By Nicole Majewski
Beginning in November, don’t dream it — be it.
That’s the theme of “The Rocky Horror Show,” a musical to be presented this fall in the Warren Enters Theatre (www.buffalostate.edu/theater/facilities.xml) by Casting Hall Productions (http://www.buffalostate.edu/theater/castinghall.xml) and the theater department at Buffalo State College.
According to the show’s director, Drew Kahn, “Rocky Horror” will not be a typical musical.
“Wear something comfortable, because we want you to party with us,” he said.
During performances, there will be no line between the audience and the performers on stage. The theater will be decorated like a rock concert, and the audience is welcome to dance, sing and talk along with the performers in the play.
Kahn said members of the band and stage crew may also join the actors on stage.
“This is the anti-play, everything you know about musicals, you just have to break the wall,” Kahn said.
The plot deals with the journey of two “square” people named Brad and Janet as they let go of their inner inhibitions.
While many may recognize scenes in the play from the 1975 movie, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” BSC’s interpretation of “Rocky Horror” intends to go beyond its cult following, to mirror choices college students have in their lives.
Afrim Djonbalic plays Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transsexual being from another galaxy who teaches Brad and Janet to open up.
“We take Brad and Janet by the hand and explain their choices, and they can take them or not,” Djonbalic said. “What better story to be told [to a college student]? There’s Brad and Janet — two people that walk a straight line and then there’s Dr. Frank-N-Furter, who teaches them to express themselves,”
Djonbalic said that preparation for “Rocky” included dancing rehearsals, singing rehearsals, character development and, for his character, developing a walk in high heels.
“We’re making fun of those campy musicals, but even then it takes the greatest amount of discipline and focus,” Djonbalic said. “It’s the ultimate dancing and singing exercise.”
Kahn said the play will require from 115 to 120 hours of rehearsal time. Some of the players, specifically the Rockettes singing ensemble, have been called to rehearsal six days a week.
“I won’t stage any scenes until music and chorography is done. The first two weeks is filled with getting the music and dancing into [the actors’] bodies,” he said.
The play will be presented from Nov. 2 to 11 in the Warren Enters Theatre, with a preview night on Nov. 1.
“Don’t expect what you think you know about it, fans and virgins alike,” Djonbalic said.
Contact Nicole Majewski at cerealboxes84@yahoo.com
