NEPA Scene Staff

‘Rocky Horror Show’ returns for Halloween at Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre Oct. 27-Oct. 31

‘Rocky Horror Show’ returns for Halloween at Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre Oct. 27-Oct. 31
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From a press release:

It’s that time of year again – it’s time to do “The Time Warp.”

The Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre will bring back Frank, Brad, Janet, Riff Raff, Magenta, and a cast of other out-of-this-world characters for “The Rocky Horror Show” musical, live on stage, opening Friday, Oct. 27 and running through Halloween on Tuesday, Oct. 31.

The show marks the directorial debut of Wyoming resident Katie Owens, who said she has tried to keep the audience first and foremost in her mind while making her vision of the cult classic come to life.

“Part of my love for ‘Rocky’ is the energy of the audience every time I see a live version, a shadow cast, or even just a showing of the movie,” Owens said.

“So for this production, my No. 1 priority was paying homage to what makes ‘Rocky Horror’ so much fun that it keeps fans coming back year after year. That means I put a lot of work into preparing my actors for interactions with the audience, playing off of the audience, and finding moments in the show that add to the interactive nature that ‘Rocky Horror’ is.

“That being said, I didn’t want a carbon-copy version of past productions or the original movie, so we find some areas to break from tradition in a way that makes this production fresh and fun.”

For those not familiar with the production, “The Rocky Horror Show” centers on a young newly engaged couple right out of 1950s Americana. The two find themselves in a time warp, and what they witness will change them forever.

“The Rocky Horror Show” live at the Little Theatre of Wilkes-Barre (537 N. Main St., Wilkes-Barre) opens at 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 27. Additional shows are on Saturday, Oct. 28 at 7 p.m., with a special midnight showing later that night. There will also be an 8 p.m. Halloween show on Oct. 31.

Audience members are in for an interactive experience, with prop bags available at the show. Patrons are expected to participate in certain scenes and, of course, certain show “virgins” will be asked to play a part in the on-stage experience.

While a number of this year’s cast members are veterans from previous “Rocky Horror” productions at Little Theatre, it is Jackie Nat’s first time participating in the show. Nat of Plains Township plays the gold sequin-wearing, tap dancing Columbia.

“My favorite aspect of the show has been how far it has pushed me out of my comfort zone,” Nat said.

“I had heard from other actors that ‘Rocky’ is unlike any show I will ever be a part of, and I could not agree with them more. I really can’t wait to perform this in front of an audience as well because the audience participation is also going to be something that I have never experienced before as an actor.”

Tickets for “The Rocky Horror Show” are $20 and can be purchased at the Little Theatre box office or online via Ticketfly.

“This experience has been the best I could have asked for as a first-time director,” Owens said.

“I have an amazing crew that’s supportive and has been an absolute pleasure to collaborate with. My cast is stunningly talented, and they surprise me every single day with their creativity, dedication, and willingness to try something new and fun. I’m so excited to have an audience experience what I’ve been able to see over the past month.”

Photos by On My Cue Photography