I went to see The Rocky Horror Show as a virgin, and came out a fan. Soon after my initiation I went back to see it a second time, with some cast changes, and loved it even more. (As did my wife, who saw an earlier production in London.) Dick Cavett, as the emcee, asks at the start of each show, "How many of you are virgins?" The implication is that the show requires some inside knowledge, but that's not so. Neophytes are welcome and should have no problem understanding the spoof of horror movies from the 1950s or 60s. Its outrageous take-off of the genre is augmented by a solid rock `n' roll score that is well-performed by a five-man band. The scenic design by David Rockwell and direction by Christopher Ashley are spectacular, starting with the moment when a movie image breaks apart, and we see the clueless victims-to-be, Brad and Janet, come from behind the screen.
Tom Hewitt gave a stunning performance as the strutting, transvestite scientist, Frank 'N' Furter. Veteran singer-actor Terrence Mann replaced him and is almost as studly while adding a nice touch of ironic self-awareness. Alice Ripley was adorable as Janet, but Kristen Lee Kelly brings out even more humor in the role. Mark Price as Riff Raff is a hoot. (I missed seeing Raul Esparza.) Saturday Night Live's Ana Gasteyer is especially funny and appealing as Columbia. Lea DeLaria's playing of two male roles was a stunt with limited humor, but she did rock her songs; replacement James Stovall exhibited surprising star quality. Dick Cavett was droll and interacted nicely with each audience. Some others in the casts, with well-known names, were adequate.
