Review: Crown Uptown’s ‘Rocky Horror’ full of surprises

Crown Uptown Theatre’s new version of “The Rocky Horror Show” has a circus theme that may surprise purists of the popular cult musical spoof that crosses Frankenstein with old sci-fi movies but also delight others who find clowns dark and deliciously disturbing.

In either case, it’s a fresh approach from director Shannon McMillan that gives the frequently performed (usually around Halloween) 1973 show an unpredictable quality that keeps us intrigued.

The set and lighting designed by Tyler Gallegos-Lessin centers around a giant malevolent clown face with backlit eyes that are also windows and a fanged mouth – with appropriate plush red lips – that act as a doorway. On both sides are curving staircases to a second-level for dramatically grand entrances.

And the costuming by Dora Arbuckle – for the chorus members, at least – resemble the dark side of “Godspell,” with demented clowns of various stripes, from a half-man/half-woman to Cleopatra wrapped up in her asp. Costuming for the main characters is more traditionally familiar, including black Victorian bustiers, net stockings, red garter belts and stiletto heels all around.

The story and by-now-classic rock music by Richard O’Brien (“Time Warp,” “Hot Patootie,” “Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me”) are exactly what you remember as a hopelessly naive couple, Brad and Janet, run into hilarious (and sexy) peril when they seek shelter from a terrible storm at the home of a mad scientist, Dr. Frank N. Furter, who is on the verge of creating the perfect man – the Rocky Horror of the title.

Jamie Parnell, a Montana native who has toured with “Rocky Horror,” is a slinky, pouty, flirty Dr. Frank, who pays homage to the indelible image of Tim Curry’s movie creation without impersonating it. Parnell, who can shriek like a rock God, struts his stuff as a charming menace to Janet – and also, as an equal opportunity seducer, to Brad.

Joe Consiglio as Brad and Joella Wolnik as Janet both have solid voices for harmonizing beautifully on the romantic “There’s a Light” as well as romping around the comic “Dammit Janet (I Love You).” Consiglio (Crown’s “White Christmas,” “Spring Awakening”) also has a touching showcase solo (deleted from the movie version) in “Once In a While” when he thinks he’s lost Janet.

Also strong are Keaton Jadwin as Riff Raff and Brittani Richardson as Magenta, brother-sister servants to Dr. Frank. Jadwin, a Wichita native with a theater degree from Pittsburgh’s Point Park University Conservatory, takes thunderous control in leading the cast through “The Time Warp.” And Richardson (Crown’s “Chicago,” “All Shook Up”) shines when she teams with Rhonda LaRue as Columbia and Wolnik as Janet for a steamy girl-group rendition of “Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me (Creature of the Night).”

Aaron Patrick Craven as Rocky Horror himself gives a surprising grace and athleticism to the role of Dr. Frank’s ironically-named handsome, hunky creature. Craven, a member of this summer’s Music Theatre Wichita resident company, played the older Billy in “Billy Elliot the Musical,” and his ballet poise and strength give an unexpected boost to this role, from rock-solid balance to effortless backflips to head-banging rockin’ out.

Garrett Welch on keyboards leads a six-piece orchestra through a rich and full rendering of the score, although sometimes overshadowing singers in quieter moments. Choreographer Maurice Sims comes up with spirited and sometimes adventurous steps to keep the show charging right along.

Part of the fun of “Rocky Horror” is audience participation, from yelling snide comments at ridiculously corny lines of dialogue to dancing in the aisles. While most audiences are too shy to do very much of the former, cast members help with the latter. Before the show, several gather on stage and teach audience members steps to the signature “Time Warp” so they can participate in the finale.

With this entertaining production, you’ll feel like doing just that.

This story was originally published October 7, 2015 at 3:32 PM with the headline "Review: Crown Uptown’s ‘Rocky Horror’ full of surprises."