The Fugard Theatre presents Richard O’Brien’s iconic rock musical The Rocky Horror Show. This will be the very first time in the 21st Century that the show is staged professionally in the Mother City. It is produced by Eric Abraham and The Fugard Theatre, and opens on the 10th July 2013.
The Rocky Horror Show, which has travelled the world since making its humble debut at the Royal Court Theatre in London in 1973– celebrates its 40th Anniversary in 2013, continues to sell out theatres around the globe. Outrageous when it first burst onto the London scene forty years ago The Rocky Horror Show retains its power to thrill, entertain and provoke audiences globally. The Fugard Theatre’s Daniel Galloway said, “Following on from the phenomenal success of Kramer & Petersen’s Kat & the Kings, we are looking forward to presenting this provocative, irreverent, anti-establishment rock musical that carries a strong call for personal freedom. It is going to provide another great night out at the Theatre!”
The Rocky Horror Show tells the story of a newly engaged couple, Brad and Janet, getting caught in a storm and seeking refuge at the home of a madcap transvestite scientist, Dr. Frank-N-Furter, who unveils his latest creation - a muscle man named Rocky Horror. There they meet some of the strangest people on the planet. This saucy, racy musical features hits like “Science Fiction/Double Feature”, “Dammit, Janet!”, “Sweet Transvestite” and the infamous “The Time Warp” and “Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch-a, Touch Me”.
This Fugard Theatre production features a stunning all South African cast which includes Paul du Toit (Binnelanders, Backstage, Semi Soet, Liefling) as Brad, Jenny Stead (Cardenio, The Comedy of Errors, The Secret Love Life of Ophelia, Glass Roots) as Janet, Pierre Van Heerden (The Lion King, Chicago, Cats, Grease) as Dr. Scott & Eddie, Brendan Van Rhyn (Mile High – Cathy Specific, Thoroughly Modern Millie, Tree Aan) as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Andrew Laubscher (A Midsummer Night’s Dream, Lovborg’s Women, Antony and Cleopatra) as Riff Raff, Daneel Van Der Walt (Big Girl, Good Will Acting, Myth of Andrew and Jo) as Magenta, Lucy Tops (Face The Music, Black Ties and Friends, Absolucy & That 80’s Show) as the Usherette, Dominique Maher (The Adventures of Sam Swallow, Denim to Diamonds) as Columbia, newcomer Shaun Smit as Rocky and Adrian Galley (The Deal, Cardenio, Villa Sofia, Tonight Neither Hamlet, King Lear, Not the Midnight Mass, The Circus Sideshow) as The Narrator. Jenna Robinson Child, Angela Inglis, Zolani Shangase and Tarquinn Whitebooi are the ensemble and understudy cast.
The production is directed by Fleur Du Cap Best Director Nominee Matthew Wild (Comedy of Errors, Cosi fan Tutte, Il Viaggio a Reims, Dalliances, The Rake’s Progress). Designers on the production are Tina Driedijk (Suor Angelica, The Rake’s Progress, Cosi fan Tutte and Yeomen of the Guard) and Penny Simpson (Evita, Fiddler on the Roof , Man of La Mancha and Magic Flute) with Musical Supervision by Charl-Johan Lingenfelder (Dirty Dancing, Jesus Christ Superstar, Hair, Hairspray, Chess, High School Musical, Grease and Evita), Musical Direction by Stefan Lombard (Cabaret, Noel and Gertie, Chicago the Musical) who will be assisted by Roelof Coelyn (Handful of Keys, Rock On Beethoven). Choreography is by Louisa Talbot (Resident Choreographer We Will Rock You and High School Musical, soloist for The Cape Dance Company and Bovim Ballet). Alex Tops is the Resident Director.
The Fugard Theatre will be specially transformed to bring audiences the Rocky Horror experience of a lifetime! There are special dress up evenings where patrons can dress up in their best Rocky Horror gear and stand a chance to win a delicious prize. Audiences are most welcome to dress up on any night to enhance their enjoyment of this musical romp. And to round off the experience - audience participation packs will be available at each performance – so there is no need to bring any of your own props along as The Narrator will strictly control the action.
Audiences can look forward to excellent sight lines from all seats in the Main Auditorium as the Theatre recently completed a renovation. Performances run Tuesday to Fridays at 8pm, on Saturdays at 4pm and 8pm and on Sunday at 3pm.Tickets, ranging from R90 to R230, are available through Computicket or the Fugard Theatre box office on 021 461 4554. Friends of the Fugard benefit from the usual discounts when booking through the box office. Call the box office for details of corporate hospitality packages.
