Perfecting the pelvic thrust, no such thing as too much

Actors in Rocky Horror Picture Show use rehearsal to explore, experiment

Ryan Taughrin
Arts Editor

Editor's note: This story is part of a multi-story series looking at the process of creating Rocky Horror Picture Show. Previous stories have looked at the pre-production and technical aspects of the show. The production opens at 8 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 19 in Marvel Theatre. Tickets are available at the central box office.

Director Tom Loughlin gives the cast a few introductory notes and announcements. All on hand take in a collective breath and the rehearsal begins, full speed ahead.

"It's nothing more than a collection of moments," said Loughlin. "It is your job to find those moments."

If there is any show that allows almost every actor to exploit every moment and let out every sexual frustration, Rocky Horror Picture Show is it. During a process where going to the extreme is the norm, the rehearsals for Rocky Horror are marked by each actor's ability to dig, scratch, claw and pounce on every character trait they can reveal. No direction or emotion is considered over the edge when translating the words on the page into actions on the stage.

"Tom spoke with us the other night, telling us it is good to play and fool around with your character. But the show is so shifty, you need to make a precise choice about what you are going to do," said junior musical theatre major Vince Oddo, who plays the sculpted, god-like male icon Rocky Horror.

The rehearsal process is marked by the continuous starting, stopping and re-starting of scenes. On top of that is the ability to explore, dissect, transform and bring the script to life. It is a combination of commands from directors and imagination of the actors that makes a rehearsal flow.

Choreographer Eric Rubinstein has seen positive results from his hard work throughout rehearsals. His optimistic outlook on choreographing has allowed each dance step to be learned and memorized.

"Although the end result is very important and is the culmination of everyone's hard work, I value the process more than the product. I find the rehearsals as a whole to be a bit stop and start as far as fluidity, which is completely understandable at this stage. However, I find the whole cast to be very close and highly energetic," Rubinstein said.

With dance steps and group scenes involving intense groping and fondling, the cast of Rocky Horror needs a healthy combination of professionalism and trust in order to create a product that does not come off as foolish.

For senior musical theatre major Debbie Williams, the process involves internalizing the sexuality of her character Magenta and making the most of the opportunity of playing this once in a lifetime character.

"Magenta is so incredibly out there," Williams said. "But as actors we all know we have to find something within ourselves and just emphasize it or bring something out we would never do in a million years."

During a rehearsal of act one, Williams and fellow Dr. Frank N. Furter groupie Columbia, played by junior musical theatre major Crystal Gramkee, unveiled their hedonistic desires, obsessing over Dr. Frank N. Furter's every move. Gramkee cites inspiration from the personality of 80s glam goddess Cyndi Lauper.

"She is crazy, has personality and sass. All the characters in this show are like rock stars and I feel that Cyndi just made a lot of sense, especially when I saw the designs for the costumes, hair and makeup," Gramkee said.

Standing out in the show is the deranged leader of the pack, Dr. Frank N Furter, and his ability to control the stage. While any actor could easily mimic the actions of the original Frank played by Tim Curry, junior psychology major Brian Moe is looking to reach beyond that. Throughout one rehearsal, it was obvious that Moe continuously fed off the passion and energy being delivered by his devoted followers.

"So many people expect that Frank N. Furter will be as the movie portrays him, but that is only one version. So trying to develop a Frank independent from that is probably the biggest challenge," said Moe. "Frank is smart, larger than life, extremely charming and alluring. I believe that people will appreciate the direction than Frank has taken."

"Having fun in the theater is very important because you need to convey that sense of enjoyment you get in performing to your audiences. If rehearsals aren't fun, then the cast can not communicate that to an audience," Loughlin said.

The fervor and passion emitting from each cast member in rehearsal was impressive. The back and forth between Brad and Janet and the outrageous personality of Frank N. Furter and his loyal followers is remarkable and hilarious. From an outsider's viewpoint, the rehearsal process thus far has set the standard for the actual performance very high.

"Be ready for a rocking good time! This is a cross-dressing, gender-bending, transsexual extravaganza complete with live rock and roll music, bad science-fiction acting, super-sexy choreography and a totally outrageous story line. It's all in fun and we think [the audience will] have a lot of fun if [they] come with an open mind, ready to enjoy some kinky, kooky and totally theatrical antics," Loughlin said.