If there's a community where doing The Time Warp just makes total sense, it's fabulous Ferndale. And now through Halloween – how perfect! – that's exactly what's happening at the new Ringwald Theatre, courtesy of The Actors' Company.
And what a sexy, fun production it is!
A young and newly engaged couple, the nerdy Brad (John Wencel) and the virginal Janet (Ann O'Brien) are on their way one stormy night to visit their former science teacher when a flat tire in the middle of nowhere forces them to seek assistance at a nearby castle. They get help, all right – but not for the tire. Instead, they meet Frank-N-Furter (Kevin Edwards), the "sweet transvestite from Transsexual Transylvania" who introduces them not only to his own creation, the reanimated boy-toy Rocky Horror (Christopher Vanover), but also – personally, one at a time – to the joys of sex. But the adventure takes a far-out turn when UFO specialist Dr. Scott (John Forlini) arrives. Is the party over? Or has it really just begun?
From the show's opening moments it's apparent that director Michael A. Gravame is not content to simply rehash old concepts. Instead, he pumps up the show's simmering sexuality. Plus, rather than have the typical narrator found in most productions of "The Rocky Horror Show," Gravame has gone lesbian chic by casting Leslie Ann Thompson in the role. (Yes, THAT Leslie Ann Thompson! Affirmations' CEO – who is also a stand-up comic – is making her professional stage debut here.) And when Thompson works the audience, trust me: She KNOWS how to work it! (Just ask the two women sitting in the front row on opening night who were treated to a steamy, close-up strip tease!)
The 10 other actors all have singing voices that range from serviceable to fantastic. (A few need to project more.) But when blended, such as in "I'm Going Home" towards show's end, they make beautiful music together.
Also beautiful is the nearly-naked Vanover, whose wide-eyed innocence plays well in the Ringwald's intimate setting. And his gorgeous voice is the strongest and most pleasant of the cast.
But for sheer brashness, you've got to hand it to Edwards who simply sparkles as he dominates the stage as the alien transvestite. (His seductions scenes with O'Brien and Wencel drip with raw sexuality.)
'The Rocky Horror Show'
The Actors' Company at the Ringwald Theatre, 22742 Woodward Ave., Ferndale. Oct. 19, 26, 27 & 30 at 8 p.m.; Oct. 20 at 8 p.m. & midnight; and Oct. 31 at 9 p.m. Tickets: $25. For information: 248-988-7032, ext. 2. or http://www.whowantscaketheatre.com
