From its opening notes, the Armidale Drama and Musical Society’s production of The Rocky Horror Show makes it clear that audiences are in for a gloriously outrageous evening.
This production is cleverly constructed and ready to welcome audiences into its strange and wonderful world.
The evening opens with the Usherette, played by Zoe Barker Smith whose incredible voice immediately captures the audience’s attention. Having stepped into the role only three weeks before opening night, her vocal performance is even more impressive and provides a powerful introduction to the mayhem to come.
Janet, played by Amy Showell is an exceptional comic actress with an instinctive sense of timing. She finds every opportunity for humour without forcing it, delivering a performance that is very, very funny and beautifully judged.
As Brad, Joe Lennox combines a lovely voice with strong characterisation. From the neatly proper cummerbund and bow tie onwards, every detail helps establish precisely who Brad is before his sheltered world begins to unravel.
Magenta and Riff Raff, played by Geneva Stocker and Nick Troon, make a wonderfully matched sibling pair. Both bring excellent stage presence and strong, detailed characterisation to their roles, creating an immediate sense that the audience has entered their strange and slightly unsettling world. Riff Raff physically inhabits the role, particularly when leading the Time Warp dance (pictured above), while Magenta brings an equally compelling presence to the stage.
From the second Frank-N-Furter enters, the stage belongs to him.
Calliden Hunter does not simply perform the role but creates a complete character, bringing together voice, movement, costuming, comedy and commanding stage presence. Every entrance, gesture and expression contributes to a Frank-N-Furter who dominates the production exactly as the role demands.
The Narrator, played by Will Bilingsley (Neil Horton also plays the Narrator throughout the season) is a lovely and engaging presence, guiding the audience through the increasingly bizarre proceedings with warmth, humour and an easy connection to the room.
Columbia is a particularly strong presence, with Lana Howlett delivering a vivid and assured performance that fits beautifully within the production’s heightened world.
As Eddie, Stelios Charnas (this role is shared with Doug Rumble) brings plenty of energy, personality and fun to the stage. It is a lively and entertaining performance that makes the most of every moment.
Doug Rumble is fabulous as Dr Scott (this role is shared with James Meyer), bringing another memorable character into the increasingly chaotic proceedings.
And then there is Rocky.
Rocky, Rocky, Rocky.
Played by Jesse Streeting, this is a role that requires a very particular look and physical presence, but this performance offers much more than appearances. Rocky is a genuine find, bringing physical confidence and excellent comic timing to a character who could easily become little more than a visual joke.
A show is never simply what happens under the lights. Director Donna Wainohu and the wider production team have done an excellent job of bringing all the individual elements together to create a clever, cohesive and complete production.
The ensemble members are strong, committed and visually impressive. They add energy, humour and texture throughout the production, while their costumes, makeup and movement help establish the show’s wonderfully strange world.
The choreography by Sarah Meyer, who also appears in the ensemble, makes clever use of the stage and the capabilities of the cast. The movement is purposeful, entertaining and well-integrated into the storytelling, allowing the ensemble numbers to feel full without becoming cluttered.
The sets are almost characters in their own right. The clever multi-functional set pieces are beautifully constructed and used to great effect, allowing the production to move between locations while maintaining its momentum and distinctive visual identity.
Placing the band behind the stage was also an excellent decision. Under the direction of Musical Director Catherine Lukin, the band drives the production while maintaining an unusually good balance with the performers. The music has all the power the show demands without overwhelming the voices on stage, which is a significant achievement in a production of this scale.
Across the board, the production values are impressive. The costumes are fabulous, the props are detailed and the overall design is clever and cohesive. The makeup completes the transformation of the cast, with a particular nod to Diane Murphy, a professional makeup artist & hair stylist and a local who has returned to Armidale to support the production.
The lighting is also exceptionally well handled. The stage remains richly and deliberately lit, with no distracting holes or performers disappearing into dark spaces. Smoke and strobe lighting are used to enhance the atmosphere, but neither is overdone or overwhelming. Audience members who are sensitive to either should nevertheless take note. The lighting supports both the mood and the action without drawing unnecessary attention to itself.
Seen in comparison with a recent professional production, this show is a timely reminder of just how fortunate Armidale is to have an amateur musical society consistently operating at such a professional standard.
Although there is some skin on show throughout most of the performance, there is no nudity, however, please note this is one of the more risqué versions of The Rocky Horror Show. It is sexually suggestive and deliberately provocative. The 15-plus warning should be taken seriously, and even then, mature teenagers only would be the recommendation.
This is not a production audiences need to wait until the final weekend to see once it has settled in. It is already there.
Book early in the season. Book before everyone else tells you how good it is. Most importantly, book now or risk missing out on one of ADMS’s most deliciously entertaining productions.
ADMS Rocky Horror Show runs until July 18, tickets at https://www.trybooking.com/events/landing/1570426
Read all the way through to the end of the story? So did lots of other people. Advertise with New England Times to reach New England locals who are interested and engaged. Find out more here.