Showbiz Theater Company’s 5th Annual Rocky Horror Picture Show is rated R. In previous years the sexually-charged show had been PG-13.
The theme of this year’s Rocky Horror was a retro mid-70’s throwback to the original movie, in contrast to a previous run that showcased mental institution costumes.
Richard O’Brien’s rendition of The Rocky Horror Show was performed. Lines were added to the script for the usually silent, major character Rocky.
Rocky was portrayed by Asante Azevedo, a San Joaquin Delta College student currently studying Computer Science, according to his bio in the program.
On Halloween night, the small theater was packed with enthusiastic fans and “virgins”, people who have never seen the movie or live show, to the classic.
“The audience really makes the show. I would say that definitely, tonight’s energy from the crowd was some of the best that we’ve had for this run of the show,” mentioned Azevedo after his performance.
Scenes included groping over and under underwear by Frank N Furter. Actors took modern creative liberty during the iconic sex scenes, both behind the veil and before it closed.
“Mm, eat my ass!” moaned Chris Chan who portrayed Brad Majors, for example. During the song Touch-A, Touch-A Me the actors dry humped on stage.
“It might be more raunchy. I know the actors will definitely play it up because it’s Halloween,” Sound Board Operator, Kayla Frontella predicted before the show.
The audience showed mixed emotions of shock, amusement and exasperation during the purposefully lude and nude scenes.
Fontella suggested a sound cue for comedic value in the show and she said it’s “really fun” that her idea is being used throughout the run. She received an amused response to the addition from the audience on Halloween night.
“We came on Halloween last year and we had such a great time that we wanted to come back and enjoy that experience again,” said audience member Madison Paratore.
When asked what their favorite song from the story is: Paratore exclaimed, “I love Science Fiction Double Feature,” and her companion Andrew Wheaton agreed. “I really like the floor show,” announced Fontella. “I would say Eddie’s Teddy,” confirmed Azevedo.
It comes as no surprise Showbiz’ annual productions of The Rocky Horror Picture Show is advertised as a “SMASH.”
