Review: ROCKY HORROR SHOW at Birmingham Festival Theatre A Fun Night Out
Fans of the cult classic, “The Rocky Horror Show,” gathered with pre-show excitement at Birmingham Festival Theatre, looking forward to a night filled with laughter, energy, and enchanting audience interaction. The curtains lifted revealing an incarnation of the beloved piece masterfully directed by Sam Torres.
The Cast Shines
Tyree Walker led the able cast as the irresistibly eccentric Frank ‘N’ Furter. Walker brought an undeniable stage presence and a charismatic likeness to the acclaimed character. Gabby Nieto-Hale and Flap Jack worked up charm as Janet and Brad, perfectly capturing the wide-eyed innocence of the characters for maximum comedic effect.
Leslie Plaia stood out for her role as both the Usherette and Magenta. Each line delivered with Plaia’s unnerving sense of danger, paired with a sly wink, saw her stealing almost every scene she was in.
Jalen Brown’s comedic timing as Riff Raff was memorable. The physicality he brought to the role made Riff Raff a standout character. Alongside Brown, Alex Freemen flexed across the stage playing a very convincing Rocky, and Destiny Clark’s narration was witty and enchanting, keeping audiences engaged throughout.
Laughs and Audience Participation
The production didn’t shy away from the show’s inherent campiness, embracing the absurdity with much gusto. It was replete with comedic moments, both intentional and improvised, that kept audiences laughing all evening. And one cannot forget the “callback” tradition that made this show even more enjoyable, encouraging audience participation at key points during the performance.
Final Verdict
The Birmingham Festival Theatre’s rendition of “The Rocky Horror Show” was a vibrant, campy, and thoroughly entertaining treat. Despite it not being the most polished production around, it undeniably delivers on the promises of the original show to bring laughter and engage audiences in a world of the wonderfully bizarre.
If you’re after a good time and the chance to do the Time Warp again, this performance of “The Rocky Horror Show” is definitely worth checking out.
More Theatre to Look Forward
Also scheduled to run this season in Birmingham is Disney and Cameron Mackintosh’s “Mary Poppins,” at the Red Mountain Theatre. This enchanting musical of child caregivers, whimsical charm, and heartwarming story surely set the city on edge with excitement.
Furthermore, theatre-goers can look forward to an exhilarating run of “Anything Goes” set to launch at Theatre Tuscaloosa in August. Birmingham Festival Theatre’s successful run of “The Rocky Horror Show” adds to the eclectic mix of performances in Birmingham, affirming its place as a hub for talent and diverse theatrical expressions.