Victor Ortega EDINBURG – A psychosexual trip and crazy terrors await audiences in Richard O‘Brian’s The Rocky Horror Show by UTRGV Theatre.
With live music and dancing, the show is based on the original 1972 stage production as theater lecturer and show director Richard Edmonson explained.
“So, The Rocky Horror Show is the musical stage version of the show. Most people are familiar with the film, but this is not the film, so it is a little different,” Edmonson said. The show is set to feature suggestive sexual content and adult themes, with special measures taken to ensure the safety of the performers.
“We’ve taken on the intimacy coordinator as well. So, she helps out with the intimate moments of physical touch on stage, right, to make sure everything is kosher,” Edmonson said.
Edmonson described the work behind the scenes as fun and a great opportunity for students interested in the field to develop the skills they learn in class.
Theater sophomore Tanner Mott plays Dr. Frank-N-Furter, one of the main characters of the show who follows the crazy scientist stereotype from early horror films.“He’s a very, a very crazy, sexual, seducing kind of guy,” Mott said.
Mott added taking on the role has been a demanding but amazing experience.
“I’ve had a lot of fun getting into the character’s shoes, or heels, in this case,” Mott said. “This role is definitely a very, a big task to take, especially because, like, the role is so iconic. The movie’s been around for like, 50 years now.”Theatre senior and Set Designer Elena Ledezma leads the work behind the creation of the stage.
Ledezma said the set will feature multiple levels to explore the creativity of the actors and director.
“Well, it has a bunch of levels. I really want, to give [Director] Richard Edmondson a bunch of levels so he can work with his actors and have, like, these different types of styles that he can create with,” Ledezma said.
The show will start its run Oct. 23 with tickets available for UTRGV students, faculty and staff online and in the box office for $10. Tickets for non-UTRGV affiliated members of the public will be sold for $20.
Students have free admission to the dress rehearsal on Oct. 22 as the cast and crew prepare for the final steps before the show officially starts.
Halloween night will feature a special performance, as it’s the only show where the audience can participate with costumes, callings and props to join in on the terrible fun of Frank-N-Furter’s mansion.
