Rocky Horror: a racy, ribald, rollicking good time

ROCHESTER - For those who have never been to a Rocky Horror Picture Show, it's a cross between, "Cabaret," "Mystery Science Theater 3000" and "Young Frankenstein."

And if you liked any of those, you'll love what Director and choreographer Danica Carlson has done with the newest emergence of the cult classic playing at the Rochester Opera House through Saturday.
Also if you're a first-timer be ready to have a big "V" lipsticked on your forehead to show all your Scarlet Letter of Rocky Horror shame: the "V" is for virgin.

Next study your prompts, because this isn't a play, or movie, you just watch. You're in it.

You along with a cast of 15 provocatively attired actors, singers and dancers will interact with the 1975 musical comedy starring, among others, Susan Sarandon; and the singer Meat Loaf.

The movie and play cast alternate back and forth with seamless energy and focus, with the third factor in the dynamic - the audience - in full throat as well (this crowd at ROH really knew their "Rocky Horror").

Scottie MacGlaughlin as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, the "sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania, clearly steals the show with his booming vocals and ribald interpretation.

Close behind are cute-as-a-button Meredith Anne as Janet Weiss and Joshua Paul Moore as Brad Majors, who with their peppy acting and songs help us - the straight men, so to speak - identify and get into the high jinks.

So get to the show early, grab a goodie bag and a beverage at the bar and study your lines.

If you remember nothing else, remember whenever you hear the name Brad Majors, you scream, "asshole" and for his fiancée Janet Weiss, "slut."

And if you want to mock the sheer kitschiness of lines (a la MST 3000) just do it. You might get some laughs.

By the way, if you're "dressing" or "undressing" for the occasion, remember the best costume wins a prize.

One final note. Check out the narrator of the film version, the late Charles Gray, the feline-stroking nemesis of James Bond, Ernst Stavro Blofeld, in Diamonds are Forever (1971).

For more info http://rochesteroperahouse.com.