Live Theatre Review: Evening Star Production's The Rocky Horror Show

If you live under a rock like I do and you’ve never seen Rocky Horror Show before, then the Evening Star Production at Infinite Abyss Theatre directed by Rosalie Grant is the production to see. You will be marked a virgin (a red lipstick V on your forehead) and you will be “initiated” (don’t worry, it was fun and no one bothers your bits) before the show can begin.

This production is a steampunk take on things, which means enviably beautiful costumes, especially Columbia (Ireland Glennon) and Magenta (Cindy Thagard) and cogwheel décor on the set (look at the gorgeous clock behind the couch!)

If there is a collective term to describe the cast, it’s SEXY. Every actor exudes beauty and confidence and just draws you in to their den of iniquity.

I won’t give up too much about the production details (even if you’re not a Virgin, you should check out the staging for yourself), but listen carefully when Riff Raff (Christian Cooper) sings – it’s beautiful. Pay close attention to Frank-n-Furter’s (Dominick J. Daniel) entrance and first scene – he moves with the elegance of Eddie Izzard in his seriously hot boots. Don’t be afraid to glance around at the other actors when one is speaking or you’ll miss great little background details – especially when the action is on the screen. Don’t miss the narrator’s (Seth Trucks) time on the couch.

I will say that this show is NC-17 : NOT for kids or for the sexually feint at heart. If you’re prudish, you might want to see a different show - this one gets raunchy, but it’s tastefully handled.

Make sure you pick up a prop bag from concessions (no outside props are allowed, please). Don’t worry, fellow Virgins – instructions on when to use the props are printed in your program. Better still, spend the extra $10 for the VIP seating and the prop bag is included, you get guaranteed front-row seating, and you will be allowed to dance the Time Warp onstage with the cast at the end of the show.

The Rocky Horror Show runs from May 12 – 28, with special midnight shows on the 14th and the 21st. Thursday, Friday & Saturday shows are at 8 PM. Tickets are $35 and $45 for VIP (limited to 14 a night!)

“Freaky, funky costumes and audience callbacks encouraged!”

The Abyss Stage & Studio, 2304 N Dixie Hwy, Wilton Manors, Florida 33305

Tickets available at the eveningstarproductions.org at infinite-abyss.org.


Graphic design by Murphy Hayes

Live Theatre Review: Evening Star Production's BUG

Director Rosalie Grant makes excellent use of the intimate space at the Infinite Abyss of Wilton Manors with her production of Tracy Letts’s BUG. The stage is busy, but not distractingly so, with props that tell as much of a story about the characters and their lives as the action does. Lighting and soundtrack are also well-placed, important elements of the story.

Set in a seedy motel in Oklahoma, the play opens on a dysfunctional note that will set the tone for the entire show. The harried Agnes (Erynn Dalton), who is haunted by her past, is soon introduced through her friend RC (Rachel Finley) to someone who will change her future.

Todd Bruno is inspired as the mysterious stranger, Peter Evans, who is endearingly awkward. Peter captures the audience from the first moment he’s onstage, and his bookishness is oddly charming. Todd remains true to the character as he evolves from act to act.

The chemistry between Agnes and Goss (Dominick Daniel) is corrosive and his character is as despicable as Evans is winsome.

Though the play is dark and macabre, it is broken up by some scripted as well as more subtle, visual, humor.

Tonight is your last chance to catch the don’t–miss BUG. Evening Star Production performs its final show on Saturday, August 29 at 8pm.

May be inappropriate for young audiences because of violence, drug use, and nudity.

Get your tickets here or at the door: Infinite Abyss, 2304 N. Dixie Highway, Wilton Manors FL.

Relevant music reference:

I heard Dwight Yoakum, Brooks and Dunn, Chris Isaak, and some Johnny Cash.