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'Rocky Horror' is a worthy spectacle

By John David Back In all my years, no one had ever tried to explain The Rocky Horror Picture Show to me. Because how (and those of you who have seen it will understand) do…

By John David Back

In all my years, no one had ever tried to explain The Rocky Horror Picture Show to me. Because how (and those of you who have seen it will understand) do you describe to someone what it’s ‘about’? At the surface if can be taken as an ode to old-timey horror movies. Also at the surface it can be taken as an exploration of wanton-but-as-yet-latent desire and sexual exploration. It could also be taken as just a pretty insane transvestite themed, musical, mostly-male burlesque show. That has aliens.

The Warsaw Federal Incline Theater is top notch in every category. The staff, the space, the concessions, the location, the view of the city. It’s a home run for Cincinnati arts. If you haven’t been yet, it’s your duty and obligation to visit what I have now come to call ‘The Jewel of the West Side’. Not being from the West Side, it’s the only landmark attraction I can get to without two maps and a friend on speaker phone.
The Rocky Horror Show at WFIT is a spectacle. I am 100% going to try to make it to another performance, it’s that good. They do audience participation showings, which I have yet to experience, but believe entails dancing and shouting and something to do with toast.

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The story revolves around a newly engaged, young and prudish couple named Janet (Caroline Chisholm) and Brad (Dakota Mullins). They are your typical idyllic 1950’s white bread couple who happen to get a flat tire in a rainstorm near a giant castle. The events (mostly debaucherous) unfold from there in such a way as to defy common sense at every turn, yet keep you cradled in the arms of sinful voyeurism on a journey of discovery, growth, and drag. Much like the ballet, you ought to be comfortable with seeing men in some pretty tight trousers. There are men in heels, men in fishnets, men in tights, men in capes, men in booty shorts, man in wheelchair.

The star of the show, Dr. Frank-n-furter, is played by the tall, brooding-but-ebullient Matt Krieg. He’s tall, rocks platform heels, and even when he’s killing a man with a chainsaw he never fails to flash us a winning smile and keep us firmly on his side.

 

Another tidbit for you Rocky Horror virgins is Rocky Horror is actually a character in the musical. Played by the tan blonde Tyler Kuhlman, he looks like a male specimen created in the laboratory of a madman bent on unchecked gay sexcapades. I don’t know where they found Tyler, but he’s perfect for the role.

I cannot recommend this show enough. It’s affordable, high quality, entertaining, and is only kind-of on the West Side.