Independent Theatre Group in the Urban Core Produces a very sexy Dance Musical Performance of Rocky Horror Show
Five Points rediscovers talent and fun as it struggles back towards cultural relevance
But First a long prelude.Five Points rediscovers talent and fun as it struggles back towards cultural relevance
Since this is a debut of our theatre review section, a few notes on independent theatre.
Contrary to popular belief, Theatre in Jacksonville has always been a fairly interesting proposition, with a solid bedrock of fairly mediocre offerings being wildly supported by public funding and subscription that is nominally balanced out by one or another group of interesting and adventurous theatre people willing to produce independent and substantially superior work on shoestring budgets and nearly no audiences whatsoever.
In the late 70s through late 80s, the production of interesting theatre was primarily directed by one of the living legends of the jacksonville theater scene, a terrible hobgoblin of such concentrated evil that his very name is enough to send shivers down the spines of whatever survivors of his tyrannical rule might be within earshot (not a common occurrence since his name seems to be the theatrical equivelant of Lord Voldemort ). We are speaking of course, of Andrew Arnold, one of the most talented and daring theatre directors ever to draw a curtain in the state of Florida. His theatre was in the heart of Five Points in the Five Points Theatre building, and it was called the River City Playhouse.
After producing perhaps a hundred shows, from original sex romps to showstoppers like "Evita" and one of the most clever productions of "Les Liasons Dangereaux" of all time, the Andrew Arnold era came to an unexpected end in 1991 when two small but plucky hobbits secretly crept into the crevices of Mount Doom and threw Arnold's ring into its volcanic fires.
The baton passed to a vibrant and exciting young group of performers under the umbrella company of Jacksonville Actor's Theatre, a fairly intellectual performance group who managed to balance out the negatives of intelligent theatre by having enough talent to make it seem plausible, and ---incredibly enough---enjoyable to audiences. Under the leadership of landmass in exile, Dr. Lee Beeger, the group produced works by Dario Fo and other quixotic writers popular at the time, and sponsored the poignant playwriting talents of Valerie Anthony among others. Perhaps the most searing theater to be performed on any Jacksonville Stage occurred during the memorable performances of Anthony and a very young Seth Langner during readings of her 'Land of the Double Wides"
JAT came to an untimely (and ultimately disingenuous) end in the early 90s when FCCJ very quietly purchased the Grand Boulevard Mall where the group was housed and quietly let Dr. Beeger know that the college would not be renewing the donation of space to the theatre group which had made the performance space possible.
By weird happenstance, the cancellation of the space donation happened almost at the same time as the final legendary performance of Jean Genet's "The Maids" and the momentary exposure of Valerie Anthony's apparently explosive breasts during one of the scenes.
What followed has led to nearly a decade and a half of sordid recriminations, vapid self censorship and general disgust with Jacksonville on the part of the theatre community.
Ann Hyman, the daily papers venerable arts writer, reported the exposed boob almost as an interesting afternote in her review---and what followed was a marketing bonanza leading to packed houses as the hitherto unheard of play was angrily and duly picketed by the local church groups and police officers were dispatched to arrest Valerie if she exposed her breasts again during the performance.
This writer was in the audiences those final nights and the sense of suspense was exciting and palpable as we waited for the inevitable showstopping handcuffs and potential wrestling match between uniformed officer and the first lady of Jacksonville's Theatre. It was without a doubt the most valid and gripping theatre ever produced in Jacksonville.
Sadly, no arrests occurred, but contrary to how one might assume it would turn out...the aftermath was simply catastrophic.
Dr. Beeger, deciding it best not to mention that the theatre was losing its space because of the buyout on the part of the college, instead let it be known publicly that the fertile little group was being hounded out of business by the cruel baptist overlords who had organized the protests. It was all balderdash of course, but the story stuck and became part of the Jacksonville canon. Afterwards it simply became a bedrock belief that all edgy theatre would be 'shut down' by 'the baptists'. Poppycock.
Michael Emerson with fellow JAT actor, Jimmy Aquino, before his role on "Lost".
Which pretty much left only the Musical Theatre Community, apparently content to produce musical versions of the Christmas Carol and Showboat until the cows eventually reclaim all the lands west of downtown.
The rest of the 90s were one long dry spell in theatre.
One extremely welcome development over the past few years has been an increased demand for a return to performances more risk taking than say-----Oklahoma! or endless reruns of Steel Magnolias and Children's Theatre. Groups like Theatre with Byte, Nokturnal Escape, Orpheus Theatre Company, and even Ian Mairs' studio theatre have been able to consistently draw audiences even with nonexistent marketing budgets and the simultaneous cancellation of theatre reviews by every publication except EU.
Normally one is pleased as punch to find anything more challenging than A Shayna Madel, almost to the point where merely offering the performance has been as important as whether or not it was actually well done or even enjoyable.
Perhaps that long dry spell is over.
Last night, we were privileged to witness a sterling production of edgy (for Jacksonville) theatre in the form of The Rocky Horror Show.
With a certain amount of satsifying irony we were thrilled to find it at one of the original crime scenes of real theatre in Jacksonville, and also the location of the last live performance of the cult classic more than 20 years ago---the Five Points Theatre Building.
Joey Chancey and Vanessa Harper, the team behind Chancey Productions (www.chanceyproductions.com) have created a real win and a thoroughly enjoyable piece of theatre in their version of Rocky Horror Show. The performance is raw, fresh and terribly exciting----very updated and yet totally in character with the original classic film.
Lets begin with the technical aspects of the show.
This production of Rocky is primarily a dance performance, and the choreography is nothing short of awesome. Every scene is a tightly constructed, perfectly orchestrated character interp piece. The dance moves pay a great amount of homage to the recent flesh and flash choreography of Cabaret and perhaps to the work of Rob Marshall in the reworked 1998 Chicago, but they are done with a perfect eye to keeping the sci fi spirit and hokey naivete of the principals firmly in mind.
Choreographer, Ian CampaynoIncredibly, the show was choreographed by the fellow in the gold speedos and body glitter all over his bronze, muscled physique, Ian Campayno---who also plays Rocky. His work is so solid and so exciting, both from an artistic and a visceral point of view, that this performance could have been legitimately billed as a dance rather than theatre production. The dance crew did a fantastic job executing his work and create most of the set with their bodies, from the wedding chapel and arch in the opening scene to the car with the fateful flat tire which bring Brad and Janet to Frankenfurter's Lair.
His ensemble interpretation The Time Warp is breathtaking. It is beautiful, fun and downright sexy. The comic clunkiness of the original film work is almost forgotten in Campayno's version of "its just a step to the right!..."
The staging is more along the lines of a rock show, with most of the action taking place on various stairwells and an extended runway that juts into the seating area, giving the performance the feel of a stones concert or a fashion opening by Donatella Versace.
The symphony is placed behind plexiglass riot gear screens on the top level of the staging and are visible at all times during the performance, enhancing the concert feeling. Joey Chancey serves as musical director, and while he does not stray too far from the original scores, his softer jazz and piano sensibilities come through in each of the performances, including a few numbers that did not appear in the film. The musical performances were gorgeous and perfectly executed all the way throughout and whoever took care of the sound for the show certainly knew what the hell they were doing, as there were no noticeable glitches and the balance between actors and band was exactly maintained throughout the performance. Plus, it added something to have Joey beaming a fairly brilliant smile all the way through the evening although it wouldnt be apparent that he was also the musical director from behind his piano.
Costumier, Lee HambyThe costumes were a joy. Updated by Lee Hamby with clear inspiration from Cabaret rather than Lestat, there was nevertheless an abundance of fishnet on all the performers. The dancers have tight (very short) shorts which leave only intended uses to the imagination and off the shoulder fishnet sleeves and are in all black. Frankenfurter's outfit is a departure from the Tim Curry lace and lingerie outfit, opting instead for a cartoonish red vinyl bustierre cut across the midriff. Frankenfurter appears to have been rendered by Akiyama Kazuhito for an installment of Atom Boy. The update is refreshing and boldly redefines this productions portrayal of the famous character.
But the final number is where Lee's retro sleek sensiblities really shine. Tricking out the principals in vinyl boots of differing colors with matching feather boas was not only vivid from a color perspective but a little kinky and quite carnal. The costumes gave the last three numbers a glam but naive feel that was ultimately more erotic and exciting than the original....truly a case where costuming changes the outcome of the performance.
Overall the sheer staging and technical side of the production were very exciting. A little raw perhaps, which is perhaps intentional, but the standout elements of this production were the costuming and choreography, which were perfectly highlighted, so whatever polish might have been applied to the staging and lighting would have been a moot point anyways.
Which brings us to the performances.
Narration provided by David SacksDavid Sacks as the narrator is an inspiration. Nice deep voice and mischievious eyes and a deep sense of jaded amusement give his character an approachability that ties the audience into the performance in a way which would not have been possible without him. He replaces Charles Gray's cold war era credulity with a sort of mocking hipster everyman note that mocks just enough to connect with the audience without making the performance seem banal.
Surprisingly terrific, Delone Adkison, as Frankenfurter.Adkison plays the mad alien scientist not so much as a trickstering seduction artist, but rather a fairly singleminded fading drag queen, whose advancing waistline and heft have left her to somewhat desperate measures. Adkison's Frankenfurter is like the Chi Chi LaRue of arch villains. Sheer intimidating physicality with the potential for raunchy porn running in the background. The mind fairly boggles with his glitter based makeup and shiny costuming. He trades the corrupt lasciviousness of Curry's performance with a brassy operatic presence that manages to simply own the stage whenever he is present. Just a delight to watch.
And ye gods his voice. During one of the final numbers, "Don't dream it, be it" several spontaneous bursts of applause and wolfwhistles broke out during his performance. Adkison could clearly be heard during a kickoff if he felt like it, and his voice was the central element of his character.
There is no shortage of vocal talent however: Juan Unzueta and Marissa Hines were fairly showstopping voices in their own right as Riff Raff and Majenta respectively. They dropped the creepy and demented elements of the original characters in favor of more earthy and wanton portrayals. Hines in particular used her lovely voice and moments in the spotlight to cast a bit of a spell over the audience.
Ian Campayno was the perfect choice for Rocky, with his greek god physique and compellingly handsome face, he was radiant (literally considering the glitter) every moment that he was on stage. His voice was quite adequate, and his dance skills were outstanding.
saucy and show stealing, Michelle Barry/ColumbiaMichelle Barry as a perky and hip Columbia was show stealingly fun. By the time of the last numbers she has a total moment in the sun alone on stage as she post orgasmically improvs lines and generally owns the room for a few minutes of deliciously playful basking.
sex kittenish, Sara Ruzicka/ Janet WeissOne final notice has to be given to the frequent bouts of visible naughtiness on the part of Sara Ruzicka in her portrayal of Janet Weiss. She plays Janet with a perfect blend of kitschy 50s style naivete that gives way to an Anna Nicole Smith style of bad girl that not only updated the character but also created space for some very bawdy moments and laughter from the audience.
Dancer, Ira Harris 
Dancer, Alex Nordin Counterpointing all of the very professional character work being done onstage were several standout dance performances by the dance ensemble. Of particular note, Alex Nordin, Ira Harris and Kara Barger contributed substantially to the sexy, gorgeous, vibrant choreography of the show and maintained the feeling and attention of the audience. The contribution of their dance performances to this show simply cannot be overstated.
Its always a dicey proposition to go to a show like Rocky. Ive always felt like it was something akin to going to see an Elvis impersonator or a beatles tribute band. However, this was not the case with Joey Chancey's production. With the heavy use of dance and choreography, and the inventive character work, there were all kinds of pleasant surprises, making this 'Rocky' a pretty original production. After 10 minutes you just chunk your video replays of the film and get caught up fairly viscerally in this wonderful and lascivious production.
If your brave enough for the subject matter, then we would definitely recommend this performance, totally independent of your opinions of the original film. With this cast, this score, and these performances, this "Rocky" is a horse of a different color.
For the love of God, go see this show.
www.chanceyproductions.com
Share this article
RSS
stephendare
July 02, 2007, 02:31:59 PMstephendare
July 03, 2007, 04:13:19 PMJune 21 - July 14
Thursday, Fridays, and Saturdays at 8:00pm (no audience participation)
Fridays and Saturdays at 10:30pm (with limited audience participation)
WHERE:
5 Points Theatre and Historic Theatre Event Facility (formerly Club 5)
Located at 1028 Park Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204
HOW TO PURCHASE TICKETS:
Between May 27 and June 20:
Call the box office at 904-252-1077 from Monday through Saturday between the hours of 10:00am and 6:00pm
Between June 21 and July 14:
Call the box office at 904-252-1077 from Monday through Saturday between the hours of 10:00am and 6:00pm OR visit us at the box office located at the 5 Points Theatre and Historic Theatre Event Facility (1025 Park Street, Jacksonville, FL 32204) on Thursdays from 6:00pm until 8:30pm and on Fridays and Saturdays from 6:00pm until 11:00pm
Chancey Productions, Inc. accepts cash, checks, Visa, and Mastercard
stephendare
July 03, 2007, 04:15:58 PM'Rocky Horror Show,' live and very lively
By LAURA CAPITANO, The Times-Union
http://www.jacksonville.com/tu-online/stories/062907/enc_180461620.shtml
"Hot patootie, bless my soul!" I chose a musical as this Weekend's Happening. It's not an action you'll likely see again from me, but I've found that when The Rocky Horror Show LIVE! calls, you best jump (to the left) and accept the charges.
One toe-tapper after another in that spectacle. I've been singing Hot Patootie ever since.
Note: There is no Tim Curry or Meat Loaf at these performances. The Rocky Horror Show LIVE! is Richard O'Brien's full-on stage show that hit London in 1973. Chancey Productions brought the show to Riverside with a totally entertaining and energetic cast who can sing and dance the heck out of those show tunes. You should hear the woman who played Magenta/Usherette. She kills it! And if you're lucky, she'll sit on your lap and sing to you.
For the uninitiated, the show's plot presents your typical horror motifs: Brad and Janet, a shy young couple stranded in the rain with car trouble happen upon the lab of Mad Scientist Frank-n-Further, transvestite, Transylvanian, and his motley crew. Singing, dancing (particularly impressive moves by men in platform boots), sex and death ensue as the young couple tries to escape the clutches of these highly musical Hot Topic rejects. This show is seriously rated R, dudes. Kid-free zone.
An added perk of going out to enjoy Rocky Horror's fishnet and harmonies is seeing the newly renovated 5 Points Theatre. It's mighty spacious and clean in there, and every seat, be it main floor, balcony, church pew or tableside, is close enough to the stage. However, the way the stage projects into the audience, you do risk being splashed with the wayward sweat of frenzied performers if you're up close.
Whether you're a lifelong fan or a "virgin," as Rocky Horrorphiles refer to first-time show-goers, you'll find what you're looking for. There's the sit-back-and-listen-quietly early performance at 8 p.m. And the fans of calling Brad and Janet names, toast tossing and squirt guns will want to take in the interactive 10:30 show, where those shenanigans are welcome.
As one of those latter fans, I was delighted to see that a handful of particularly spirited fans came dressed up in their corsets and garters.
You can't bring your own props, historic theater and all, but for $7 you can buy a nifty bag with all you need to play along, including bells and noisemakers, playing cards, a latex glove and a nice glow stick to wave during the chorus of Over at the Frankenstein Place.
Interactive scripts cost $3 and provide the typical heckling lines. Reading along with the script seems like cheating, though. Purists would argue that only those who have paid their dues with double-digit viewings of the show should be privy to learning such between-the-lines hilarity.
As with the Rocky Horror movie screenings I've seen, it takes a few minutes for the audience to warm up and get chatty. The performers did a good job of adjusting their timing and delivery as necessary to allow for crowd lines and the giggles that follow.
Things are in full swing by Time Warp, though. Good to see that ditty continues to move audiences to their feet for pelvic thrusts.
A whole audience thrusting in unison. Hot patootie!
stephendare
July 03, 2007, 04:20:29 PMrocky horror show live
on stage this June at the 5 Points Theatre
by dick kerekes dickkerekes@yahoo.com
http://www.eujacksonville.com/pages/05-24-07/rockyhorrorshow.htm
It has been about twenty-five years since those wild and crazy characters of the Rocky Horror Show have been on stage in Jacksonville. Chancey Productions Inc. will be opening this classic musical for a three week run starting June 21st at the 5 Points Theatre.
I saw the original stage production in London in the 70s. The play was made into a movie starring Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Meatloaf. It became a cult favorite and played midnights at theatres all over the country.
The movie played at the San Marco Theatre on Saturdays at midnight for several years. I lived in that area and I know I saw it at least 40 times. When movies became available on VHS and DVD, everybody could own a copy; the movie disappeared from the theatres and so did the fans that dressed like the characters.
I will bet that some of the audience participants from those days are now grandparents, but probably still have the costumes and make up stashed away in some closet. Well get it out - there will be some audience participation at selected performances.
Producer Joey Chancey, who is also the musical director, says there will be limited audience participation at the Friday and Saturday l0:30 pm shows, none at the 8 pm performances. Tickets will go on sale May 28th at l0 am online at chanceyproductions.com, or you can call (904) 252-1077. Ticket prices will range from $2l to $32 with some “nightclub” type seating available.
Joey and his Associate Producer/General Manger, Vanessa Harper, have assembled an outstanding cast from around the country, including some of our wonderful local talent, such as Randall Adkison, Juan Unzueta and Michelle Berry. Our own Lee Hamby is creating the costumes for this stellar production.
Last summer Chancey produced tick,tick,BOOM at the Atlantic Theatres to rave reviews. Chancey is excited about using the historic 5 Points Theatre, which has been completely renovated by the Mike Shad group, along with the rest of the building. 5 Points has become such an eclectic area, with a variety of restaurants and interesting shops. Although Joey will be leaving for New York to audition for a Broadway roadshow after this production closes, Chancey Productions Inc. has plans for future contemporary musicals in Jacksonville and wants to produce Jacksonville Summer Music Theatre as an annual event.
Rocky Horror is going to be the big event of the summer and I would recommend buying tickets early since this is a limited run. If you want a sample before you pay your money, be at ArtWalk downtown on June 6 at 6 pm in Hemming Plaza when the cast will present highlighted songs from the production for free (It would be great to see a few diehard Rocky fans dressed up!)
Shows will be presented on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There will plenty of free street parking all over 5 Points since many of the businesses close at 5 pm and adult beverages will be available at all show (with proper ID, of course).
If you have never seen this show, wow are you in for a treat no matter what your age. Well, start looking for rice, toast and a squirt gun so you will be prepared for The Rocky Horror Show. Girls...don’t forget the fishnets.
stephendare
July 09, 2007, 12:29:27 PMThis Show is Selling the Hell Out!
We went for a return trip on Saturday night, and the Five Points Theatre building was packed out for both shows.
We had to buy standing room only tickets for the show, joining 50 others who also could not purchase seats.
It is a runaway hit!
soxfan
July 09, 2007, 03:47:47 PMI'm glad to hear that the show is doing well. There is a group of about 12 from Springfield going to see the show on Friday the 13th. We are all going in costume!!! Should be an awesome time!!!!
stephendare
July 11, 2007, 10:48:45 AMno kidding! Costumed springfielders running amok in five points, that should make for interesting times!
firestarter
July 11, 2007, 05:45:11 PMWent to see this show as well! Great time!
soxfan
July 11, 2007, 10:33:41 PMSome of us met tonight to watch the original movie just to make sure of costumesand of course, just for the hell of it.. I think me and the Mrs. have watched it 5 times this week. I've gone from barely remembering Time Warp to knowing every word of Dr.Scott's "Unt I Did".. Never thought I'd ever admit to this in public...
downtownparks
July 11, 2007, 11:15:26 PMThe wife and I are going with the Springfield contingent as Brad and Janet when they first get to the castle... We are very much looking forward to it.
stephendare
July 12, 2007, 02:12:50 PMsoxfan, did you watch the movie or the version with the audience participation?
soxfan
July 12, 2007, 06:26:23 PMWe haven't watched the one with audience participation, but, we do know alot of it. I'm sure that there's alot that we don't know. I've been going to the RHPS website to get hints on how not to appear to be a virgin. We have been fans of the flick for a while but have never been to see it live. Looking forward to an excellent time...
stephendare
July 13, 2007, 09:30:42 AMAs the other reviews mentioned, there are prop bags for purchase.
During the castle scene (Theres a Light) I definitely do recommend covering your head with the newspaper!
soxfan
July 13, 2007, 11:45:06 AMWe did find out about the prop bags but were not told what they included. I had a list of things to bring but the people at the theatre said not to bother they had the props. We will be sitting at the high top tables on the balcony. I think we have like 2 or 3 tables.
stephendare
July 14, 2007, 09:41:28 AMso how was it last night?
downtownparks
July 14, 2007, 11:19:11 AMIt was fun. A crotch grabbing good time :-)
soxfan
July 15, 2007, 08:47:35 AMWe had a great time!!! I wish they had made more copies of the script, it seemed like only 2 people had them. We tried to get them when we went in and they had sold out. It was pretty cool how the cast interacted with the crowd though. It was really funny when someone from the crowd yelled the wrong line and the narrator yelled back at her to "get a fucking script!" it was hilarious..I missed some of the traditional features such as Riff Raff being the balding blonde humpback, but the show was great. It sort of seemed like the punk version of Rocky Horror. It was well done!!!
stephendare
July 15, 2007, 02:22:24 PMAwesome! Im glad you liked it! I know that we did.
Several of the people involved with the production are also involved with the production of BatBoy! at Players By the Sea, and even in the rough form we saw it was wonderful!
stephendare
July 18, 2009, 12:31:30 PMwhat a great show this was. We need a lot more theatre like this in town.