(Pictured: Sarah Enriquez as Columbia in The TADA Theatre’s production of The Rocky Horror Show)
By Amber C. Nore
Give yourself over to absolute pleasure!
I have been doing “The Time Warp” dance for over twenty years, and was thrilled to attend a matinee performance on opening weekend of The Rocky Horror Show at TADA Theatre!
This production is a parody tribute to the science fiction and horror movies of the 1930s. In this fresh, new telling of the classic rock favorite, TADA focuses on the gems that “Rocky Horror” fans come to expect…such as “Damn It, Janet” and “The Time Warp” but does so in a new way that puts more focus on the story and the characters without being overly explicit. What is truly clever and refreshing is the way that Robert D. Rook directed the production. It plays honest to the real Rocky fans and those who have never seen it before!
Audience members can purchase a “Audience Participation Kit” filled with everything you need to join the party and participate with the show: party hat, glow stick, cards, rubber glove, newspaper and directions for the Time Warp! This is a fun addition to the performance and the audience absolutely loved it. It is cash only, so be prepared to have $5 with you for each kit.
Kristi Filarski Wilson opens the show as “The Hostess” delivering the much-loved opening number. It is such a treat to see Filarski Wilson on stage! She was the perfect person to invite us into the world of “Rocky Horror.”
We are introduced to Ryan Thompson as Brad Majors and Carly Frolio as Janet Weiss. On stage for the entire time, they were captivating as our plucky protagonists. Brent Welch absolutely wows as Dr. Frank N. Furter! He is clearly comfortable in the role and offers up saucy sass and glittery lips.
Filarski Wilson comes back onstage as Magenta and is hilarious and sexy at the same time. Sarah Enriquez as Columbia was engaging and charming. Wyatt Baker as Rocky was “truly beautiful to behold.” Bill Maltas plays Eddie and Dr. Scott, and does a wonderful job with both!
This was a perfectly cast, perfectly staged show that hit all the right notes! The audience laughed, sang, and danced throughout the show, winding up on their feet for a standing ovation.
I attended with my mom and my daughter. Mom adored Brent Welch’s performance as Frank N. Furter, while my daughter chose Sarah Enriquez as Columbia for her favorite performer. For me, it’s Ryan Thompson and Carly Frolio as Brad and Janet that delivered the standout performances of the show.
This is a production that will be enjoyed by people new to the story and also long-time fans.
Something I love about performances at TADA Theatre is how they take a tiny stage and make it seem gigantic. The intimate stage transformed into a huge castle, complete with a science lab.
Everyone in the cast delivered a pitch perfect performance. The musical direction and staging really brought the heart of the story to life. We had so much fun, and would go back again except most of the run is already sold out….so rush NOW to get your tickets!
There will be a special performance on Halloween, including a costume contest.
The cast features Ryan Thompson as Brad, Carly Frolio as Janet, Patrick Runyan as the Narrator, Mark Grell as Riff Raff, Kristi Filarski Wilson as Magenta, Sarah Enriquez as Columbia, Brent Welch as Dr. Frank’n’Furter, Wyatt Baker as Rocky, William Maltas as Eddie and Dr. Scott, Hannah Brust, Kaden Frazier, and Maeghan Jenkinson as the Phantom Rockers.
The Rocky Horror Show is directed by Robert D. Rook with musical direction and choreography by Cris Rook, musical arrangements by Bill Strongin, assistant choreography by Maeghan Jenkinson, stage management by Candice Minks, scenic coordination by Jenna Williamson, technical coordination by Kevin Welch, costume coordination by Cris Rook and Kristi Filarski Wilson, props and assistant painting by Hannah Brust, lighting and sound design by Robert D. Rook, make-up coordination by Kristi Filarski Wilson, and production assistance by Juli Burney and Ryan Thompson. The show is produced by TADA Productions, Inc. and sponsored by Home Real Estate & Woods Bros. Realty.
If you go: The Rocky Horror Show at TADA Theatre plays October 17-November 3, 2024. Thursday, Friday, Saturday 7:30 pm / Sunday 2:30 pm. Ticket information at https://www.tadatheatre.info. Tickets range from $15-$20 (+tax) / student discounts also available. Note: No outdoor items permitted in the theatre. Rocky kits will be available for purchase during the show.
Amber C. Nore is a singer/actress/writer who has performed locally with Angels Theatre Company, TADA, Pinewood Bowl and Lincoln Community Playhouse and nationally with Spokane Repertory Theatre and Rogue Players. She sings in the band Andy Pappas & Jukebox Gyro, the debut album “Inside Voices” is available on iTunes and Spotify. Her favorite role has been Stage Mom to her daughter, Chloe and Foster Mom to niece, Mars. Amber is the Director of Community Engagement for Big Brothers Big Sisters.
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