By D. A. Blackburn
There's something uniquely timeless about doing "The Time Warp," and though "The Rocky Horror Show" graces area stages with an almost alarming frequency, it never seems to wear out its welcome. The campy, sexually-charged show continues to draw performers and patrons into its laboratory of racy music and innuendo, to sing along, dance, laugh and participate in ways that no other show can duplicate. So it's little surprise that Front Row Productions has opened an inspired production of Richard O'Brien's cult classic at Pontiac's Clutch Cargo Night Club.
The FRP production, which opened Oct. 16, was a well-attended affair despite the chilly weather and a venue well outside the norm for most regular theater patrons. Those who ventured out for the show were treated to a satisfying – though significantly flawed – production.
FRP's cast is roundly appealing. Headed by comedian Lloyd Ziel as Narrator, the cast is a perfect fit for "Rocky Horror" – appealing visually, theatrically and vocally talented. Ziel is charming and delightfully funny, improvising lightly and playing off the crowd to great effect.
In the ensemble, Jason Landis (Riff Raff), Vanesa Sawson (Magenta), Jeff Richardson (Eddie) and Sara Winter (Janet) all lend excellent voices to the production. They're also in fine form from an acting standpoint, along with Oscar Alejandro (Frank N. Furter) Adam Landis (Brad), Mary Ann Redhage (Columbia) and Jon Ellison (Rocky).
But in technical respects, FRP's production falls flat. Sloppy lighting work, particularly with spotlights, is an annoying distraction. And the work really breaks down at the sound board. Though the live band has the show's music well in hand, they consistently drowned out the cast's un-amplified vocals opening night. This problem was further compounded by frequent feedback from speakers, jarring the audience and the performers.
If FRP can straighten out these technical issues, it will have a strong production on its hands.
REVIEW:
'The Rocky Horror Show'
Front Row Productions at iLounge, lower level of Clutch Cargo's, 65 E. Huron, Pontiac. Thursday-Sunday through Nov. 1. Thursday shows: Ages 18 and over only; weekend shows: Ages 21 and older. $20 ($25 midnight shows). 1-800-745-3000. showsatfrontrow.com
