Theater Review: 'The Rocky Horror Show' by Landmark Community Theatre

By Nancy Sasso Janis

Landmark Community Theatre has prepared a fun production of Richard O’Brien’s “The Rocky Horror Show” that has taken over the Thomaston Opera House through Oct. 28. The Oct. 14, 21, and 28 performances begin at midnight, and the Oct. 13, 20 and 27 shows have an 8 p.m. curtain.

This cult classic is a hilarious tribute to the sci-fi and horror B movies of the 1930s through the 1960s. It tells the story of sweethearts Brad and Janet who, during one stormy evening, happen upon the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-n-Furter seeking refuge. They quickly discover that something isn’t quite right when they encounter a houseful of wild characters.

This live performance is definitely not suitable for children as it contains strong language and sexual situations.

Christopher Ryan directs this version of the cult classic, which is one of his favorite shows. He notes in his director’s letter: “At a time when the world seems too fast, too angry, and too divisive, ‘Rocky’ brings everyone together in a way that is seldom seen in theater owing to the fact that the audience is such an integral part of the production. Everyone gets to play together–as it should be.”

Ryan and the entire production team have labored to bring the audience into the performance and succeed mightily. The actors move about the two side aisles of the Opera House, giving attendees an up close look at their performances. There are participation bags available for purchase with props to allow the owner to be part of the action. Even the fabulous orchestra, under the direction of music director Clio Janis, is projected on a large screen to take their rightful place as part of the experience.

Michael ‘Gonzo’ Gonsalves proves that he is more than “just a sound guy” as he bravely takes on the role of the transvestite Dr. Frank ‘N’ Furter in a great costume and plenty of stage presence. Nicholaus Komons wears the golden short shorts in the role of his latest creation, a muscular man named 'Rocky.'

Blaise DiModugno, who played Bob Wallace in Landmark’s “White Christmas,” plays Brad Majors and Katerina Levasseur shines in the iconic role of Janet. Katie Locascio plays both Usherette 1 and Columbia in her debut with Landmark, with Rachel Glander sings as Usherette 2 in her Landmark debut.

Landmark veteran Jonathan Jacobson has the perfect voice and stage presence to serve as the show’s Narrator.

Dylan Ryan, who recently played Matt in “The Fantasticks” with Community Theatre at Woodbury, is perfectly cast in the role of Riff Raff, playing his role to the hilt and singing extremely well. Julia Nelson gives a great performance as Magenta in her first Landmark show. Matthew Benson plays Eddie and community theater veteran Jonathan Ross takes to a wheelchair to play Dr. Scott.

The Transylvanians are played by Deb Diamante, Adam Dziob, Morgan Griffin, Shelby Griffin, Shane Christopher, Simone Matusevice and Gabriela Reyes. They nail the elaborate choreography by Stephanie Varanelli-Miles, who played Magenta in four separate productions of this show, with the original production at the Opera House 22 years ago.

The director was also in charge of set design with a detailed platform scene above the theater organ for the Narrator to sit. Opera House Organist Juan Cardona, Jr. masterfully performs Halloween pieces as the audience is seated. David Verdosci was the scenic artist and Ian Jones served as technical director.

Costumes designed by Dani Kay capture the campiness of the characters and allow the dancers to move.

Prop bags are available for purchase to help with audience participation during the performance. Bags are available online and at concessions prior to showtime for $10. Supplies are limited, so online purchases are encouraged. No outside props will be allowed.

I would encourage those new to the show to attend an 8 p.m. performance. All patrons are encouraged to attend the performances in costume (I went as Janet) and participate - but please be respectful and follow the rules. For many, this is sure to be the highlight of the Halloween season. tickets.landmarkcommunitytheatre.org

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theater reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, and she posts well over 100 reviews each year. She became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle in 2016. Her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted in the Naugatuck Patch as well as the Patch sites closest to the venue. She is also a feature writer and theater reviewer for the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column IN THE WINGS and theater reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theatre Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the CCC Facebook page.