New ROH season a deliciously eclectic feast

ROCHESTER - To appreciate the eclectic and innovative offerings of the 2015/16 Rochester Opera House season, one has only to see what's playing now.

Sandwiched between two 10-day runs of the traditional Broadway icon "The Music Man," comes the cult classic "Rocky Horror Picture Show" playing this week, which will feature cabaret style theater with shadow acting to complement the simultaneous showing of the original film.

"We've got a great assortment of plays and shows this year," said ROH Producing Director Anthony Ejarque as he awaited The Music Man's opening night performance earlier this month.

"Rocky Horror," which has been a favorite among young people thanks to its popular midnight showings and audience interaction, will see a whole new twist when it opens on Wednesday (at 8 p.m. by the way).

Ejarque said ROH will be doing "Rocky Horror" as cabaret with a flat stage. He said there will be a band on stage and 15 actors who complement and embellish the experience by playing off the film in real time.

"Rocky Horror" honors the kitsch science fiction and horror movies from the middle of the last century, which were often made on low budgets with poor acting and clumsy special effects.

The plot centers around a young engaged couple whose car breaks down in the rain near a castle where they seek a telephone to call for help.

The castle is occupied by strangers in elaborate costumes celebrating an annual convention. They discover the head of the house is Frank N. Furter, an apparent mad scientist who actually an alien transvestite who creates a living muscle man in his laboratory.

The couple is seduced separately by the mad scientist and eventually released by the servants who take control.

With Halloween and all things spooky and kooky around the corner, Ejarque is hoping Rocky Horror fans will be out in force to enjoy this ribald and racy classic.

Other plays set for this season are an upbeat musical "Christmas Carol" (that's different), Broadway sensation "Chicago," in January; "The Miracle Worker," in April, which tells the story of Helen Keller; and one of the plays Ejarque is especially looking forward to, "The Toxic Avenger," in May, which is being held in conjunction with Jetpack Comics Free Comic Book Day weekend.

Ejarque noted that there are four Toxic Avenger films and that this play - which draws from all four - just became available. He called it a "goofy, funny" story that audiences will love.

The Little River Band

Besides the theatrical performances, however, ROH has strengthened its commitment to bring at least two or three "marquee" performers to the opera house every year, Ejarque said.

Fresh off the heels of a performance by Woodstock icon and superstar Melanie, the Little River Band is set to play its unique blend of soft rock and harmonies next month.

Famous for songs like "Reminiscing" and "Cool Change," the Australian-based band has sold more than 30 million records.

Another performance to watch out for is Livingston Taylor and Tom Chapin in March.

For more info go to http://rochesteroperahouse.com.