WEST LIBERTY, W. Va. — West Liberty University Hilltop Players presentation of Richard O’Brien’s “The Rocky Horror Show” was a undeniably brilliant and visually stunning production with a phenomenal cast that has the audience engaged throughout the entire 95- minute performance. Thanks to directors Michael Aulick and Dr. Melinda Kreisberg, it was an enjoyable performance for both Rocky Horror veterans and virgins alike.
Len Batson completely sold the show with their rendition of the iconic Dr. Frank N’ Furter. Batson’s commanding stage presence and effortless vocals left the audience begging for more. The same can be said for Roman Hicks and Ryleigh Jordan, the production’s Brad and Janet. Both performers showed mastery in acting and vocals, as well as remaining in character when being called expletives while in the middle of a monologue or song.
Mason Stoll as Riff-Raff and Jamie Faulkiner as Magenta served the audience with ease and perfection, expecting nothing back. Both were comedic perfection and became fan favorites immediately.
Freshman Avery Hall was a standout as the Columbia understudy. For only having performed 4 times as Columbia with the entire cast prior, she had the confidence of a seasoned player—and performed like one too.
The entire cast is beyond talented and it goes unsaid the amount of work each performer put into fully encapsulating their roles. As the opener, Layla Morris sets the entire show up with “Science Fiction Double Feature” and grabs the audience’s attention immediately.
Ken Kittle was the perfect Rocky Horror, and though Eva Tennant’s stage time as Eddie is cut short, “Hot Patootie” is a crowd pleaser for sure.
Griffin Harder as Dr. Scott was absolutely fantastic, as well as Benjamin Mounsey’s Narrator, who guided the audience through the entire experience. The Phantoms (Rowland Dodd, Klisty Snider, Traelynn Alton, Ashton Cornell, Lee Curry, Lenixx Pugh, Olivia Mitchell, and Kiersten Statchko) were the glue that held this talented cast together.
Technically, the entire performance is out of this world. The musical numbers and choreography are smooth and professional, the sets and set pieces are changed seamlessly, and the costumes are amazing.
The whole crew does a phenomenal job: Dr. Linda Cowan as the musical director, Jill Warren as the choreographer, Cassandra Hackbart as the intimacy coordinator, Meta Lasch and Morgan Tusing as costume and prop designers, Hannah Ellis as the hair and makeup artist, Kris Marosz on sound design, Alex Franke on lighting design, and Jordan Derring as the stage manager with Chelsea Folmar and Morgan Tusing as assistant stage managers.
There is also nothing quite like having a live band playing for a musical, and “The Rocky Horror Show” is privileged to have such a talented group of musicians. The live band is comprised of Tiffany Sites, Dr. Linda Cowan, Frank Bombardiere, Jason Sivert, Sav Nelson, Alex Talkowski, and Chase Burdick.
With its twists and turns, catchy musical numbers, and hilarious audience participation, “The Rocky Horror Show” is not a show that you want to miss.
For those who have not seen it yet, there are still a few more showings available November 1-2 at 7:30 p.m. and November 3rd at 3:00 p.m. Tickets can be purchased at wlurocky.brownpapertickets.com
