Halfway through Act I, it was obvious that viewers aren't waiting for the added shows Aug. 4 and 11 to participate in the fun.
Indeed, despite its few rocky spots, Coastal Rep's version of what happens when squeaky-clean, newly engaged Brad (Dominic Falletti) and Janet (Courtney Hatcher) arrive at Frank-n-Furter's (Tomas Theriot) weird castle, will delight seasoned Rocky Horror participants to "virgins" (those who never heard of it.)
 Flanked by inhabitants of Frank-n-Furter's castle, Brad (Dominic Falletti, canter) reacts as Frank-n-Furter (Tomas Theriot) gets friendly to the dismay of fianc/e Janet (Courtney Hatcher) in "The Rocky Horror Show." |
Falletti transcends the goofy characters he's played before by nailing Brad's scrubbed earnestness (even in boxer shorts) and introducing his resonant baritone vocal chops. Hatcher matches him as Janet, going from prissy to prurient with fine vocal delivery. From his comfy corner armchair, set designer Paul Smith does double duty as the slyly witty narrator.
Tomas Theriot is electrifying as Frank-n-Furter, deftly mixing nonstop prancing, over-the-edge campiness, ringing vocals, an offbeat sort of vulnerability and mastery of the art of tossing audience barbs right back. He's got a cadre of worthy cohorts: Katherine Hontalas as Columbia is squeaky, pouty pure fun, but she also gets in some noteworthy acting. Hensley's Magenta puts a viperish dash into her maid's miniskirt. As Magenta's brother Riff Raff in spiky plantinum locks, the androgynous Patty O'Furniture needs to beware dialogue that sounds forced, however compelling.
Frankie's strapping creation, Rocky (Chase Evans, in gold trunks and matching platinum hair), and rowdy, doomed motorcycle dude Eddie (Jared Wilke) fit their parts well, though stronger acting that pushes the envelopes more might give them more fun with the roles. John Alexander has (and offers) a lot of fun as bemused, uber-Germanic Dr. Scott, with fittingly wild hair and wilder eyes.
Topping off an inspiring cast ensemble are several "phantoms" who fill in with background vocals and Bosco-Alvarez' Bob Fosse-inspired steps. And a live band backstage provides the right full-bodied, spirited accompaniment.
Costume designers Judy Larson and Carolann Towe surpassed themselves with glittering creations (and fishnet hose) well worthy of the Rocky Horror tradition. Lighting, understated except for special effects, and Smith's minimalist, T-shaped platform set with a shimmering black backdrop (while occasionally looking like it posed problems for fast-moving actors), served their purposes while not detracting from the show's visual and musical impact. Special sound effects proved the icing on this cake.
Bottom line: You'll want to do this Time Warp again ... and again ... and again!
w