Every year, the theatre faculty at Lamar University asks theatre majors to submit ideas for the plays they’d like to perform in the upcoming season. And every year, The Rocky Horror Show consistently ranks at or near the top of the list.
“We wanted to end the season with a musical, and, in thinking of shows that would excite the students, Rocky Horror was an easy fit,” said theatre instructor Adam Conrad, who co-directs the play along with Professor Adonia Placette. The Rocky Horror Show, written by Richard O’Brien, will run April 30 – May 2 in the University Theatre. Performances will be at 7 p.m. April 30 and 7 p.m. and midnight on May 1 and 2.
An homage to rock ’n’ roll, science fiction and cheesy B movies, The Rocky Horror Show is a rollicking, hysterical good time for mature audiences. The 1970s cult classic tells the story of Brad Majors (played by Travis Coombs, Nederland) and his fiancée Janet Weiss (Jessica Henderson, Port Neches), a young couple who run into car trouble and seek help at Frankenstein Manor. There they meet the mad scientist, Dr. Frank N. Furter (Nathan Foster, Groves), "a Sweet Transvestite from Transsexual Transylvania," who is in the midst of conducting one of his shocking experiments.
“When producing The Rocky Horror Show, a lot of people focus just on the campy/fun aspects of the musical,” said Conrad. “Our show is definitely a lot of fun, be we also dig deeper. Our production is really inspired by one of the songs in it called ‘Don’t Dream It, Be It,’ which deals with the theme that people need to go after their dreams and hopefully be open-minded to the dreams of others. Our production is about acceptance of yourself and others.”
The large cast is rounded out by Jared Fall (Orangefield) as Rocky, Chris Freeman (Channelview) as the Narrator, Sierra Gordon (Kirbyville) as Dr. Scott, Kayla Harper (Liberty) as Magenta, Chris Murray (Beaumont) as Eddie, Kate Robards (West Orange) as Columbia and Kyle Romero (Orangefield) as Riff Raff. Emily Dodson (Pittsburgh, Pa.) and Jennifer Henry (Beaumont) are the Usherettes, while the Phantoms are played by Nicolas Brandes (Sealy), Jacqueline Gower (Orangefield), Katy Hearne (Groves), DeeDee Howell (Nederland), David McFall (Houston), Maci McFarlin (Nederland), Justin O’Mara (Cumby), Kayla Robbins (Amarillo), Joey Rosco (Beaumont), Ashley VanPelt (Little Cyprus) and Jonathan Williams (Lumberton).
“The students have really put a lot of work into this and have had a lot of fun,” Conrad said. “They are very excited to bring this show to Lamar University.”
Tickets for the show are available at two different levels. The $20 audience participation pass includes a prop bag (containing the standard Rocky accessories such as a newspaper, toast, a flashlight, confetti and other items) and reserved seating at the front of the auditorium. This ticket also includes admission to a costume contest that commences 30 minutes prior to each performance. A number of winners each night will receive gift cards to local businesses, including Bath Junkie, McAlister’s Deli and IZ Funky Retail, among others.
For audience members who would prefer to just watch the play, a general admission ticket is $10.
Please note that no purses or outside bags will be allowed in the theatre. Call the Box Office at (409) 880-2250 for tickets or more information or visit us online at www.lamar.edu/theatre.
