The Rocky Horror Show Receives Standing Ovation at Bingen Theater
The ensemble cast was dressed to impress for the “Annual Translyvanian Convention” at Bingen Theater. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
By Cole Goodwin
White Salmon, WA, October 4, 2023– The Rocky Horror Show played their preview show last night at the Bingen Theater, located at 210 Oak St to the great delight of the audience. Big Britches Production of Rocky Horror Picture Show is everything fans could hope for: It's dark, funny, raunchy, and queer as can be.
Janet and Brad (Liz Vasquez and William Thayer-Daugherty) comfort one another following their car mishap. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
The show follows virginal Brad and Janet, (played by William Thayer-Daughtery and Liz Vasquez) a newly engaged couple who, after a bit of car trouble, find themselves swept away into a world of over-the-top characters, ridiculous situations, and scantily-clad dance numbers in the home of the seductive Dr. Frank-N'-Furter (played by Maxwell Love, best known for their heart wrenching performance as Angel in Rent.)
Director Ashley Will, says the show can be interpreted as a passionate meditation on the human condition, the sexual awakening of two virgens, an alien's desperate attempts to make the journey home, or a transvestite dark cupid’s search for love, but that ultimately she’s given up on trying to explain it, it’s a show that you just have to see for yourself.
"It's the Rocky Horror Show. If you've ever tried to explain to someone who's never seen it, you'll understand. In fact I've been doing a lot of that recently and have been generally unsuccessful. But what a good time we all had bringing this bizarre classic to life!" writes Director Will.
The show is lively, with big music numbers, dancing, and even a little splash of murder. The show often uses the whole theater as their stage, putting the audience into the thick of the action. As a cult classic, The Rocky Horror Show also has many traditions of its own, and offers plenty of chances for audience participation. Audience members are encouraged to bring a newspaper, your phone, paper confetti and a ribbon of toilet paper with you to the show. (But please no toast or callbacks, this is a theater with live actors, not a food fight in front of a TV.
Audience members participating in the show. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
Fans will also be pleased to hear that it stays mostly true to the original with some changes and adjustments here and there to bring new life and modern sensibilities to the show.
In terms of casting, the show nails it in every way, with stand out performance all around. The chemistry of the cast is palpable and every single actor shines in their individual roles.
The undeniable star of the show however, is of course the alien Dr. Frank N’ Furter themselves.
Frank-N’-Furter, played by Maxwell Love sits center stage encircled by fellow leads Ann Marie Wagner (left) as Columbia and Chalcedony Oates (right) as Riff Raff, and the ensemble cast. Photo Credit: Cole Goodwin
I caught up with Maxwell Love after the show to find out what it’s like to play such a larger than life, queer icon like Frank-N'-Furter, who is a very different character then the one they played with their tender, emotive, and heartbreaking, portrayal of Angel in Big Britches production of Rent.
“It feels exhilarating. I felt like the other role was so tender, and so meaningful and deep on an emotional level and brought a lot of healing. And this time I got to portray this sensual, uproaress, demanding divaesque piece of myself. Like the other one is tender and caring and this one is selfish and sexy and awesome and doesn’t give a crap and it just feels so good to get to do that and to bring such joy to the community you know,” said Love.
Love said prior to the show they meditated and set an intention for the show.
“I did a meditation before this and I just prayed and I set an intention that this would be a wonderous perfect time for the community and I hope that was brought tonight. So, thank you.”
And indeed it was brought. The show received lots of love from the audience on Wednesday night, and nothing short of a standing ovation from the crowd.
To get your tickets to see the show and read up on the audience participation cues visit: https://www.bigbritches.org/the-rocky-horror-show. But hurry! The first two shows are already sold out!
Showtimes are Oct, 6,7,8,13,14,15, 20, and 21.
Advisory: The Rocky Horror Show is not for the faint of heart or pre-teen children. Due to the sexual nature of this show we recommend youth under the age of 16 should attend only at a parent's discretion.
Run Time: Approximately 2 hours
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