One question remains: can you throw toast at the stage?

By JAY HEMPHILL
A Seat on the Aisle

If the audience’s reaction at Thursday night’s preview of Zach&Zack’s production of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show is any indication, this show is anything but horrific. It is in fact, dare I say, sex-sational!

Much like The Rocky Horror Show, Zach&Zack – led by Zack Neiditch and Zach Rosing – have developed their own cult following. The dynamic duo has produced or collaborated on several standout productions, such as Heathers, Bat Boy, The Great Bike Race, Mad, Mad Hercules, and Hedwig and the Angry Inch, among others. I am sure this production, their fourth or fifth remounting, will only deepen their following.

In my opinion, this show, directed by Zack Neiditch, checks all the boxes for me:

1. Solid pre-show playlist, check.
2. Powerhouse opening number, check.
3. An amazingly talented band led by Musical Director Tenéh B. C. Karimu, check.
4. Audience participation – although limited and guided, check.
5. Creative use of technology, check.
6. Fabulous costumes by Anthony James Sirk, check.
7. Sultry and sexy choreography by Kenny Shepard, check.
8. Dynamic vocals, check, check, check, check, and check!

While everyone in the cast shines in their own ways, some of my favorites included:

1. Matthew Altman’s portrayal of Columbia. After seeing him do his thing in the ensemble year after year, it was nice to watch him living his best life in a role he was born to play.
2. Logan Hill as Janet is equal parts Sunday school teacher and naughty schoolgirl.
3. Elizabeth Gee and Matt Branic deliver the best vocals of the night, hands down, by far, no contest.
4. Tim Hunt is playfully sexy and delightfully charming as Dr. Frank-N-Furter … almost too charming. By the end of the show, I asked myself, “Why do they want to kill that charming man, who is fulfilling everyone’s fantasies, and throws a festive house party?” To be honest, in my opinion, I would have liked to see him play the maniacal antics.
5. And finally, the scene-stealer of the night, Craig Kemp as the Narrator. A role that is usually relegated to the side of the stage, separate from the main action, Zach&Zack put Kemp’s character right in the middle of the action, roving reporter-style. Kemp’s serious tone and British accent juxtapose perfectly with comedic facial expressions.

Tim Hunt (center) stars as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show. (Photo by Zach Rosing)

In summation, is this show perfect? … quite close. Yes, in my opinion, there are some pacing issues in several spots, and a few jokes were missed due to a downplaying of the camp by certain characters. However, with that said, this production of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show does exactly what it is supposed to … make you laugh and dance. So, give yourself over to absolute pleasure, and see this show.

To paraphrase the song, “Don’t dream it. SEE IT.”

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