The Rocky Horror Show
Dainty Consolidated
Entertainment, Ambassador Theatre Group
18 September 2008
Word on the street was that iOTA is the best Frank N Furter
ever. That’s some pretty big, stiletto, patent boots to fill. Last night
Melbourne got to see if what all the fuss was about, as The Rocky Horror Show opened in the less-sunny capital.
Let me take you (if I may) back to 1980. The Time Warp
was a contender on the Countdown Top Ten, with Ashes to Ashes as its main competition for the number one spot. It
was close, but Richard O’Brien beat David Bowie. So that means it’s about 28
years since I discovered and fell in love with The Rocky Horror Show. I’ve seen many Franks since then. (I am too
young to have seen Reg Livermore though.) Frank remains an original, intriguing
and unforgettable character. When he’s played right, every member of the
audience wants him; when he’s played wrong, he’s a boring and offensive parody.
I expected a lot from iOTA, not only from hearsay about this performance, but
because his original music is rarely off my iPOD play lists. Did he live up to expectation,
comparison and hope?
Oh, yes! iOTA is a goddam super star. It’s hard to describe
the difference between a very good performer and a great one, until you see one
of the greats. iOTA is one of the great ones. He doesn’t perform Frank – he is
Frank. He owns the room and no
matter how amazing the rest of the cast are, they almost pale in comparison.
This cast is indeed fabulous. The ensemble is as tight as a
corset and their skill, talent, dedication and enthusiasm are undeniable. But has
Gale Edwards directed a great production?
This Rocky plays
with the rhythm and melody of the music, the design has been described as a bit
too ‘Bratz dolls’, and the characterisations are slightly different from the well-known
expectations. I didn’t like all of the choices, but this production offers something
new and reveals unexpected and original moments, like the "Don’t Dream It" cock chariot that is simply going to be adored or hated.
However, to get an opinion different from my own, I went
with a friend who had never seen a Rocky
(not even the film). He didn’t get what the fuss was about and said that he had
no idea why the audience where whooping and cheering. After some intense
questioning, he admitted that he didn’t understand what was going on.
From the biggest arena to the tiniest theatre, success comes
down to understanding the characters and following their journey. The Rocky Horror Show is a surprising
and original story about unique characters who all grow, act and change. This
production relies heavily on an assumption that the audience knows what’s going
on. The rushed first act doesn’t allow time to create or discover an empathy
with or understanding of the brilliant characters.
After some thought, my friend also said, “It’s like watching
a technically amazing band performing covers. You can’t fault it, but it just
doesn’t feel right.”
Despite everything that is terrific about this Rocky Horror Show, in it’s determination
to be a Rocky that we haven’t seen, it
loses the essence of what made this show so great when it all began.
But iOTA is the best Frank ever. If you love the show, see
this Frank.
This review appeared on AussieTheatre.com
