As part of their 2024-2025 season, the San Pedro Playhouse put on a production of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” full of rock and roll, comedy and sex. The show, directed by Jimmy Moore, will play until Oct. 31.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” follows Brad, played by John Berring, and Janet, played by Laurel Neuhaus, a newly engaged couple who stumble upon the castle of Frank N’ Furter, played by Lee Marshall. The couple’s lives turn inside out as they navigate the sexually charged lair.
In anticipation of the production’s party-like shenanigans, the Playhouse sold themed beverages and a party pack. The kit included a piece of newspaper, a rubber glove, a shot of alcohol, a playing card and a party hat. Each object corresponded with a song and encouraged audience participation. After all, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” acts as a dialogue between the production and its audience.
Meant to be a safe place for those typically existing in a liminal space, freak flags fly high throughout the production. No one is out of place. Cast members encourage heckling and may even respond. When “Time Warp” begins, the audience jumps up with excitement, hands on hips. The gyrating begins and never ends until the lights come up.
As for the rock and roll aspect of the musical, a band up on stage played the tracks live. Dressed in scandalizing outfits, the band engaged in the zaniness of the night; one musician could be visibly seen smoking a cigarette while Brad monologues. It does not get more rock and roll than that.
All the performances exemplify the humor and scandal of “The Rocky Horror Picture,” but the standout was Marshall. This was not his first time in the role and will certainly not be his last. He juggled the musical numbers with improvised crowd work splendidly. When he first enters, the show flips a switch. Theatergoers sat up a little straighter, roared a little louder and heckled a little harsher.
Of course, the performances would have been nothing without the stellar choreography by Jeremiah Jordan and stage management by Jackie R. Pérez. During musical numbers, the ensemble twirls and flips in the extravagant spirit of the show. The choreography draws the audience’s attention away from technical movements and into the pelvic thrusting of the actors. The set occupies a highly dynamic space. Without it, disbelief cannot be suspended. An onstage sex scene occurs in the shadows of the set’s window, and suddenly the mansion has turned into a laboratory capable of birthing the perfect man, Rocky.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” will have one final performance this season on Oct. 31 at 9 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase online.
