Archive for Musicals.Net Musicals.Net |
| TheWitch |
Need help from any one who's done The Rocky Horror ShowHey, every one. I haven't posted on these boards in a whiiiile, but this is the only place I could think of to post this so any help what so ever would be greatly appreciated.So my friends and I are very interested in putting up The Rocky Horror show in time for Halloween but we have some concerns. For those of you who have been involved with the show: Was it difficult to find some one good looking enough who could sing and not mind the whole kissing a guy thing to play Rocky? He's the only role we don't have any one in mind for. Also how conservative was the city or town that you performed this in? I'm in a small city in south texas and even though I know there is a Rocky fan base here we're worried that the local theaters won't want to house the production. Even though the last show I directed got one theater a huge grant. And I know Salome (i think) played Janet so this one goes out to you. How did the audience react to the boob flash? My mother is soooo worried about that lol. I'm not, I say that any one who would be upset about two seconds of boobs would probably walk out during the first 15 minutes of the show any way so who cares. And lastly is exactly two months enough time to rehearse the show? Thanks a bunch for any one who can help. |
||||||
| Patch |
Small towns and "controversial" shows oftentimes do not mix. What I would do is look at the track record of shows produced in your town and see what types of shows played better than others.
As for getting someone for a little guy on guy action...again it's really a total crap shoot. And two months is MORE than enough time to rehearse ANY show! |
||||||
| TheWitch |
As for show track records we only just finished a short run of The Shadow Box. Not a completely edgy but very adult. They did do a production of Equus here a few years ago which is very edgy and although I didn't see it I heard that out of the two weeks run that on one person ever walked out and that every one else loved it. Let me say one thing though. One of the big reasons I want to do this show is because all of the musicals that they have done here over the past say ten years have all been childrens summer musicals. A la Fame, Charlie Brown, West Side Story, and Bye Bye Birdie, so I really want to do something that isn't for kids. I want to do a musical that adults would enjoy. And I think this would be perfect. | ||||||
| Patch |
While Rocky is a fun and yes "adult" show, remember that are MANY shows outside of the ones you named that you could do as well that you would enjoy.
That being said, if Equus played well then you shouldn't have any issues. Besides the popularity and camp factor of Rocky generally allow it to play to broader audiences. |
||||||
| Monsieur D'Arque |
The boob flash is optional, but not necessary. It's just garnish. As for frank kissing rocky, or even brad, more often than not, he doesn't. That being said, there's a certain amount of sexualized violence between men. In my production of Rocky, frank teabagged riff, spanked and humped rocky, and made love to brad, before going down on him, and for a grand and tasteless finale, appearing, in silhouette, to rimjob him.
But we didn't have any gay kiss or boob flash. Just S&M out the wazoo. |
||||||
| Patch |
Well so long as it wasn't anything controversial like men kissing one another! 
|
||||||
| TheWitch |
WOOO! That sounds great! Yeah I know that the boob flash is total garnish but I like it (no not that way) and kinda shows you a lil more how much Janet has really changed since the begining of the show. And about the guy on guy kisses I just think it should be in there because the first one (Frank and Rocky) comes during their "wedding" and what do the bride and groom in any normal wedding do? They kiss. As for Frank and Brad, I don't really think it would really be needed there but I never planned on having them kiss to begin with anyway. Though there will be a girl on girl kiss since I would really like to do what the revival did and put a "butch" woman in the role of Eddie/Dr. Scott. And I have a great performer in mind. | ||||||
| theatre4life |
Okay, i consider myself a connoisseur [as well as an aficionado] of ROCKY HORROR, and i've actually been in the show, too.
First off, i agree with checking what shows have been done in the past. You can even simply ASK around the community. I was in the show in Bloomfield Hills, MI - a more rich area, and there were pleanty of older people (gray-haired) in attendence. I dont know if they knew what they were in for, but they made it all the way thru the entire show. The theatre also had signs posted along the lines of "In this show you will see: men in women's lingerie, skimpy clothing, and transvestitism" (thats not a direct quote). They were signs posted in the lobby, as well as along the stairwell up to the theatre. If you wanna do the boobs thing like the B'way Revival, on the album, that last beat of the song "Touch-a" is the quick ripping off of Alice's bra and they quickly blacked-out right after. It's all optional, if you want to do it that way. [color=green]I'd say 2 months is sufficient time, if your people are good enough (no offense). We had 6 months and it took us about 4 to really get things down.[/color] As for a female Eddie/Scotty, i'd say if you actually liked Lea DeLaria, then go for it. I personally hated her with a passion. i have a bootleg of James Stovall, and he was FAB-U-LOUS. Altho, when i saw the show professionally done in Chicago, their female Eddie (just Eddie, the role wasnt doubled), she was pretty damn sexy in her "Hot Patootie". When it comes to the gay sexual parts, well heres the thing. Originally, homosexual love-making was merely simulated on stage with the bedroom scenes being done behind a screen in silhouette. To me - as well as alot of RH fans - this is better, as it allows you to use your imagination. See if Samuel French will let you get the original script, or see it for free at http://www.rockyhorror.org/faq (it's under the text/scripts section). Also, the "wedding" of Frank and Rocky comes from the revised version of the show, it isnt in the original, so neither is their kiss. If you have ANY further questions about the show, or would like more simple ideas for your set - feel free to PM me thru this site, and Ill be more than happy to lend my assistance. 
|
||||||
| Patch |
Wow...6 months to rehearse a show...I can't even fathom spending that much time in the rehearsal process! Heck we get about two and a half rehearsal/runs in in six months! But yeah I'd echo everything you said! Kudos! |
||||||
| theatre4life |
Ya know, my timing was a bit off for that. We had the months of august and september and the beginning of october, before we opened on the 11th (i believe). But, it seemed to take a bit for everyone to get their stuff down. Probly not till the middle to end of september, then we were ready to go. |
||||||
| Monsieur D'Arque |
Granted, some people thought the rimjob was gratuitous, but we employed so many disgusting physical gags in the show- such as brad whipping off his glasses behind the screen, laying them down on his stomach to give the impression that his penis was visible through the screen.
Then there were the musical theatre references. Most notable was the narrator's line "the last supper," being immediately followed by the lights rising on the cast in tableau as da Vinci's The Last Supper, accompanied by the song from Jesus Christ Superstar. We even had testicular clamps with an electric charge powering the sonic transducer. The only things left for us to add to the show to disgust people are full nudity, onstage excrement, or blood on Brad's and Rocky's briefs after their encounters with Frank. We always promise "A new perversion every year." |
||||||
| Marie-leah |
wow you got the rights thtas a feat in itself (well in the Uk anyways) As for the kissing bit you could alter round it so as it isnt a proper kiss. Anyways the rocky horror show is very contravercial as it stands so I guess thats part of the reason its been going so long. | ||||||
| TheWitch |
Well, I got a theater space! All they said was that they didn't want rice and all that stuff to be thrown around which I'm kinda bummed about but beggers can't be choosers. And right now we're looking at a $5,000 budget which I'm sure is more than enough. I found gold corsets for the floor show online for 50 bucks each which isn't that bad, and the shoes will probably be around the same price. The set is going to be very simple with basically just a raised platform in the back for the band to play on and everything else like the bed will be wheeled on. And as for the kiss: if it isn't a "propper kiss" then it's not worth doing at all. If we're ganna do it then we'll do it but it's not ganna be half-assed. I also think it adds that extra bump since it comes as the curtains close on act 1. But I'm still wondering about the booby flash. Even though I still want it in and the girl that I have in mind for Janet is totally for it the theater may not be. But I can always think of something else to end the song with. If anybody has any ideas for that, I would love to hear them. | ||||||
| theatre4life |
Well, i'd say nix the booby-flash, if you're worried about what the theatre would think. One other thing that was done on b'way, was Rocky laying on the bed in the final Chorus and Janet riding him in just the bra and panties and her one arm was waving in the air like she was lasso-ing. If you want some good set ideas or wanna hear about how the reinvented "Once In A While" was done, PM me. Ryan.
|
||||||
| Monsieur D'Arque |
I forgot to mention our Once In A While... it was... interesting.
Brad, wrapped in a towel, began singing it. Our band's arrangement was rather countrified. Then, in a spotlight behind him, Columbia appeared, with Riff and Magenta as backups. On the line "And that's all the time," Columbia sang a rather Patsy Cline-esque harmony as the trio performed "gestures" to the song, in character. Naturally, they started fairly clean, with time being illustrated by their hands moving like the hands of a clock. But by the end, the gestures had become ridiculously obscene, and the audience was in stitches. The end of the song is left off the music to be cut off abruptly by Frank, but since most productions want applause there for their Brad, we had him end the piece singing, "So, baby don't..... CRYYYYYYYY!" as he jumped two octaves into his highest falsetto, dropping the towel and revealing himself in briefs again. |
||||||
| TheWitch |
For "Once in a While", even though I HATE totaly copying other shows, I do love what the revival did with it. I loooove the idea of having three "Janets" singing back up then ripping off their wigs and dresses and turning into "Franks". And yes I am thinking of having something else to end Toucha Toucha Touch Me with. Though I still would like to end it with a bang the same way the booby flash did. And I just want to thank you all for your input. | ||||||
| Monsieur D'Arque |
Well, we had a gag that we ended up not using, because even our Frank said it was too much, for the end of toucha... PM me if you want to know it, i can't post it here. | ||||||
| beck |
Could someone tell me what each lead and supporting role is, and their vocal range? | ||||||
| TheWitch |
I'm not getting the music for another week but as far as i know the voice ranges are as follows:
Janet Weis: Mezzo-Belt- Lead Brad Majors: Bari/Tenor- Lead Riff Raff: Rock Tenor- Supporting Magenta: Rock Alto/Mezzo- Supporting Columbia: Mezzo- Supporting Dr. Frank N Furter: Rock Baritone-Belt- Lead Rocky Horror: Rock Bari/Tenor- Supporting Eddie / Dr. Scott: Rock Tenor- Supporting Then there's the chorus which are called Phantoms. They are involved with singing the back up for every song in the show with (I think) the exception of two. So they're always pretty busy. If I got anything wrong or left anything out y'all let me know. |
||||||
| TheWitch |
Hey guys I just have another quick question. How large should the chorus be? I really don't want a huge cast of Phantoms and want to keep it quite small. Maybe 8 (4 guys and 4 girls). For those who have done it: How many Phantoms did you have and how exactly did they interact with the actors and audience? I really want them to be basically every where during the show (some onstage and some kind of off in the audience just sitting in the isle or maybe even on the arm of one of the chairs) and coming back together on stage when a song comes up. What do you all think? | ||||||
| Salome |
we used 4 and 4. you can get away with 3 and 3 if you need to. i wouldnt go over 8 phantoms. | ||||||
| LisaKitty |
We have 6 phantoms in our production (3 male, 3 female). | ||||||
| theatre4life |
We had 3 and 3 and that was quite sufficient. I wouldnt do more than 8, but theres also no rule that you have to have even numbers of males and females. Might i also make the suggestion of not dressing them up like the Transylvanians in the film? If you want good costumes, dress them punk/goth/emo - like on Broadway - sexy with an s&m theme. I was one of the Phantoms and prior to "Science Fiction", we had club-like music playing in the house and we danced in front of the stage - made lascivious gestures to the patrons - etc. During the first 3 numbers, we sat in the front row - sort of like a movie audience (as the director was trying to imitate what was done on B'way) - dressed in 50s-style clothing, with the Phantom costumes underneath. During "Frankenstein Place", we ripped off the 50s clothing (which our costume mistress made specially with Velcro), and went onstage to be IN the show. Mostly we were used to move around set pieces, add sex and creepiness to the ambience of the castle, and (of course) sing the back-up. Feel free to PM me for further ideas/details. |
||||||
| TheWitch |
Oh God I am stearing as FAR from the movie as I can in terms of the look of the show. A punk look was espesialy what I'm thinking of so it's funny that you mention that. I want to make it look modern and not retro. I was also planning on having the Phantoms in the audience in the begining, dressed almost normal to have the rest of the real audience think nothing of them until Frankenstein Place happens and they all pop up with flash lights and start singing the back up then when Riff Raff comes out (still haven't figured out how I'm doing that part) they all take off their clothes and underneath is their Phantom wear. Did anything I just said make any sense? lol
Oh, and during Science Fiction and Damn It, Janet the rest of the cast will be singing the back up from the wings while the Phantoms are in the audience...........maybe eating popcorn... do you all think that couldc work? |
||||||
| theatre4life |
Well, if you want your Phantoms to blend in with the REAL audience, i suggest that you dont have them do anything that the rest of the audience isnt doing - unless you plan to sell popcorn to the patrons. And, yes - your idea of clothes being ripped off does in fact make sense. |
||||||
| TheWitch |
well I'm thinking that they'll also do the talk-backs for the first bit fo the show since I don't really think a lot of people here know the talk-backs. I just thought of this today actually. They'll only do a few though. I was thinking just the "Then at a deadly pace it came from" WHERE? "outerspace" THANK YOU! And then "But when worlds colide" BOOM! And then the A$$HOLE and SLUT during the Narrater's first speach. And if it's just those few then I don't think the aidience would think it strange that they kinda stop after that. Though the Phantoms will scream "SAY IT!!" during Sweet Transvestite just cuz I love that part. And there is always the off chance that some random Rocky Fan there will know the rest. So I'll probably have the Phantoms tell their friends and family that they were cast as "Talk Backers" because this is a small community and mostly every one that will go see this will know some one in it.
Though one big problem I am having is coming up with something simple yet affective for Rocky's creation since this theater has very limited backstage space and no fly system. So if any one can help with that, it would be great. And just thanks again for all of your input and help you guys. |
||||||
| Monsieur D'Arque |
Our Rocky was on a gurney, under a sheet. Frank brings him to life with a simulated hand job. | ||||||
| TheWitch |
LOL Why am I not suprised?! |
||||||
| TheWitch |
Wait! I just had an idea. How about a blow up doll brought to life? | ||||||
| theatre4life |
Okay, first of all - and Im not dissing him personally - but it seems that the show that Monsieur was in was waaayy overly sexual and ridiculous. Now, having your Phantoms start the AP is a great idea if you're wanting AP in your show. Personally, i think that AP has no place in live theatre and should in fact be left in the cinema. But, it is up to you. Broadway had their Phantoms doing it - only while they were "audience members". However, from what i've read and heard, Christopher Ashley (the director) actually hired people and placed 'em throughout the house to do the AP in case no one wanted to do it. He pretty much forced it on the audience - how ridiculous. The original method of bringing Rocky to life was he was wrapped up in the style of the Mummy on a hospital bed and unwrapped during his song. I havent seen anything super-creative for Rocky's birth, but i can tell ya how it was done in the show i was in: Rocky was wrapped up in rubber pieces - torso, legs, arms, and a sheet on his head. He was wheeled onto the stage and had wires hooked up to him. Lights flashed and all and he was brought to life and then unwrapped. The stand was something simple - kinda like a dolly - it had a frame for him to put is arms up on and wheels on the bottom to be wheeled on. Simple and not so creative, but it worked. Hope this helps. |
||||||
| theatre4life |
PS: check out this fun "Science Fiction" i found on YouTube:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7qLqJnjZ6g |
||||||
| TheWitch |
yeah I've seen that. The two girls have great voices and reall nice stage presance(sp?) but i didn't like the sort of cheerleader choreography. don't really think it goes. Also this was a sort of teen production so it was really dumned down. Like every one wore black slacks during The Floor Show and some of the lyrics were changed through out the show. For example, in Toucha Touch Me, "It only leads to trouble and seat wetting" was changed to "It only leads to trouble, it's upsetting". Yeah, I know. In the video of it you could even hear the disapointed "oh no's" from people in the audience whenever one of the changes happened. The choreography was also really funny (in a bad way). It was more like "let's be friends..." rather than "LET'S GET IT ON!!". They just hugged at the end. Oh and Rocky was wearing a white tank top and black board shorts. now THAT'S upsetting. Even though they had the talent to do this show they should have done something "clean" enough that they would have to bastardise something else. | ||||||
| theatre4life |
Hehe. I like your little commentary/review of this show. I honestly only watched "SF/DF" and "Frankenstein Place" and you're right - i too HATED the choreography. Like in "SF", it reminded me of the way the chorus surrounds Velma in "All That Jazz". It's too much for the song. I like the girls' voices and the music, so thats why i watch it. Personally, i say that if you want a kick-ass "Science Fiction" try to copy the B'way Revival's piano during the Chorus of the song - i think it's a good revamping. Oh, and only 'cos you asked - it's stage presence. 
|
||||||
| TheWitch |
Funny you made the "All That Jazz" comparison because they actually rip-off a lot of that choreography during "Sweet Transvestite".
So it is one week to that day till auditions are held. I just hope people don't come in trying to copy the movie. Maybe I should put something in the audition call about it. DO NOT COPY THE MOVIE!!! Maybe something a lil more suttle. |
||||||
| theatre4life |
::laughs:: Ill hafta check out their "Sweet T", now. Honestly, my director from the RHS i was in said directly in the audition notice [this isnt direct quoting]: I do not want to see Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, or Meat Loaf. He said to bring your own ideas of what the character should be, etc. - - - - "Unlock a mind - unmind a lock. It's the same as the beginning of the end - Do you follow?" |
||||||
| TheWitch |
Alright, I have a small problem. Concidering minors, was there any one under 18 involved with your shows?
Because of the content, I am putting a note in the casting notice that no one under 18 will be allowed to audition. Now since I have decided not to include the booby flash (have come up with another way to end the song) there will be no nudity. But there are still the three scenes that simulate sex (Frank/Janet, Frank/Brad, Janet/Rocky). Now here's my problem: I called up a friend of mine who I've worked with before, was an amazing Rapunzel in ITW, and is amazingly talented. I desperately wanted her to audition for Columbia but found out she was still 17. She told her father about it and he is perfectly fine with her doing the show and is even familiar with the movie. So I'm torn as to whether cast her or not. Now, I may found some one else at auditions that will fill Columbia's tap shoes just as well if not better. But I may not. Also, I was wondering if in y'alls productions, Columbia did that whole improv monologue when she got sprayed by Frank after "You're a Hot Dog"? And if so: How did that go? |
||||||
| theatre4life |
Okay, i would suggest that you put that if anyone is under 18, that they must understand the adult situations/language/content - including all the sex stuff. And then, tell them to get consent from their parents before auditioning. Thats what i'd do. As for the Columbia monologue - it's up to you, but i would avoid it like the plague. I mean, if you can do it to where it's not super long and she doesnt sound too foolish, go for it. However, avoid her going on too long - i.e. Ana Gastayer from SNL, in the New Broadway cast, i thought that bitch would never shut up - she kept repeating her damn self! I think if i was in attendance, i woulda gone on stage and slapped the shit outta her! One idea is to just adlib a few things - in Chicago, their Columbia just added a few of her own things. She was black and it was soo cute when she was all "Ooh - this is some freak-ay shit!" In the one i was in, the director wanted something similar to Broadway (big shock), so i wrote her something similar. One thing was she sang "Papa can you hear me?" and then at the very end, she ran off stage singing, "Oops, i did it again... etc.". I thought it was a bit much. Just dont over do it. OH. and PLEASE dont have your Frank overdo his death. sometimes, when Franks get killed, they go on and on and on til they die. one production i attended, he actually grabbed the mic during his drawn-out death and said "and the Tony goes to..." and then began stumbling around some more before dropping dead. that ALWAYS sucks!
|
||||||
| TheWitch |
Well, I was planning on giving Columbia a different subject to talk about each night. Like one night she'll go on about constipation and euthanasia, then another night I'll give her Asian stereotypes and breast implants. I'm totally pulling these out of no where but just so you where I'm going. And the main reason I want it in there is to give Janet, Brad, and Rocky enough time to change for the Floorshow since it is a pretty quick change considering all that they have to put on so it has to be long enough for that. I'll have to think of some sort of sign to give her to let her know "okay it's time to stop".
As for Frank's death: It has to be over the top because Frank himself is over the top. Giving him a "Zap and Drop" would really disservice the charecter. The Tony line is a bit much, though. I wouldn't take it that far. But it also can't be boring or too dramatic. The death has to fit the way he has been seen through out the rest of the show. Especially since this is not a heavy drama but a farcical musical/comedy. That's my take on it any way. Also, I just realised that I have never seen a larger man play Frank. All the actors I have ever seen in the role (either onstage or in photos) have been very thin. What do you all think of having some one "thick" in the role? Not completely huge. Just not skinny. Though I once saw a large woman play him during a midnight movie showing in NYC....... |
||||||
| theatre4life |
Okay, well i dont think you should give Frank a zap-and-die too quickly - but i've seen some VERY over-the-top CRAP. As for chubby Frank (or whatever) - i'd say, it depends on how thick you're thinking. If he's more than like a 34 or 36 waist, he's probly too big - unless thats buffness. i think Frank should be pretty like flat-stomached, or at least have a gut that can be held in. i mean, the character wears corsets, he should look good in 'em, too. Im not perfectly flat in the tummy, but it's not to where Im like John Goodman or Chris Farley. That is my opinion. Find someone young - 20s - and pretty slim - and not muscular, either. |
||||||
| TheWitch |
Did the Broadway show have Virgin Initiations? I'm trying to think of what we can do without going too over the top dirty with them like the usual fake orgasm competition. | ||||||
| Monsieur D'Arque |
Our Columbia had a very short monologue. "Ohh...... shit!" Comparable to Audrey II's dying line in Little Shop the movie. We also parallelled little shop with Frank's death. He posed like Faye Wray (or like audrey), and Rocky carried him up the steps to the platform, as our pianist played the "Audrey's Death" music. | ||||||
| theatre4life |
I honestly dont know for sure if b'way had 'em or not. One thing they do when i go to the monthly showing of the movie in Detroit is all virgins get a red balloon - a red V on their forhead - and one of the cast members pops the balloon with a pin they hold in their mouth. |
||||||
| TheWitch |
Crap! I am sooo nervious. The theater did put any audition notice in the paper yet and auditions are this thursday and friday! I tried getting a hold of the paper this morning, but they told me that the people that take care of that section weren't going to be in untill 2:30, then when I called then I went straight to their voice mail. I left a message but no one's gotten a hold of me and it's already wednesday so I am freaking out! Now I do have friends auditioning so I have prospects for Brad, Narrater, Magenta, Columbia, Frank, and one girl that could either go Janet or Eddie/Dr. Scott. But if I don't end up getting ahold of the paper, I'm ganna have to go through word of mouth and I'm not sure how many people will go. | ||||||
| theatre4life |
::crosses fingers for you:: dunno what else to say... |
||||||
| Salome |
our frnak did some great add libs duringh is death.. he staggered over ot brad and said "Klaatu,Barada,Nikto!' then over to dr. scott and planted a huge kiss on him, then crumpled doing the witche's 'what a world what a world!" FROM WIZARD OF OZ". he then FELL DEAD. PAUSED LIFTED HIMSELF UP AGAIN WITH A dramatic moan and fell dead. it was quite funny. | ||||||
| TheWitch |
How do I not know what "Klaatu,Barada,Nikto!" is from? It sounds sooooooo REALLY familiar! I love the planting a kiss on Dr. Scott.
So wish me luck every one! First set of auditions are tonight and the notice isn't going to be in the paper till tomorrow. Though I heard that there were notices on the radio and I also put it up as a bulletin on myspace and all my friends did too so I'm sure that reached a few people. But I'm still a little worried because worrying is just what i do. |
||||||
| Salome |
Klaatu Barada Nikto is from The Day The Earth Stood Still. | ||||||
| theatre4life |
Good luck, hun. |
||||||
| actionfolksinger |
Re: Need help from any one who's done The Rocky Horror Show
So have you aquired the rights yet? That's a bear. Also the rights demand that the music be performed live. It's a lot harder than you think to find a live band. The boob flash and the kiss aren't in the script but what the hey go for it. I live in Bakersfield CA. You can't get much more conservative than the big ol' belt buckle of the bible belt. The show was a great success here despite that. Let's face it the show has been around for some 30 odd years. These days it's almost quaint. But hey if you can't get the rights and want something fun scary and sexy I have just the show for you. A musical horror feest called Spider Baby. Based on the movie of the same name. You can find out more here. www.myspace.com/spiderbabythemusical |
||||||
| actionfolksinger |
We had a chubby Frank in our production. He sang so well no one cared. I wonder if anyone has ever played the show straight. Played it like a straight horror play that just happens to have music. Most productions I've seen play up the camp and humor. Also will you be allowing audience participation? Some productions don't. I've seen it both ways and to be honest I think it's a good enough play to stand on it's own without it. But to each their own. |
||||||
| theatre4life |
Well, i agree that the show can stand alone without A.P. - as i've seen it both ways as well. I feel that it should be left in the cinema and has no place in live theatre. I think the show would be much funnier if you played the comedy as straight, rather than playing up the camp and humor. Look at the Airplane! movies, or films of that sort - much funnier because Leslie Neilson (etc) play the comedic parts straighter. |
||||||
| actionfolksinger |
yes thank you theatre for life. Ooooooh God am I sick of actors who want to chew their lines and roll their eyes and find excuses for pratfalls.
I've always thougth camp was best when it was accidentaland organic. There is nothing worse than forced camp. Play it straight and leave it up to the audience to figure out what's funny and what's not. |
||||||
| actionfolksinger |
Depends on which run you're talking about. The ones that try to recreate the movie experiance usually have them. If you're creating your own vision than I'd stay away. Here's a good rule of thumb. Only do virgin initiations if you want to encourage audience participation. It's your show do what you want. |
||||||
| TheWitch |
Yes we have our band already. And they are all really eager and excited about it. Our Frank is chuby too. But damn it, mostly every one to show up for auditions was female! We're still missing Rocky, Brad, and Riff Raff. A couple people in the cast said they know of some guys that are good singers that they think would be interested in doing it so pray for me. The lack of people auditioning was a bit to be plamed on a girl that (for some reason) basically wanted to sabitage(sp?) it. She's in another show that's going on right now (a G&S operetta) and told me that she was going to spread the word and tell all of her friends about it; then she came back to tell me that most of the people that she told were too busy. As it turns out I ran into two of those people that she had said were too busy and couldn't do it. They had no idea that I was doing Rocky and were pissed that they had missed auditions. I don't know what her deal is but I'm kinda pissed about it. As for audience participation: Throwing props is completely out. We won't allow it simply because it's a safety issue. The theater's floor is a polished concrete and with the Phantoms running through the audience at different points during the show things like rice can make it slippery. We won't stop any one from doing the talk backs as long as they don't go over board and yell so much that you can't hear anything that's said onstage. The theater is going as far as having an off duty police man in the lobby incase we have any problems. I thinks it's a bit much but hey better be safe than sorry. | ||||||
| actionfolksinger |
Who says Frank has to be played by a man? Rocky Horror isn't about giving people what they expect it's about shattering expectations. | ||||||
| LisaKitty |
Re: Need help from any one who's done The Rocky Horror Show
Whoa!!! You did Rocky Horror in Bakersfield?!?! <<picks up jaw off of floor>> Which company produced it? I can't imagine BMT going for something that edgy. And no way would that ever go over with the blue hair crowd at Stars. Belt buckle of the bible belt -- I like that description. Though I tend to think of Bakersfield as something lower on the human anatomy. - Former Californian - |
||||||
| actionfolksinger |
Oh yeah last year. Bakersfield Community theatre did it. Only after years of begging from director Kevin Klawiter. Don't know if you knew him, but since he succumbed to cancer his legend has grown. He was a wonderful man and a great director. He brought spectacle to the Bakersfield stage. His successful run with Rocky has convinced BCT to do it again in 2007. But you know theater people. Slow to take a chance but quick to copy what works. | ||||||
| actionfolksinger |
Wait you think Rocky is edgy? You wacky theatre people. Murder, incest, genetics gone mad, and musical numbers aren't edgy anymore. You can see that stuff on prime time network TV.
In my day it was thought of as something dangerous. You were getting away with something if you saw it. You survived something if you went to a midnight screening. But then that was 20 years ago. Rocky is not edgy. Rocky has been around for over 30 years and has become quaint. Parents take their kids to see it. It stopped being cool when it was shown on VH1. In about 10 years or so you'll see it on the Disney Channel. Dont' get me wrong. Great libretto, wonderful story, timeless themes. But edgy? No. |
||||||
| Salome |
Depends on how its done and where its done. I agree edgy isnt the word. but it still shocks people who arent familiar with it.
plus I always got gasps mixed with the whistles when my bra comes off. LOL |
||||||
| actionfolksinger |
I'm going to assume you mean on stage. But then not having seen your breasts they might be gasp inducing. There very well might be something about them that makes me need to take in oxygen as quickly as possible. Don't know. |
||||||
| LisaKitty |
I knew he had cancer. Didn't know he had passed away. I am very sad now. Yes, I knew him quite well. Worked on several shows with him at Spotlight. I'm surprised Emily didn't tell me, since she told me about John Swanson (did you know him?)
Only by Bakersfield standards. |
||||||
| Salome |
WAIT! John Farley Swanson?? did he tech tech at wilkes university in PA? has he passed away?? |
||||||
| actionfolksinger |
Well yes they both have passed on though I didn't know Swanson. And I don't know if we're talking about the same guy Salome. But yes Bakersfield lost two luminaries.
But life contiues on as they would have wanted it to. |
||||||
| actionfolksinger |
Only by Bakersfield standards.[/quote] tee hee. Well you've been away for awhile. We've done some stuff that would make Richard O'Brian blush. We've done some stuff that make Rocky look like a bible camp skit. We've done some pretty rowdy and disgusting shows. You should come by and visit sometime. |
||||||
| TheWitch |
Our Janet is turning 18 in two weeks so I'm not going to even ask her to do the booby flash. I've come up with a couple different ways to end the song and see which one works best once we start blocking it. As for Frank being a woman: Well yes I suppose he could but then considering tha the charecter is a transvestite you would have to change the costume to maybe a base ball cap,a dirty wife beater, titey whiteys, old tube socks (both on feet and in crotch), and loafers. | ||||||
| actionfolksinger |
Nooooo. A woman transvestite doesn't have to be in a baseball cap and tighty whities. She could be a hot chick in a sharp suit. Think Marlena Dietrich. Also Frank is an alien. How do we know what their genders are. They could all be hermaphrodites. And what is this booby flash everyone keeps talking about? I don't remember it in the script. | ||||||
| theatre4life |
A woman playing Frank is just plain ridiculous. Need i remind anyone that the role is that of a [sweet] transvestite?? That is a man that dresses in women's clothings and make-up for sexual kicks - NOT A WOMAN. I dont even like it when a woman plays Frank for the film shadow-casts. Shattering expectations is cool and all, but there's still a formula to follow for the show. How many women can make a good Alice Cooper-type Dr. Frankenstein? Yeah, Im sure you've got an answer for that, but it's dumb and shouldnt be done - EVER. Well, on stage and live, anyhow. |
||||||
| TheWitch |
Yes but that's completely re-inventing the charecter. Why do you think it's always been done with Frank being covered by a cape untill he says "I'm just a sweet transvestite"? The cape being flung off to reveal him wearing women's under wear is part of the spectical of the show. It's meant to shock. A woman coming onstage wearing a pantsuit would have absolutely no meaning since many women wear those today. And I'm sure any one who would see that out on the street wouldn't start thinking, "Look at that woman in the suit. She obviously a tranny." And yes they are aliens. They could have different sexual organs than humans but you would also have to look at it through the average audience's point of view. Besides the fact that they aren't revealed to be aliens til the near end of the show do you really think the audience will be wondering about their genitalia? And even Frank sings to Janet "I've laid the seed, it should be all you need" refering to their tryst. An average theatre goer who is not well aquainted with the show would be a bit lost if it's a woman. Unless you go to a completely pornographic and un-needed route and have her wear a sertain something that would suggest otherwise. |
||||||
| actionfolksinger |
Transvestite is a non gender specific word. Having a woman play Frank is not stupid. I've seen it done and it works. It all depends on the actress. Don't get too bogged down in the movie version. Think about Annie Lennox. Many people thought she was a female impesonator when she first came out. Wouldn't it be more shocking if the audience didn't know the sex of the person playing Frank?
In this day and age what is so shocking about a man in drag anyway. Nothing. You see it everyday on day time television. There is no spectacle to it. Now an actor who keeps the audience guessing as to their gender but still turns them on. That would be shocking. |
||||||
| actionfolksinger |
p.s. The people who haven't seen the show? All four of them? Is there anyone over the age of 18 who doesn't know how this show ends? I mean really.
Let's say for example someone has gone their entire life and not seen it. Well okay the alien thing is a reveal. It's an explanation. Break free of the shackles of the movie. Liberate yourself and find your own voice. Turn your back on Richard O'Brian's aesthetic. If all you're going to do is recreate the movie then there is no reason to see the play. Free yourself little witch. Be free and fly. Oh and theatre for life. Gaaaaaaa take a chill pill duuuuuude. Don't get all butt hurt at someone trying to think in new ways. Love ya all lots |
||||||
| TheWitch |
Whoa.
And exactly what makes you think that I'm sticking anything close to the movie? Because I think I should stick true to a charecter and cast him in the correct gender? And I'm sorry to tell you but there are PLENTY of people not familiar with the movie. Especially in the town that I live in. And THAT is the audience that we shall be playing to. And another thing: yes a man wearing nothing but women's under wear, platforms, and a smile still does shock some people today. Not all of us stay home to watch Jerry Springer. You are more than entitled to your own opinian but when you start talking down to people and accusing them of things you have no proof of you are crossing a line. |
||||||
| actionfolksinger |
Oooooh Witch
You wacky wacky fellow No one was talking down to you and I'm sorry you took it that way. Don't forget young director this is art. Art is subjective there is no right answer. I'll point out again we can have a heated discussion without anyone getting butt hurt. I would remind you that it was you who complained you didn't have enough men coming to audition and I merely made a suggestion. It's your show it's your vision. Personally I don't think the character of Frank can be penned in by one gender. But that's just me. Now if a man in womens underwear is still shocking where you live. Well good. That just makes your job easier. My rule of thumb is if I've seen it on prime time network TV it's not going to be shocking. If Rocky Horror is still shocking and edgy where you live great. Of course murder incest and cross dressing are stuff you see on CSI. I love the show to death. I think it's a great script and wonderful music. Edgy and shocking? No. I've seen parents take their kids to go see it. You want edgy? Find the play Stumpy's Gang. Or check out the Thrill peddlers http://hypnodrome.com . I mean heck a Dresden Dolls concert is more edgy than the Rocky Horror show. Let's start again. Let's start from the premise that we both love the show. Okay? Good we're agreeing again. Let's agree that we both have different ideas on the character. Okay? Let's agree to stay together for the sake of the children. I know we can work through this sweetheat. Just give me another chance. I can change. Please darling. Faithfully your dutiful husband Enrique |
||||||
| theatre4life |
Theres nothing that i need to chill about. The character being a man in women's lingerie is what the role always has been and always should be - that isnt copying the film - the show dates back to 1973 and that was before the film. Like Witch stated, theres PLEANTY of people not familiar with the show/film. When we did it in 2003 in Bloomfield Hills, MI - there were TONS of newbies (virgins) to the show. Even if everyone were to know the film - the stage show is different - especially if you do it correctly. But, a female Frank being a good idea your opinion. 
|
||||||
| actionfolksinger |
Well hey you're entitled to your opinion. Merely presenting an option I saw that worked. Frank as a woman rocks socks. Richard O'Brian himself said that Frank can't be containted by one gender. The character was too broad. But you're free to disagree with the author.
Like I said before. This is art there are no right answers. Gah we were getting along so well too. Let's just agree to disagree. Other parts that have had a woman play them that worked beautifully. Hamlet in Hamlet Mephestophiles in Faust The entire cast in Romeo and Juliet But again you're free to disagree. It's nice to know that there are still places in the world where this is still a new story. Every place I've ever been it's a cultural touch stone. I mean they even featured a Rocky Horror plot line on Charles in charge. That's how deeply it has pervaded our culture. I don't think Witch ever answered our question. Will you be encouraging Audience Participation? I'm still on the fence about the subject myself. |
||||||
| actionfolksinger |
Theres nothing that i need to chill about. The character being a man in women's lingerie is what the role always has been and always should be - that isnt copying the film - the show dates back to 1973 and that was before the film. Like Witch stated, theres PLEANTY of people not familiar with the show/film. When we did it in 2003 in Bloomfield Hills, MI - there were TONS of newbies (virgins) to the show. Even if everyone were to know the film - the stage show is different - especially if you do it correctly. But, a female Frank being a good idea your opinion. [/quote]
Just wanted to point out that it wasn't just the independent production I saw that had a woman in the role. The 2006 revival at the Royal Court where the show first started starred Suzanne Shaw in the role of Frank. But there have been plenty of women who took the role on the stage. Again not trying to start an argument just pointing out a fact. Love you more than a fat kid loves cake. |
||||||
| TheWitch |
Love you more than a fat kid loves cake?
oy |
||||||
| actionfolksinger |
Hey as a fat kid who can't get enough cake (particularly delicious delicious cup cakes) that's a biiiiiig deal.
Qucik travel tip. When in a new city and you want to know where to eat ask the fat guy. It always works. I'm serious. I'm a touring musician and I can tell you all the best places to eat between San Diego and Canada. |
||||||
| TheWitch |
Something really crappy has happened. Our Brad was having some trouble with family problems and now has to quit the show and to make matters worse his boyfrind is Rocky so I don't know if he's the type to drop out as well. We don't go up for another month and a half so I'm not VERY worried about it but I am still worried since those two charcters were the hardest ones to fill. | ||||||
| actionfolksinger |
Okay just a suggestion on the Rocky front. If your Rocky drops and you can't find someone who can sing the part have you considered having them lypsync? Make a Millie Vanilli joke? I know it's cheesy it's just an off the top of the head idea. Also it might be funny if your Rocky is less than perfect physically. I mean think about it. The audience is expecting a muscle man. It could be played for laughs to have a fat Rocky or a skinny Rocky and while Frank is very proud of his creation everyone else tries to humor him like a parent who has just seen a bad school performance.
Now Brad will be tough. He can be any physical type really but he has to be able to sing. Then again if you can't find someone who can what about having him sing speak? These are only spare tire ideas. Stuff to be used only in the most dire of situations. To find singers I'd suggest visiting your local rock clubs. Try to snag a lead singer from a local band. But you're smart I'm sure you've thought of this. But hey tell us about your vision. What are you doing in your show to put your own personal stank on it? Come on I'm dieing to hear and I won't be able to get out there to see it. |
||||||
| theatre4life |
First of all - sorry - but, i hate that lip-synching idea. Secondly, Rocky doesnt HAVE to be super-buff. If you've seen pics of the Rocky in the original London cast [1973], the 1974 L.A. Roxy cast - who also was Rocky on B'way - they werent always so buff. They were mostly slim with good bodies - or minimal abs and arms. |
||||||
| actionfolksinger |
Good point. I hate lip syncing myself and think it's a cheap joke. Like I said though it's just if you can't find any better. Remember Witch said he had trouble finding people.
Good to see we're all on speaking terms again. |
||||||
| TheWitch |
Well it is now official. Rocky is gone as well. And ex-Brad has done us a big favor in finding some one to replace him, Rocky has not.
And I know that Rocky doesn't have to be completely muscle bound. Our ex-Rocky in fact was quite thin but with good definition. Though I still want his replacement o be good looking and have atleast some muscle mass or else some lines in the show will make no sense. "I don't like men with too many muscles.", being an example. |
||||||
| actionfolksinger |
I understand. Just trying to give you an ironic out in case you can't find what you're looking for. But come one stop holding out on us. Am I the only one who wants to know? What's your show going to look like? What's the vision? How do you seperate yourself from the movie? Come on tell us who can't afford to leave their state. | ||||||
| TheWitch |
Oh alright alright. So here's what I've got so far. The show is going to be a bit minimal and sureal. I'm starting with no color at all. (costume wise) The Usherettes are in black and white and Brad and Janet are as well. Brad in a black suite and Janet in a white dress. Everything will be played out in front of the main curtain untill "There's a Light" when just before Riff Raff's solo the curtain will open to reveal the full stage. There is no pit at the theater so the band will be onstage sort of "surrounding" the action. The stage will be on two levels: seperating at the middle into a three or four foot platform at the back and the regular stage at the front. Once we get into the ''house'' is when we start seeing a bit of color. All of the house charecters will be in mostly black with splashes of a specific color for each specific charecter. Riff Raff-Purple, Magenta-Red, Columbia-Green, and Frank-Blue. And then During "The Floor Show" is when the color really comes out as every one will be wearinf red. There will be no real set changes. Everything will be wheeled in and out as needed by the Phantoms. The whole stage area is also going to be painted a scarlet red with black designs. For Rocky's creation I've come up with an idean of a blow up doll come to life. So it will basically be a stand with a curtain around it and as the doll is being blown up the curtains will close there will be the sound of a balloon popping and when the curtains come back down Rocky will be standing there. What I think I'm going to be doing with "Toucha Toucha Touch Me" is have Janet start getting more and more agressive as the song goes on to the point where she throws Rocky down on a couch and starts working him over during the last bits of the chorus. Frank will not be wearing a cape on his first entrance but more of a flowing robe that is made in two seperate side panels that will be velcroed together. So on the "sweet" of the first chorus of "Sweet Transvestite" Magenta and Columbia will both pull on a sleeve and basically rip the robe off of Frank. That's basically all I've got for now. There's a little more but it's late and me tired. | ||||||
| theatre4life |
Sounds like you've got things planned out pretty well. How many Phantoms are you having? Hopefully, ya wont be over-doing it like the film or post-film stage productions. Also, what did ja mean by "house characters"?? 
"At the late night double feature picture show..."[/img] |
||||||
| actionfolksinger |
That's sounds really cool. A director here in Bakersfield wanted to do something similar but he wanted the first part of the story to be in Black and White. Then when we get to the castle everything becomes color ala Wizard of Oz.
I love the idea of having the band on stage. I know O'Brian didn't in the first London run but I always felt it was better. The show is set up like a thetrical concert. I've always thought the actors should interact with the band like a real rock show. Dig your Rocky generation. Are you using hand held or clip mic's? Just wish I could come on out to see it |
||||||
| actionfolksinger |
So theatre4life is this you? If so you're a Hotty. A Hotty McHottington. You're Hottastic. You have a degree in Hottosity from the University of Hottvard. I want to build a hotument to the hottosity of your hotness. Hhhhhhhhhot. |
||||||
| TheWitch |
Eddie will be the only one to have a hand held mic. Also the Narrator will have one but put on a small mic stand on his desk. And by house charecters I meant Riff Raff, Magenta, Calumbia, Rocky, and FrankNFurter.
That's a cool looking Ushrette. Another thing about what I'm doing is one will be an actual usherette and the other will be a cigarette girl. She'll be giving out candy cigarettes to the audience on her way down the isle. We actually got a couple of store bought costumes at a local halloween shop for the Usherettes. They're like "sexy bunny" costumes but you do away with the ears and the tail put on an Usherette hat, seamed fishnets, and vintage black pumps and poof! Actually here's the link. http://img.hottopic.com/is/image/HotTopic/666850_hi?$product$ The skirt is actually a little longer that what it looks like in that picture. |
||||||
| theatre4life |
First of all - THATS NOT ME. Im a guy and couldnt get fake boobs to look that real. Hehehe. Thats just a random Usherette that i thought was cute. Secondly, you're wrong about the original London run of Rocky. The band was in fact on stage, but behind the white scrim they had hanging in the background. I read an interview with Richard Hartley - the musical arranger for the show - and he'd mentioned something about playing guitar during Janet's lil' speech before "Touch-A" and having to stay down so no one would see him. Finally, the director in Bakersfield was just taking the black & white idea from the film. Originally, the film was to be in black & white up til Tim entered as Frank and his lips were to be in colour and the whole picture would then have turned to a colour film. This is why the Trannies were all in black & white and there was very dull colours up til the castle stuff. 
|
||||||
| theatre4life |
I like your Usherette costumes. Not the traditional, but not terrible. In my own opinion, only Eddie should have a hand-held, just 'cos he's doing a number thats like a 1950s rocker at a concert - so it fits. Well, the Usherette could get away with having one as well. What are your 'house characters' going to be doing?? Are they gonna be Ushers? I have a pic, also, of a traditional Usherette dress, if you're intrested and/or havent seen how it looks. 
|
||||||
| TheWitch |
The usherettes won't have hand held mics. Did I say they would? I dunno. Anyway yeah Eddie and the narrator will be the only two. And yeah I've see Magenta's usherette costume but I just wanted to go with something a little sexier but that could still work with that song. Oh, and the only people involved with Science Fiction Double Feature will be Magenta/Usherette, Columbia/Cigarette Girl, and the Phantoms. No one else will be seen. | ||||||
| actionfolksinger |
First. Damn. Second. My bad Third. I thought he was ripping off Wizard of Oz or Pleasentville. Just seemed like a giant hassle to me. |
||||||
| theatre4life |
Well, of course, Jim Sharman (Rocky Horror's stage and screen director) had taken the idea from Wizard Of Oz, himself. Thats why the Transylvanians played wedding guests first - and Frank and Servants were seen in the start of the film as well. It's the idea along the lines of Dorothy's family being the Scarecrow, Lion, Tinman, etc. Also, if you didnt know (an intresting trivia thing): the Transylvanians voices are actually sped up in the film so they're higher than normal. I think this was another homage to 'Wizard', like the Munchkins voices. |
||||||
| theatre4life |
No, you didnt say the Usherettes would have hand-helds. I was merely stating that they'd look good with 'em, 'cos i've seen many have them. Also, those arent the traditional ROCKY HORROR Usherette dresses - those are from the New B'way show - Daphne Rubin-Vega and Niko (something-or-other). Here, though, is an idea of how the original dress looked. This is Patricia Quinn (the original Magenta/Usherette) at the 20th anniversary convention - i think thats correct. 
|
||||||
| TheWitch |
Oh, no. I know those two usherettes are from the revival. I didn't mean to confuse you, sorry. Sometimes when I post I'm in a hurry to get some where so I just speed type and don't go over it to make sure everything makes sense.
Now to look for a corset for Frank...................oy. |
||||||
| theatre4life |
How's it all goin, Witch?
|
||||||
| TheWitch |
Oof, not too well. The girl playing our Eddy/Dr. Scott is NEVER there and even though she's a great worker and great in the role when she IS, her attendance is starting to reeeaaally get to me. Magenta is even worse. She's there, but has something to complain about every single rehearsal. The other day she started crying because I told her that her dancing wasn't sharp enough and that the best way I could explain what she was moving was like a wet noodle. Flat out bawling because according to her I only said it to make fun of her. Then tonight she started yelling at me because she couldn't get the time warp right. And I mean YELLING. Every one was in shock. She was mad because I kept making her do it because she hadn'r gotten it right. She didn't remember any of the choreography that I had given her since we started rehearsal because she would never right any of it down then she loses her script BUT she yells at me. She also gives me problems with costume and today she also ried to start directing! We were doing Brad and Janet's First entrance and she actually stopped them and gave them directions RIGHT beside me. All I said at that point was "No, do it my way, thank you." I've already told every one how disapointed I was in a couple cast members attitudes and performances during rehearsals and that I have no problem pushing the opening date to December and recasting the problem roles. And I'm affraid tha that is exactly what I am going to be forced to do.
So yeah it basically just sucks right now. |
||||||
| LisaKitty |
Oooh! I'm so sorry to hear that! It's too bad I don |