KAINALIU — Put on your fishnets and bustier, it’s time to do the Time Warp again at the Aloha Theatre.
The Rocky Horror Show returns to Kona for a limited engagement with all of your favorite characters and songs.
A humorous tribute to the science fiction and horror B movies of the 1930s through to the early 1960s, the musical tells the story of a newly engaged couple getting caught in a storm and coming to the home of a mad transvestite alien scientist, Dr. Frank-N-Furter. There they encounter a host of interesting characters, awaken their sexuality and witness the unveiling of Frank’s new creation, an artificially made, fully grown, physically perfect muscle man named Rocky, complete “with blond hair and a tan.”
The original Richard O’Brien play premiered in London in 1973 followed by the 1975 film starring Tim Curry. Still in limited release four decades after its premiere, the cult classic is the longest-running theatrical release in film history.
Maxwell Crispo takes the lead in the Aloha Performing Arts Company production as transvestite Dr. Frank, and nails the part. By day Crispo is doing his residency in naturopathic integrated oncology, but on stage he transforms into the the mad doctor.
“It was on my bucket list. I always wanted to be in the show,” said Crispo. He said Frank is a polarizing character. “Everyone has a reaction to the character. They love him, hate him or are attracted to him,” he said. He auditioned for the play, not expecting to be cast in the lead role.
“It’s a true honor,” he said.
The APAC production is directed by Miguel Montez, who portrayed Frank in the 2017 presentation.
“Playing Frank was an amazing experience, one of the best realized characters in theater. It’s iconic.” said Montez. “Directing has been a little bit about holding back and letting Max have his own experience in developing the character.”
“The cast is so young. For me seeing the new generation being introduced to the show has been a lot of fun,” said Montez.
The actor originally cast as Rocky fell ill last week and had to leave the island. Fortunately, Barry Levine, who has brought the character to life in the last seven APAC productions, stepped into the role once again.
“It keeps balance in my life. It’s a passion that makes me get excited by new challenges,” said Levine.
He said the young new cast brings lots of new energy to the production.
Plus they have an abundance of talent.
A member of that young cast Raisa Richmond plays Janet, the young, naive woman who loses her innocence in Frank’s castle. Having appeared in APAC productions since she was 9 years old, this is her first time acting in the perennial play.
“It’s been super fun and challenging to get out of my comfort zone. It’s like therapy on stage,” said the 2012 Kealakehe graduate.
Taking on the roll of Brad, Janet’s fiance is APAC newcomer Joel Carr. Having moved to Kona from Orlando last December, Carr previously worked as an entertainer at Walt Disney World and missed performing. When the opportunity to appear in Rocky opened, it was too much for him to pass up.
“Performing is a part of my life,” he said. “And here at the Aloha Theatre I get to be a part of a family.”
Rounding out the cast are Jaquelynn Jeanne Collier (Columbia/Usherette), Justine Smith (Magenta), William McGregor (Narrator), Stephen Alves (Riff Raff), Victor Lugo (Dr. Everett Scott), Zach Var (Eddie) Chamika Fujioka, Dove deMoss, Jen Ancheta, Rachel Carr and Sarah Friedman as Phantoms.
The limited engagement production starts tonight at 7:30 p.m. and continues tomorrow night and Oct. 30-31. Tickets range from $20-$35 and can be purchased online at apachawaii.org.
The production contains mature content and uses special effects include theatrical smoke and strobe lights.