Living and reviewing theatre out of Utah there are certain shows I have come to accept I may never get a chance to see as a patron or critic. It’s such a risk in this area to do a more mature-themed show but every once in a while a company takes such a risk and I gleefully check an R rated show off of my musical theatre bucket list. Such is the case with the new production of The Rocky Horror Show opening at Pioneer Theatre Company in Salt Lake (they perform at the University of Utah.)

While I have seen the 1975 feature film adaptation entitled The Rocky Horror Picture Show I have never participated in any of the screenings or midnight showings it is famous for. So one might say this production at PTC is my first communal experience with the property and it turned out to be a great way to lose my Rocky Horror virginity. I think readers should know enough about the reputation of the material to know if it is something they will enjoy but if they are up for it get ready for a sexy, bawdy silly good time.

Rocky Horror actually started out as a bit of a flop on Broadway in 1975 with music, lyrics and book by Richard O’Brien. The film was also released in 1975 and it has the longest running release in film history with it still running in limited release in 2023, 48 years after its premiere (now that is a true cult classic!) Part of the reason for this legacy of both film and stage is the way both engage with the audience. At PTC prop kits are available for purchase with items like newspapers to wear on your heads, glow sticks to light up and bubbles to blow at the appropriate time. I forgot to order my kit (can be done here) but enough people were doing the tasks around me that I still felt like a part of the whole experience.

I think that’s what makes Rocky Horror such a satisfying night of theatre is the community abandon it encourages. It’s not often we get to just let loose and have a great time with our fellowmen and women here in Utah and that’s what you get to do here. It’s not heavy on plot but the songs are fun, the spectacle is big and the performers loaded with charisma to make for a great evening.

If you didn’t know the story centers on yuppie couple Brad and Janet who become lost at an old castle (“Over at the Frankenstein Place.”) Here they meet Dr Frank-N-Furter who becomes obsessed with the couple and brings out a whole new side they never anticipated!

Director Karen Azenberg has taken her energetic cast and done all she can to keep the action moving and using the entire stage to tell the story. Most of the memorable songs are in the first act including “Time Warp,” “Charles Atlas Song,” and “Hot Patootie.” The sets by George Maxwell are brightly painted but easy for the characters to move about in and transform within, which help keep the jokes coming. For instance, one set piece is Dr Frank-N-Furter’s pink bed that stands upright and allows for some really funny moments between our couple and Frank. The costumes by Aaron Swenson are also just the right amount of camp sex-appeal without pushing this audience too far off the ledge.

The entire cast was charismatic and up for the challenge of show (there’s really no lighter moments in the songlist. It’s go go go from scene one!) Jeremiah James gives a different take on Frank than Tim Curry does in the movie but I liked his sarcasm and more masculine bravado to the role. However, my favorite of the cast is Alex Walton as Brad. He’s the most out of his comfort zone of the characters and never failed to make me laugh. His expressions and reactions to everything presented to him in the house are hilarious. Walton also has a wonderful singing voice that’s especially shown in “Once in a While” and “Damn It, Janet.” Some of the other singers could work on their enunciation as it was sometimes hard to tell what they were singing about in particular scenes. Also there were some microphone issues you don’t typically have with PTC but it was probably just opening night glitches.

Helen Gregory conducts a 4 piece band that’s on the stage with the performers and gives a ton of energy to the whole experience- makes it feel like a concert more than a musical. It all works out to a wonderful time and chance to let loose and enjoy something silly and wild together with your fellow Utahns. The Rocky Horror Show is playing until Halloween night at PTC and you can purchase tickets here.