After seeing the movie version of “The Rocky Horror Show (RHS)” numerous times I thought I would be prepared for the musical version – I could not have been more wrong.

The RHS is a musical where audience participation is not only encouraged it is requested; the theater even sells ‘goody’ bags for the audience to hurl at the cast (not available opening night).  Many in the audience called out catchphrases or insults – all in good fun. To get the audience even more involved, numerous cast members sat in the back and dispatched one liners; many times adding more humor than the show itself.

For those of you who have never experience the RHS here is a synapses of the quirky yet alluring and oft addicting show. Frankenfurter is a transvestite and mad scientist from the planet Transylvania. Two young people, Brad and Janet, stumble into his castle and witness him creating Rocky, a Frankenstein-like creature that is designed for absolute pleasure. During the stormy night that pursues, the two youngsters get seduced and debauched by Frankenfurter and his minions. As the night progresses Frankenfurter is outed as a transvestite from transsexual Transylvania.

The entire premise of the show is based upon the B-movies of the 1950s; with the involvement and fan dedication they induced. Mithchell’s cast, although often rough on stage together, finds a balance of making the show fun and silly but also engaging.

Alex Stewart and Page Silvester Laura Lothian are well cast for Brad and Janet and bring a young and energetic feel to their performance. Ryan Thomas Blanning takes the part of Riff Raff to new heights with his vocal performances. Jessilee Windhaus plays Columbia while Nicole Cleveland plays both the Usherette and Magenta. Sean Nill plays the part of Rocky and does so in a simple yet intriguing fashion, never stealing the show but still making sure he is recognized. Shane Turner does a good job with Dr. Scott and his use of a walker entertains.

However, this is really Frankenfurters show and Cort Larson pulls it off like a charm. His performance is quick and vibrant yet still sad and depraved. Cort commands the stage as Frankenfurter and makes you believe in his depravity. His stage theatrics were spot-on for the part and he stayed in character the entire evening; never missing a beat.

The show was done in the true ‘small theater’ style and void of many of the larger production features. As in all ‘small theater’ productions tiny mishaps are common and this evening was no exception: from smoke machines setting off the fire alarms (numerous times) to microphone difficulties. However, the characters worked through each difficulty and pulled the night off.

If you are a true RHS fan than you will enjoy this show. Even with the difficulties and a small stage, the show itself stays true to the RHS and that is what counts.

The ensemble, under the direction of Graham Sobelman, brought the hi-octane rock sound to the stage; unfortunately it often overpowered the actors. However, the ensemble helped to electrify the crowd and create a true RHS experience.

Show Information

• What: ‘The Rocky Horror Show,’ by Richard O’Brien
• Where: Guild Theater - 2828 35th St, Sacramento
• When: 7 p.m. December 30-31 : 11 p.m. December 31 – January 1
• Tickets: $25 for 7 p.m. shows (INCLUDES 15 MINUTE “PROLOGUE” OF BRAND-NEW DANCE WORKS) and $20 for 11 p.m. shows
• Call: 916-307-9687
• Info: http://www.emotiondanceensemble.com/breaking_ground/Rocky_Horror.html