The Rocky Horror Show (The Empty Space 2024)

I will admit it, until last week, I was a Rocky Horror virgin. I have never seen the movie, and hadn’t gone to any of the local movie or live versions, mostly because they tended to be the late showings. (Hey, I have a job and kids and staying out all hours of the night doesn’t happen much at all.) 

 

This particular local version, at The Empty Space, was a fully live version, not a movie showing, and was the original stage version, not the screenplay. There are a few differences. I decided to go see this in part because Ron Warren was co-directing it, and because we had a few friends in the cast, including both Gradowitz girls. 

 

The show is, of course, totally campy and over the top and silly. But that is the point, and the production was a heck of a lot of fun.

 

I’m not really going to recap it, as most already know the plot. And really, Frankenstein meets vintage alien schlock - that’s enough to know in advance. Oh, and that it has significant sexual content so don’t bring your little kids. (If you are considering bringing your teens, the content includes simulated oral sex, bare breasts except for pasties, granny underwear, and plenty of innuendo.) 

 

This production had some interesting features - and it is always a fun surprise to see what TES does with their limited budgets for sets and costumes. 

 

I found the use of an elevated backstage for the narrator to be in interesting touch. It meant that Ronnie Warren had to sit in plain view the whole time, and keep character throughout. Which he, of course did, with a stuffy British accent and marvelous deadpan. It is always a joy to see Ron on stage - it has to be 25 years now since we used to see him at Bakersfield College when my wife and I were dating. 

 

The straight couple (well, at least in a few senses if not all), Brad and Janet, were played by Joshua Tiede and Molly Jiron. I can’t recall seeing Tiede in anything previously, but Jiron is a regular at TES. They had good chemistry, and, importantly, sang well. 

 

(I have to say, this may be the best vocal work I have heard at TES - solid all night.) 

 

Many of the parts were doubled or ensemble, and I’ll just touch on them. Tim Lemons made what I believe is his debut as Dr. Scott. Anjel Flores played both the usher and the lovesick Magenta with a great voice. Our friend Selah Gradowitz covered plenty of dancing and atmosphere along with the other “phantoms.” Kelsey Morrow was loveable as the unfortunate Eddie. 

 

Marina Gradowitz was creepy as hell as Riff Raff, and somehow manages to be the loudest actor despite her small size. 

I wouldn't mess with Marina if I were you...

 

Bret Mcglew was surprisingly tender and loveable as a very buff Rocky (aka the creature.) 

 It isn't easy being created...

And finally, there was Libby Letlow-Gray as the outrageous Dr. Frank-n-furter. She has been on stage not only locally, but in Los Angeles - a working pro. As with a few of the parts, she played it mostly as a male role, but definitely with plenty of gender bending. 

 

One of the things that I liked about the vibe of this show is that it really didn’t take itself too seriously. TES has been pretty good about that over the years. With casts that usually include younger students, the light-hearted feeling clearly helps those younger actors loosen up a bit and find their style. There is something unique about local theater, and also about the sort of low-budget, high artistic values approach of the smaller venues. 

 

All of this made for a fun evening, well worth the low price of admission. The Rocky Horror Show runs one more weekend, so if you are local, go see it!