Rocky Horror does the Time Warp again at Cygnet
By Berto Fernández
Not a lot of people know that the 1975 cult classic independent Musical Comedy Sci-Fi Horror Film The Rocky Horror Picture Showis based on a stage musical by Richard O’Brien by the name The Rocky Horror Show, not the other way around. Back in 2016, San Diego’s Cygnet Theatre produced the wildly popular piece to great success. Now, it’s being re-mounted with a brand-new cast of virgins…I mean players, and we are absolutely shivering with An-tici-PATION!
The WORD SD had the opportunity to chat with actors Nathan Madden, Linda Libby, and Allen “Lucky” Weaver, who respectively portray Frank ‘N’ Furter, Criminologist, and Riff Raff in the production.
Linda Libby as Criminologist
Describe your character in 3 words: Stick-in-the-Mud!
Favorite line from the show: “And you shall have it-in abundance”
Favorite Halloween costume growing up: “Mom made our clown costumes so there was a lot of pride in wearing those.”
“I saw a midnight show in my younger days when the movie was new and dangerous”, said Linda Libby (She/Her) who grew up in the Midwest, but has been a staple in the San Diego Theatre community for quite some time, last seen at Cygnet in the critically acclaimed production of Natasha, Pierre, and the Great Comet of 1812. “I was in Cygnet’s first show, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, as the keyboard player and they have not been able to get rid of me since then!”, Libby jokes.
When asked about the relevance of the show, she mentioned that being your authentic self, and keeping the fun in life is the main message. “This show is celebrating free expression while having fun with the horror and B-movie genres. And it’s a lot of fun!”, she added. If Linda had the opportunity to build the perfect man, just like Frank does, she mentions humor, kindness, and a little bit of snark, as some of the characteristics she would add to the man-mix.
Nathan Madden as Frank ‘N’ Furter
Describe your character in 3 words: Demented, sensual, and fabulous
Favorite line from the show: “It’s not easy having a good time!”
Favorite Halloween costume growing up: “OMG! Don’t make me pick! I wore capes to school even when it wasn’t Halloween! Just sayin’! Honestly, I loved dressing in matching lumberjack outfits with my dad. I was so little and wanted to look just like him, so we used some charcoal to make a beard.”
LA based actor and creative, Nathan Madden (He/Him), returns to San Diego after a successful run of CCAE’s The Curious Incident of the Do in the Night-Time. This time, he takes on the iconic role of Frank ‘N’ Furter, originally portrayed in the film by legend Tim Curry. “I think it’s so fun and wild! I think the more I get to know Frank ‘N’ Furter, the more his plan to take over the world makes sense. I mean the world always needs more boa feathers and glitter darling!”, added Madden, who is an accomplished dancer and proud Juilliard graduate. He has graced the Broadway stages in shows like Chicago, An American in Paris, and Hello, Dolly!
Nathan describes Rocky Horror as an adventure of self-exploration under all the glitz and glam. “I think we can see the dangers of crossing into uncharted waters and going too far and yet always finding your way back home. Even if that’s another planet!”, he added. “We all go through phases of questioning who we are and what we have to contribute to the world. These kooky characters are no different. They take you on a rock n roll rollercoaster, through song and dance of course, to display just how vibrant and multicoloured Life can be.”, Nathan mentioned. If he could build a perfect partner, he lists deep connection, clear communication, and laughter, as important characteristics. “It sounds like my dating profile!”, he exclaimed.
Allen “Lucky” Weaver as Riff Raff
Describe your character in 3 words: Simmering, vengeful, resentful
Favorite line from the show: “Don’t dream it, be it.”
Favorite Halloween costume growing up: Blue Power Ranger / Pocahontas
“I love being loud and expressing myself. Doing a show like Rocky just aligns with my personality. And the music is so iconic.”, states Allen “Lucky” Weaver (He/They), Theatre artist based in LA, who was last seen on the Cygnet stage in Cabaret, and most notably as the hilarious family maid Jacob in La Cage Aux Folles. Lucky believes that all LGBTQ audiences will have something to connect to, since there are plenty of references nodding to the classic. They also mention that some new directorial and choreographic choices have been made to adhere to the humor and intellect of present-day audiences. Weaver mentions Frank’s boisterous personality as one of the elements that make this production so relevant. “When someone’s head gets too inflated, how does that affect everyone else?’’, they added.
If Allen could build the perfect man, they would make sure “‘great listener, great cool, and PLEASE have a sense of humor” are all on the ingredient list.
Traditionally, The Rocky Horror Show is very heavy on audience participation. Fans of the cult classic have created a script of callouts for the audience to yell out as the show happens. Throughout the years, props have been added to enhance the experience. Come to the show with an open mind and expect these shoutouts to happen.
Cygnet has put together a list of props that are accepted, as well as some that are not allowed to ensure the safety of artists and audience members equally. They can be found here
On top of that, Playbill has compiled a virgin’s guide to Rocky Horror callouts, and you can familiarize yourself with them before attending the show. Find it here:
https://playbill.com/article/the-virgins-guide-to-rocky-horror-callouts
Whether it’s your first time experiencing the madness of The Rocky Horror Show, or you are a true fan who knows the script by heart, this is the perfect opportunity to celebrate over 50 years of this wacky show of sexual liberation and freedom.
The Rocky Horror Show will be presented from September 11th through October 20th at Cygnet Theatre.