For Sadie Lamparyk’s first year in The Rocky Horror Picture Show, there is one part she is most excited for:
“I’m really looking forward to being in my underwear up on stage in front of a bunch of people.”
That is the thing about Rocky and the Lost Flamingo Theatre Company’s staging of it. The night is a group of sweaty people, decked out in glitter and lace, belting out the lyrics to “Time Warp.” Their corsets are tied, their thigh-highs are secure and red lipstick is carefully painted on their lips. And it is not just the cast — it is everyone.
There are no expectations. There is not really a dress code. It is $5 at the door and a night in The Union Bar & Grill, 18 W. Union St., with 300 newly-made friends.
“It’s very liberating,” Sasha Gough, an Athens resident who plays Dr. Scott, said. “There’s nothing that you can’t do besides be an asshole. You can walk around half-naked and everyone is kind of OK with it. There’s no question.”
The show is coming home to The Union after the fire on Union Street in November 2014 forced the show to relocate to Jackie O’s Pub & Brewery for one year.
The show is getting more notice nationally due to FOX’s upcoming remake, starring Laverne Cox, Victoria Justice and Ryan McCartan. It airs on Oct. 20, the same day LFC’s show begins.
“I’m not worried it will affect our attendance or anything,” Kelly Bergenstein, a senior studying sociology pre-law and director of the show, said. “People can go watch it online the next day. Why would you not go support local art? Why would you not go see something that you won’t be able to replay the next day? Like, it’s not going to be on Netflix a few months from now. This is an experience, not just a show. And that’s what we market to people.”
She said she will give the remake a chance at a later time. She will be focused that night on the show, which is based on a cult classic. Logan Amon, a junior studying child and family studies who is playing Dr. Frank-N-Furter, saw that movie for the first time after he had already landed the part.
“I actually hadn’t seen the movie when I auditioned,” Amon said. “I didn’t tell them until we all did the cast viewing party. I was like, ‘Hey, I haven’t seen this.’”
At first he thought it was “wildly inappropriate for no reason,” but now that he is in it, he understands it.
And so do the people of Athens. With lines that span the block outside of The Union, Bergenstein knows that her work does not go unnoticed. And it will not for her final year.
“Now we’re in our 15th year and it’s such a staple in fall Athens culture and you don’t want to be the person that messes that up,” Bergenstein said. “So, there was a lot of pressure when I first got started but now, it’s like it’s not so much about the performances. It’s not so much about the show or the movie or the music — it’s about the experience and if you get the experience right, that’s what matters and I realized that that’s what was happening.”
Dr. Frank-n-Furter Played by: Logan Amon Junior studying childhood and family studies
First year in RockyDr. Frank-n-Furter is:"Very sexual. Very moody." Why do you think you all are so close?
We do a lot of weird shit together. We all do a lot of weird sexual stuff together because we have to because it’s in the show, so we automatically bond. But then, I just feel like we all spend so much time together that we all just have a mutual love for the show and that just kind of brings people together. What’s your favorite TV show?Shameless. It is so good. I made my mom buy the DVDs even though it’s on Netflix now.
THE PLOT:
Is known for being bizarre.
Basically, engaged couple Brad Majors and Janet Weiss are stranded after their car breaks down. They seek refuge in the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite and mad scientist. They have a weird time meeting the cast of characters at the mansion, which include his servants and his own man-made man, Rocky Horror.
The original movie was released in 1975 and was directed by Jim Sharman. Tim Curry played the original Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Susan Sarandon played Janet and Barry Bostwick played Brad.
Janet Weiss Played by: Tess Plona Fifth-year student studying integrated language arts
Third year in RockyJanet is:“Annoying. Uptight. … She’s so annoying. Impressionable.” How have you changed from being involved in Rocky?
So this is my third year and I think over the years I’ve just become a lot more comfortable with myself. Definitely baring almost everything on stage … it forces you to become comfortable. I’ve also just made some great connections. I’ve met so many different people, so many different kinds of people. What’s your favorite place to be at in Athens?Probably my bedroom or College Green.
HOW IT WORKS:
The cast of LFC has been rehearsing since the beginning of the academic year. The original movie plays behind the cast, who acts out what is happening on screen. That means the cast rehearses every movement the original actors are doing to be able to mimic them spot-on.
DEFINITION OF A ROCKY VIRGIN:
“A Rocky virgin is someone who has never seen a live showing of the movie. So sitting on your couch at home, watching the movie does not alleviate your virgin status. It does not disappear until you see it live and you’ve gone through the sacrifices — you’re still a virgin,” Kelly Bergenstein, the director, said.
Brad Majors Played by: Zach Delin Sophomore studying linguistics
Second year in RockyBrad is:“... repressed. I feel like a lot of times he’s really uptight and stiff but then I think at the end he realizes there’s a bit more to him, and what he thought he was, is not who he really is.”
Why should people come to the show?
For one night, you can do whatever the hell you want, not be judged for it, look like a total f--king fool and be as sexy as you want. So, why not come? What’s your favorite food? I like the tempura burrito at Fusion.
THE CALLBACKS:
Rocky Horror is all about rituals — one aspects being the callbacks, where audience members become part of the dialogue.
“When you usually hear the word callback, it means in an audition, you’re being ‘called back’ to … (complete) another stage of the process,” Darragh Liaskos, who is the assistant director, said. “But in Rocky, there’s a line and then the audience ‘calls back’ onto stage what we’ve said.”
The audience fills in natural pauses with phrases that make sense to the dialogue already happening — which can lead to a lot of shouting.
An example:
You're a
brad
stick a
the audience
hotdog
brad
up your
the audience
but you'd better not try to hurt
brad
squirt
the audience
her
brad
with your twelve inch
the audience
Frank Furter!
brad
ADVICE:
If it is your first Rocky, the cast has some things they would like you to know:
“You’re not going to understand it. Don’t try to understand it. Like, don’t try to gain meaning from this movie. There is none. But also, come with an open mind and (be) ready to have fun. Just really embrace it.” Tess Plona, who is playing Janet
“Be a virgin. Embrace the virgin. Don’t say you’re not a virgin when you really are.” Kate Keverline, who is playing Columbia
“Just come in with an open mind and an open wallet for the bar.” — Jeralayne Ruiz, who is playing Magenta
“I wouldn’t tell them anything because going to a Rocky show is 10 trillion times better when you have no idea what you’re get into. That’s how it was the first time I ever saw Rocky and it was so overwhelming so I would tell them nothing.” — Sarah DiFiore, who is in the Whorus
MEET THE DIRECTORS
Kelly Bergenstein, Director Senior studying sociology pre-law
Fourth year with Rocky
What are you thoughts going into this year’s Rocky?
I feel really good about this year. I don’t know if it’s because it’s my fourth year involved or my third year in charge or the people — I don’t know. Maybe the stars and planets aligned. I just think we have the right people in the right place at the right time and now that The Union is back, it just truly feels like this is how I want to end my time at Ohio University is doing this, with these people, at this time. Who’s a role model in your life?I want to say every woman in my life is someone I look up to, but particularly my mom. We don’t have a terrible amount in common but I think the best parts about me came from watching her and just everything that she does I aspire to.
Darragh Liaskos, Assistant Director Sophomore studying media arts and studies
Second year with Rocky, previously a makeup artist What is the impact Rocky has on Athens?
I definitely think it’s brought a little bit of sexual fluidity and sexual freedom to campus … and it kind of takes aways the stigma of being sexual and just being free with your body. Because, a lot of times people are like, ‘Oh that’s just so slutty, I can’t even imagine being involved in something like that’ and you see us and we’re all like childhood majors and teachers and we’re just being free. Favorite place to get food Uptown? Salaam. Yeah, that’s my favorite place.
MEET THE CAST
Rocky Played by: Brian Barnett Sophomore studying management information systems and business analytics
Second year in Rocky, previously in the Whorus Rocky is: “(Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s) sexual … play-thing. … he’s just kind of there for other people’s amusement.”
Why should people attend the show?
It’s very loose and very free. People can kind of do whatever they want with the character they’re playing. Year to year, each character is just a little bit different based on who’s playing it and how they’re doing it. If you could travel anywhere, where would you go?
This is probably pretty lame, but I think it’d be really cool to go to California and just see all the national parks and see the redwood forests.
Dr. Scott Played by: Sasha Gough Athens resident
First year in Rocky Dr. Scott is: “really smart, through the entire movie he just feels really confused. Even though he knows all of the characters, a lot of times he’s just scrambling to keep up with all of the nonsense.”
What kind of impact has Rocky made?
It’s a lot about gay sex and fun things like that and so for people who might not be comfortable with the idea of their own sexuality or trying to find their own sexuality, this is a really good place to start because it’s a place where you can come in straight and come out feeling gay. Who is someone who has made an impact on your life? I’m going to go with Darren Criss because I love him so much. He’s just had a lot of things fall into his lap but he stays consistently humble.
Columbia Played by: Kate Keverline Junior studying journalism and a previous Post reporter
Third year in Rocky Columbia is: “A dramatic girl. She gets attached to people very easily. She falls in and out of love with several characters in the course of two hours and she kind of sacrifices herself for Frank at the end.”
What are you looking forward to?
I like the energy at the shows. That group of people is pretty special and different than if you’re going to go to a random concert at The Union.
If you could have any superpower, what would it be? Oh no. Um, to fly.
Magenta Played by:Jeralayne Ruiz Junior studying music therapy
Third year in Rocky Magenta is: “Crusty. Domestic. And — am I allowed to say bitchy?”
Why did you get involved?
I have been watching Rocky since I was like 11, without my parents’ knowledge, and I was so in love with it and I got so excited and I was like “Oh, I’ll just audition and maybe I’ll be in the Whorus or something” and I actually got double cast my first year (as Magenta). What’s the best class that you’ve ever taken?I think my favorite class was Intro to Communication Sciences and Disorders with Dr. McCarthy. I love that man. … It was so interesting and engaging.
Riff Raff Played by: Sam White Junior studying music therapy
Second year in Rocky Riff Raff is: “Crusty and terrifying. Creepy crusty.”
What’s are you most looking forward to?
I love doing “Time Warp.” … Every time we get up there you just here everyone get so excited. They’re doing the dance in the crowd and it’s like … I can’t even hear myself because everyone knows the words. If you could go see any band/singer in concert, who would it be? Panic! At The Disco.
Eddie Played by: Kirby Flowers Senior studying music therapy
Fourth year in Rocky Eddie is: “in one song. I come out of a vault. I’m half-dead. I have sex with a character on stage and then I get murdered. And, yep. So I’m just a crazy, half-human, sex-maniac who plays the saxophone.”
What should people know before coming to a Rocky show?
Don’t go in with any expectations at all and just embrace whatever happens. The more you try and resist — that’s the awkward people. Best gift you’ve ever received? The gift of life from my mother.
Criminologist Played by: Alexis Chambers Junior studying screenwriting and producing
Second year in Rocky The Criminologist is: “basically the narrator and the investigator of the case of what happened at Frank’s castle.”
How have you felt like this experience has impacted your time at OU?
It’s just made it just so much more fun, I think, and just so much more special because I’m a part of something that’s been going on for so long. Favorite store to shop at?Urban Outfitters.
MEET THE WHORUS
“The Whorus, pretty much for all of the big musical numbers, we’ll go in back and do a dance, and then throughout the show, we also play as props, so I push the wheelchair around. There’s one song — ‘There’s a Light’ — where we all pretend to be lights. Do things like that. Since we don’t really have a set for our show, we’re just on stage, we fill in that role as props.” — Sarah DiFiore, a member of the Whorus who also plays a wheelchair.
Played by: Erica Richard (The Lips) Junior studying retail merchandising and fashion product development
First year in Rocky
What’s your favorite part about performing?
Probably the connection that you make with the other people onstage. A lot of acting and performing is nonverbal so you make a connection and you react with other people’s reactions and it’s really cool. If you could visit anywhere in the world right now, where would you go?
I would go to Paris.
Lexie Pritchard Junior studying music production
Third year in Rocky Whoreographer's role: “I basically just teach all the dances, clean all the dances, perfect all the dances — make sure we look good. So I carry the weight of that side of everything. Just make sure that they look as good as they could look.”
What have you learned during this experience?
I feel like, as a person, I’ve made a huge progression from who I was as a freshman doing Rocky to who I am now, and I attribute a lot of that to the environment that Rocky provides. And not giving a shit is, like, really liberating. Who would play you in the movie of your life?I feel like either Amy Schumer or Jennifer Lawrence. And when I’m trying to be poised, Blake Lively.
Played by: Gwendolyn Fuller Senior studying integrated media
Second year in Rocky
How do you feel like the show has impacted Athens?
For me, I’m just so proud to be a part of it. I think it’s such a cool thing to be a part of because people really look forward to it every year and that’s so cool and it’s like a shared experience with so many people here. If you could only have one food for the rest of your life, what would it be?
No one else I bet will ever say this, but grapefruit is my favorite thing in the entire world. I eat them every single day of my life.
Played by: Sadie Lamparyk Junior studying communication sciences and disorders
First year in Rocky
How’s the experience of Rocky been?
(Being in Rocky is) really fun. I kind of have to put on this image of being sexy. … I’m a smaller person so I feel like a lot of times people refer to me as ‘cute’ so trying to be sexy is a weird thing and you’re supposed to be all touchy with each other so it’s an interesting sexuality experience. Favorite show to binge-watch on Netflix: I just finished The Office but I’m a really big fan of New Girl because I think Zooey Deschanel is awesome.
Played by: Hannah Rossio Junior studying communication
First year in Rocky
What’s your role being in the Whorus?
I’m just sexy all the time. Best book you’ve ever read? Ready Player One (by Ernest Cline).
Played by: Sarah DiFiore Junior studying child and family studies
First year in Rocky
What are you most looking forward to?
I’m really excited because my mom is coming to the show so I can’t wait to hang out with her and see her reaction. Favorite movie? Gia. Angelina Jolie is in it.
Played by: Casi Arnold Senior studying playwriting and women’s, gender and sexuality studies
Fourth year in Rocky
What impact has the show had on your life?
It was the very first thing I did freshman year, basically. So it’s painted my entire college career, I’d say. It really just helped me come out of my shell immediately because I was super shy in high school. What are three things you always have with you? Obviously phone, keys, wallet. I freak out if I don’t feel those things in my pocket. And I have a bookbag on most of the time. So I guess that’s four things.
Played by: Eberle Ferrell Junior studying photography
Second year in Rocky
Why do you think seeing the show is a popular thing to do in Athens?
The show is so different and no one really understands it and I think you can just have a lot of fun with it. So, I tell all my friends about it who have never seen it before and they’re like, “This doesn’t make sense — why would we go to this?” But I think people are just attracted to it because it’s so different. People who come here to watch it and pay to see it, they get to be something they’re not for a night. What’s the first CD you ever owned? CDs weren’t huge, but I remember I went to buy an All Time Low CD. I don’t remember which album it was, but it’s definitely something All Time Low, which is hilarious.
Played by: AJ Johnson Junior studying communication and education
First year in Rocky
How has the first year been?
I love it so much. I cannot wait to do it, next year and the year (after) — and I want to come back and keep on doing it till I’m 98 years old. I love it so much. I didn’t think it would be this fun. It was a little awkward at first, but I think it’s great now.
What did you want to be when you were growing up? I wanted to perform, actually, so living out the dream, dancing half-naked.
