The Hilo Community Players will launch a vibrant celebration of the 50th anniversary of the 1975 film adaptation of “The Rocky Horror Show” with a series of nine performances at the Keawe Theater in Hilo. The interactive musical will kick off tonight at 19:30 and run through to Sunday, with additional shows scheduled from October 24 to October 26. A special Halloween double-feature performance will take place on October 30, 2023, at both 19:30 and midnight.
This audacious production, known for its themes of sexual liberation and gender fluidity, invites audience participation. Parental discretion is advised due to its mature content, which explores the adventures of a naive couple who find themselves stranded in a storm and encounter a host of eccentric characters.
Rachel Klein, the executive director of the Hilo Community Players and co-director of the show, emphasized the unique experience each rendition offers. “We try to be creative with our staging, and while some elements are homages to moments from the film, every production is a different experience,” Klein stated.
Originally a stage musical by Richard O’Brien, “The Rocky Horror Show” debuted in London in 1973 and was famously adapted into the cult classic film featuring Tim Curry in 1975. The Keawe Theater production encourages audience engagement by offering $10 prop kits that attendees can reserve with their tickets to enhance their experience.
“Because of the interactive nature of the show, it’s really fun for us to see what unfolds differently at each performance,” Klein noted. “The actors have to be ready and think on their feet, because they never know what different audiences will bring to the mix.”
Actor Sean Douglas, who portrays Brad, described the show as embodying “’70s glam rock” and intentionally campy. He highlighted the transformative journey of his character and his fiancée, Janet, stating, “The growth of the characters reflects the benefits of personal growth and making room for every kind of person in a community.”
In a notable change, Klein and co-director Kimo Apaka have reimagined the character of Dr. Frank N. Furter as a nonbinary individual. Klein emphasized the importance of representation, stating, “I think it’s important for all members of the community to see themselves represented on stage.”
The production’s costumes, designed by drag performer Moses Lee, promise to be “risque, stylish, and fun,” featuring an array of feathers, sequins, and custom-built pieces. The seating arrangement for the audience, approximately 100 people, will be in a horseshoe shape surrounding a versatile centerpiece that will transform throughout the performance into various iconic elements of the show.
Apaka, a graduate of the University of Hawaii at Hilo, expressed excitement over the immersive setup. “This will be especially entertaining as audiences get to see the story unfold from different angles, and for some, they’ll be very close to all the action,” he explained.
He added, “We definitely want the audience to suspend their disbelief and enjoy the night as the story unfolds with us.”
Tickets to “The Rocky Horror Show” are available for $25 in advance or $30 at the door, which opens half an hour before showtime. For those interested in attending, tickets can be purchased at tinyurl.com/yuhtmmfz.
This production not only celebrates a beloved musical but also promotes messages of acceptance and understanding, making it a heartfelt addition to the cultural landscape of Hilo.