*Rocky Horror Show,* Theatre Lawrence
Photo by James Diemer

The cult classic Rocky Horror never fails to get audience members laughing, prop-throwing, and a whole lot of callback-ing. I’ve loved Rocky since middle school! I was almost Magenta for Halloween but realized I would have to explain all night, “No, I’m not a ‘sexy maid’—I’m Magenta from Rocky Horror, duh!” probably met with, “What’s that?”

With an affinity for white dresses, relaxing music, and at times a “grandma aesthetic,” my interest in this show was a shock to some of my friends and teachers at the time. Rocky Horror is about as far away as it gets from that. But my fascination with the plot from wonder to overindulgence to what was once so sweet leaving—not a sour or bittersweet taste—but leaving altogether always left me wondering and wanting to rewatch. This, paired with the overarching message about being true to oneself had me sold on first watch at thirteen.

“back-to-back shows closing night left me married to my bed the next day, but it was so, so worth it.”

Rocky was my return to the stage after 5 years, and I’m so glad this was the show I came back with. It was a 6-week rehearsal process and an adrenaline-packed 1-weekend run (and an absolute slay—look at those faux locs!)

There is something about the ridiculous nature of Rocky that was freeing and comfortable to get back in the swing of performing. I could so be remembering wrong, but I’m pretty sure there is a Lady Gaga interview where she mentioned “doing sexy”—because pop music expects that kind of performance from women—but “on her own terms.” As a “phantom,” we were all told to name ourselves. I chose the name “Kittie” because there was something about the ability to transform from varying states of slinky to playful to goofy then back again that was fitting with that name. This kind of performing (I’m usually not comical on stage, cast in reserved roles or chorus roles that are more “traditional”) was also something I’ve never experienced in a show, and it helped the cast bond so quickly.

Back-to-back shows closing night left me married to my bed the next day, but it was so, so worth it, performing with some sensational people acting sin-sational.

Doing shows is always fun, but it’s really great when your cast is so cool you stay over at one of their apartments until 5am eating jalapeño pizza, petting cats, watching Waluigi sing Les Mis, chatting, and napping on a cozy chair with champagne.

“The characters of the ‘phantoms’ dance through the chaos of life, thumb our noses at holding onto life too tightly and, instead, enjoy the thrill.”

I’d say, “Not to make it weird,” but Rocky’s weird—This year I’ve experienced more anxiety about my life path than ever (and it freaked me the hell out!) but this show provided a momentary escape. The characters of the “phantoms” dance through the chaos of life, thumb our noses at holding onto life too tightly and, instead, enjoy the thrill. In Rocky, none of the lead characters make it out unscathed, but the “phantoms” return to their home planet singing triumphantly. It felt nice to “make it out okay” on the stage.

Photos by James Diemer

This show landed into my life at a time I really needed it, and I’m thankful I experienced it with the people I was lucky enough to be cast alongside.