Colonial Chorus Players' "The Rocky Horror Show": A Thrilling Sensation

Let’s see if this castle has a telephone we can use.

Colonial Chorus Players treats audiences to the original live musical The Rocky Horror Show, on which the 1975 film version was based. Newly engaged couple Brad and Janet, whose car breaks down on a rainy night, stumble upon the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. The couple is in for the wildest night of their lives.

I have developed a newfound appreciation for The Rocky Horror Show. This is an iconic musical, especially during the festive spooky month of October. Colonial Chorus Players brought down the house with their energetic, thrilling, and hysterical showcase of The Rocky Horror Show. Under its sensual layers is a story about being happy for who you are.

Nick Raponi slays the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter the instant he appears onstage. The first time I saw Raponi was in Marblehead Little Theatre’s Something Rotten, where he played Nick Bottom. Raponi has a knack for comedy and also brings new depth to roles. He embraced the deviant personality, walking confidently in heels.

Casey Williamson and Sabrina Janet Nedder play Brad Majors and Janet Weiss, the unlucky (or you could say lucky) couple who wind up in the madness. They are excellent in their roles, both comedically and in embracing sensitive material. Brad and Janet’s dynamic is a central part of the story, opening up their minds to new ideas of relationships.

Dori Bush (Usherette/Magenta), Haley Unger (Riff Raff), and Leanne Blake (Columbia) were sensational in their scenes as their colorful characters. Grace Meidanis tells audiences the tale as the show’s narrator. Anthony Wassel does a great job as Rocky, Frank-N-Furter’s latest creation. And Kevin Lundy has the opportunity to portray two characters, Eddie and Dr. Scott.

As the phantoms, Luisiana Cruz, Saeed Maseeh, Kimberly Merck, and Kat Plano greet audiences when they arrive, show off their talented dancing in the ‘Time Warp,’ and appear as backup singers through the curtains. The entire cast has a blast onstage.

Speaking of ‘Time Warp," that is my favorite number in Rocky Horror. The cast was just revving up in anticipation for this iconic dance. Led by music director Andrew Wray and other fellow musicians, more songs include “Over at the Frankenstein Place,” “Hot Patootie,” and “Sweet Transvestite.”

Colonial Chorus Players always impresses me with how they can transform their theater into new settings. For an intimate and small space, that didn’t deter any of the stage design. Fred Gallagher designed the stage to resemble a dark castle, a laboratory, and a cool sliding door that made for signature introductions.

Several tech hands were involved in Rocky Horror. From dazzling lights, enhanced sound, an array of costumes, exotic makeup, and hairstyles, a lot went into bringing this upbeat production to its feet.

Shoutout goes to intimacy coordinator Anna Silva. The roles of intimacy coordinators has evolved over time. Because of the intimate and sensual layers of Rocky Horror, Silva instituted direction accordingly to make scenes comfortable for the cast.

Any Rocky Horror production always makes audiences feel like they’re a part of the show. That’s one of the best parts! Audiences shouted out phrases, laughed, and were having the best time ever. I laughed the most when dolls were used for romantic pictures. Director Andrew Rhodes did a good job bringing his own vision to the stage.

The Rocky Horror Show is the thrilling musical to see this October at Colonial Chorus Players, performing until Oct. 19. Take caution, it’s rated R. Currently, all shows are sold out, but if seats open up, get a ticket for a night out in Frank-N-Furter’s castle. It’s a blast of fun.