WEST LIBERTY, W.Va., October 15, 2024 – West Liberty University’s Hilltop Players are proud to present the culturally groundbreaking live stage musical The Rocky Horror Show, with six performances this Halloween season, including a special midnight show Thursday, October 31.
Best known for the 1975 cult classic film adaptation starring Tim Curry, The Rocky Horror Show is a raunchy and raucous live stage musical that follows sweethearts Brad and Janet as they seek shelter in an old castle after getting a flat tire on a dark and stormy night.
It’s here, they meet a wild cast of characters including Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a mad scientist from outer space who ultimately seduces them. Among the hijinks set to elaborate dances and rock songs, Dr. Frank-N-Furter also creates a muscular man named “Rocky” to be his lover.
Aside from its deliberately outrageous script, The Rocky Horror Show has carved a legacy of celebrating gender identity and sexual liberation spanning more than 50 years—from Broadway to the big screen—and through thousands of performances in community theaters worldwide.
While The Rocky Horror Show still generates some controversy today, WLU’s production gives special attention to dispelling negative connotations associated with labels through variations on how characters have been traditionally portrayed. Audiences can expect truly one-of-a-kind performances.
As co-director and West Liberty University Director of Theater Michael Aulick further explains, following and understanding the musical’s historical cultural impact of breaking gender stereotypes was paramount in this production.
“We have created this show in a very positive manner with the hope of celebrating gender identity and sexual orientations,” says Aulick.
For lead actor and senior theatre major Len Batson, who identifies as non-binary, playing Dr. Frank-N-Furter is a dream role with deep personal significance.
“My mother introduced me to The Rocky Horror Picture Show (film) when I was just 10 years old,” Batson explains. “Seeing how confident, comfortable, and playful Dr. Frank-N-Furter was inspired me and helped me find my calling as an actor and individual. It’s a role I always wanted to play.” they add.
Batson goes on to underscore the deeper themes of freedom of gender expression and acceptance the musical is celebrated for.
“I hope my performance inspires others to find the freedom to express themselves and realize that you don’t have to be labeled as just one thing,” Batson remarks.
To further bring attention to gender identity and expression, an informative display will be setup in the lobby outside the Kelly Theater for patrons to visit.
Performances of The Rocky Horror Show take place in WLU’s Kelly Theater, Hall of Fine Arts, 7:30pm October 30 & 31 and November 1 & 2. A special midnight show will be staged Thursday, October 31. The production closes with a Sunday matinée November 3 at 3pm.
Following in the musical’s long-standing tradition, audience members who attend the October 31 midnight show are invited to dress up and participate in the show through call-back lines. Interactive prop bags will be for sale upon entering to help patrons participate.
General admission is $15 at the door. Tickets can be purchased online at a discount through brownpapertickets.com
Please note: this production contains language and adult content/costumes intended for mature audiences.
Directors, Cast and Production Team:
Joining Michael Aulick as co-director is WLU Professor of Biology Dr. Melinda Kreisberg.
Cast members of the The Rocky Horror Show are Len Batson (Dr. Frank-N-Furter), Roman Hicks (Brad Majors), Ryleigh Jordan (Janet Weiss), Mason Stoll (Riff Raff), Jamie Faulkiner (Magenta), Eva Tennant (Eddie), Carly Fox (Columbia), Ken Kittell (Rocky), Benny Mounsey (Narrator), Griffin Harder (Dr. Scott), and Layla Morris (Usherette).
The cast is accompanied by an ensemble (phantoms) including Traelynn Alton (Dance Captain), Avery Hall (Columbia understudy), Rowland Dodd (Riff Raff understudy), Klisty Snider (Female Swing), Ashton Cornell, Lenixx Pugh, Olivia Mitchell, Lee Currie, and Kirsten Snatchko.
The Rocky Horror Show production team consists of Dr. Linda Cowan (Musical Director), Jill Warren (Choreographer), Cassandra Majetich (Intimacy Coordinator), Meta Lasch (Costume Designer), Morgan Tusing (Propmaster/Assistant Costumer), Alex Franke (Lighting Designer), Hannah Ellis (Hair and Makeup), Jordan Derring (Stage Manager), Joy Deaton (Assistant Stage Manager), and Aidan Kosol (Assistant Stage Manager).