“I’m just a sweet transvestite from transsexual Transylvaniaaaaaa…,” Wait, what? Are we even still in Singapore?
Well actually, we’ve been transported back to the 1970s where All-American couple Brad and Janet, are stranded in the countryside at night and have sought help in a castle where they meet a motley of colourful and crazy characters including Dr Frank-N-Furter, a mad scientist and his entourage, Magenta, Riff Raff and Columbia. Welcome to The Rocky Horror Show
Making its debut on stage back in 1973, The Rocky Horror Show was adapted for the silver screen in 1975. While the stage production was an overnight hit, the film, starring Susan Sarandon and Tim Curry, was not so well received. But somehow over the years, The Rocky Horror Show became a cult classic, earning fans all over the world and has even spawned a sub-culture of Rocky Horror fandom.
(Check out fan sites like the TRHPS, TimeWarp, RockyMusic, and the French Rocky Horror Fan Club.)
The film’s cult following and intensive audience participation has become a worldwide phenomenon. Fans flock to attend screenings of the film (usually during Halloween), all dressed up as their favourite character (take your pick from Brad, Janet, Dr Frank-N-Furter, Magenta and Riff Raff). They know the script by heart and recite it alongside the film. They bring their own props to add to the scenes and shout out to the actors during the show. Attending The Rocky Horror Show in the United States is a whole event unto itself.
[Photo: Sydney DiaryStar]
Over in Singapore, fans have had to make do with a toned-down stage version performed in 1993, as the 1975 film had been banned for its sexual and masochistic content. In 2003, the ban was lifted and in January 2011, The Rocky Horror Show made its debut on the Singapore stage, playing at the Esplanade from 5th to 16th January, in its full glory.
The Singapore edition is an extension the hugely successful UK tour and features a largely Australian cast- Juan Jackson, Lucas Glover, Kristian Lavercombe, Nicole Melloy, Caitlin Kent. And as with the Rocky Horror shows’ tradition of having guest narrators, local funnyman Hossan Leong was enlisted for the job.
With their amazing voices, the cast easily pulled off songs like “The Time Warp”, “Touch-A, Touch-A, Touch Me”, “Damnit Janet”, “Hot Patootie- Bless My Soul”, with panache and flair. Their infectious energy caught on and by the end of the show, the audience were all on their feet doing the Time Warp dance. The sets were beautifully realistic and the lighting was just perfect. The crazy costumes only added to the overall atmosphere. However, the technical system was a bit of a let-down.
With transvestites, mad scientists, inter-galactical beings, creepy castles and creatures right off the pages of Frankenstein, it can be a little to much to take. But that’s the beauty of Rocky Horror- you leave your imagination at the door and let the musical bring to you another universe, specifically the planet of Transylvania.
A horror-comedy-musical not for all ages, The Rocky Horror Show was a ball of fun and made for an exciting night at the Esplanade. Let’s do The Time Warp again, and soon please.
Audiences in Singapore gamely dressed up for the occasion, bringing their best feathers and leathers and wigs to the Esplanade.
[Photos: Michelle Ann Kwara]
Tim Curry as Dr Frank-N-Furter in the iconic midnight movie - The Rocky Horror Picture Show
[Photo: RockyMusic]
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