sexual content, depictions of violence, fog, and haze.
“The Rocky Horror Show”runs through September 6, 2026 presented by Monumental Theatre Company at Dance Place, 3225 8th Street NE, Washington, DC 20017. For more information and to purchase tickets, please go online.
