The Rocky Horror Show is an iconic cult classic that bends theater norms and creates a pearl-clutching experience for staunch, pedigreed theaterists with the level of debauchery its script unabashedly offers.
Now celebrating its 50th year, productions of this scrappy “don’t like it? don’t care” musical often try to mimic the movie in visuals, concepts, and characterizations—with varying degrees of success. Not being a fan of cookie-cutter theater nor lazy recycled remounts, I was blown away by Ferndale Repertory Theatre’s newest iteration.
This production offers a refreshing take that reinforces the show’s punk nature and a “bugger off” attitude to traditionalists just getting used to its bawdiness after half a century. It is expertly directed, brilliantly acted, beautifully produced, and thoroughly entertaining.
I appreciated the swirl of excitement on the night I attended. Gifted with a sticker highlighting the truth of my queer existence by a cast member, I mingled with the other dressed-up (or barely dressed) Rocky Whores, tantalizing the production’s virgins uncertain of what they were getting themselves into.
The overall anticipation builds an energy like no other show can offer. The inability to discern who is in the cast and who you may be sitting next to is part of the fun. It is also what makes this production’s director, Alex Blouin, so brilliant.
Blouin realizes the audience—armed with their own props and shouted lines between (and sometimes on top of) what is written—is the actual main character of the show. She expertly builds around the house’s unpredictability, forcing the actors to probe deeply into their characterizations and fight to tell the story.
Few productions have successfully taken this approach; instead, many simply regurgitate the original. This production not only excels but offers a fresh perspective.
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**The Story and the Cast**
After misfortune, Brad (River Keller) and Janet (Minnie Savant-Bunch) seek help in Frank’s (Virgo “Komboujia” Marroquin) castle on the night they bring Rocky (Filip Amborski) to life. The B-movie, late-night, science fiction double-feature plot is all you really need to know.
The unforgettable minions—Magenta (Meaghan Sharrard), Riff Raff (Sammi Pietanza), Columbia (Samahri Brice), and the Phantoms (Katie Folkenroth, Karen Echegaray, Leo Natharent, and Terra Pennsy)—can most certainly recite a Denny’s menu so incredibly it warrants a standing ovation.
Who cares about the plot?
I have never seen a Riff Raff like Pietanza’s. Their brazen commitment to performing their truth with exceptional skill left me starstruck.
Marroquin’s Frank is so exceptional they received raucous, seemingly never-ending applause in the middle of their opening number—a performance that screamed, “Curry who? I’m Komboujia!”
Savant-Bunch deliciously plays sweet innocence right until she tastes… well… Frank, then covets touch in a hilarious, panting character arc.
Amborski makes everyone pant with a nonstop, fresh-out-of-the-oven performance that could fatigue adolescent rabbits.
Keller’s sweet and naive Brad makes every reminder that he’s an asshole both funnier for those who know the show and confusing for those who don’t.
I want more elbow sex climax from Sharrard—her Usherette makes me yearn for sweets in the best ways.
Kennedy’s Narrator is captivating when reading from the script, and once he memorizes his lines and opens to the audience’s interaction, this already fantastic production can reach the next level.
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**Music, Design, and Production**
David Powell, Andre LaRocque, Amber Grimes, Matt Estabrook, and Avery Alexander make a fantastic band, adding so much more than just music to the show.
I wish they’d project their speaking voices through the set wall because their quips are incredible and deserve to be heard by everyone.
Sydnee Stanton’s lighting design is beautiful. I appreciated the subtle rainbow splash on the curtain that reminds Ferndale that “we’re here.”
Carl McGahan’s set design is delightfully weird and goth-punk—I loved it.
Special thanks to Lisa Muggeridge, with assistance from Marroquin, for the unique and flavorful costume design, steering clear of the often-seen Party City Rocky catalogue repetitions.
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If you don’t like this production, definitely go see a live screening of the movie for an “attitude check.” Enjoy!
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**Show Details**
Ferndale Repertory Theatre’s production of *The Rocky Horror Show* continues Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m., and Sundays at 2 p.m. through November 2. Recommended for ages 18 and up.
Tiggerbouncer Custodio (he/she/they) is an empowered queer Indigenous Filipino artist whose works have been seen on Humboldt stages and elsewhere.
Visit [ferndalerep.org](https://ferndalerep.org) for more information.
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**COMING SOON**
Things get tragic at Cal Poly Humboldt’s Gist Hall starting November 7, when Sophocles’ *Antigone* takes the stage. Visit [tickets.humboldt.edu](https://tickets.humboldt.edu).
Another round of *Logger Legends, Liars, and Lookers* bellies up to the Logger Bar November 11–16. Tickets available online.
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*This article appears in No Kings II.*
https://www.northcoastjournal.com/arts-scene/front-row/rocky-horrors-new-thrust/
