Photo by James Diemer

“Let’s do the time warp again!” The cult classic Rocky Horror never fails to get audience members laughing, shouting, and prop-throwing. I’ve loved Rocky since middle school, which probably shocked some of my teachers at the time. But I was always fascinated with the story plot. In Rocky, Brad and Janet, innocent young adults from a small town, explore emotions of wonder, overindulgence, and the absence of both. Their character arcs always left me wondering and wanting to rewatch.

The overall message of Rocky, “Don’t dream it, be it,” had me sold on first watch at thirteen. I was almost Magenta for Halloween that year but realized I would have to explain all night, “No, I’m not a maid. I’m Magenta from Rocky Horror!” probably met with, “What’s that?” in the small cowtown I am from. Read on for why I love this cult classic so much and about my experience performing Rocky Horror at Theatre Lawrence in Lawrence, KS!

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

I returned to performing after 5 years in auditioning for Rocky Horror, 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. Just look at those faux locs! The comedic nature of Rocky was a freeing and comfortable way to get back in the swing of performing. I could be so wrong, but I’m pretty sure there is a Lady Gaga interview where she mentioned “doing sexy on her own terms” which I tapped into for this show.

As a “phantom,” we were told to name ourselves. I chose “Kittie!” There was something about the ability to transform from varying states — from slinky to playful to goofy, then back again — that was fitting with that name. This kind of performing was something I’ve never experienced in a show. I’m usually not comical on stage, cast in reserved roles like Ilse in Spring Awakening or more “traditional” chorus roles. Leaning into the absurd, laughing during rehearsals and not being afraid to be silly or “get it wrong” to discover what felt right, helped me get out of my shell and helped the cast bond even over a short rehearsal period. Back-to-back shows closing night left me married to my bed the next day, but it was 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 chatting, eating jalapeño pizza, petting cats, watching Waluigi sing Les Mis, 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, 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 for where I was at in my personal life to “make it out okay” on the stage.

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

Photos by James Diemer

To loved ones who came to the show:

Thank you for the flowers, kind words, and taking the time to come and stay after the show. “We’re glad you could come… tonight!”

To my Rocky cast:

How lucky we are to exist at the same time, friends. “Let’s do the time warp again!”

ALSO, sorry it took me over a month later to share photos. it takes me at least a month to recover from well, like, everything at this point. hahaha. ok, bye!

"Don't Dream It, Be It"