Give yourself over to absolute pleasure
MRU takes on the Rocky Horror Show
Nathan Ross
Arts Editor
After changing the traditions with their performance of Hamlet, the theatre program at Mount Royal is taking on a show where rituals are sacred.
Break out the fishnets, and arm yourself with toast, because The Rocky Horror Show is coming to MRU.
Photo: Nathan Ross
They are breaking the bank with this production, and going all out. The theatre department is spending more on this show than any show since before the turn of the millennium.
Zakk MacDonald, a second-year student in the theatre program, is playing the role of the Narrator, and is very excited to be taking part in the production.
“It’s a rock-and-roll musical, so it’s going to be super fun. Also, there’s sex, it’s totally ridiculous and just an over-the-top show that’s a lot of fun,” MacDonald said.
The show will run from March 28 to April 6, and will be featuring two midnight shows on March 30 and April 6 as it closes out the performance.
As with Hamlet, MRU will be adding some creative twists to make the run of the show their own, while still keeping most of the unique habits many have come to expect with Rocky Horror.
“A lot of the stuff is the classic stuff such as yelling back at the actors, but we’re switching some things up where some of the Transylvanians will be spraying the audience to create rain,” MacDonald said.
“Also, another twist will be that instead of people throwing cards at Frank-N-Furter, Frank-N-Furter will be the one throwing cards.”
When taking on Rocky Horror, it’s important to know that this is a cherished and sacred work, which is why the cast knows that there will be risks no matter how they do.
“It’s exciting, but also really nervous at the same time. The shows are going to be filled with the Rocky Horror enthusiasts. They’re going to be filled with crazy people. Sometimes, you’re going to get crazies and you’re going to have to control them. They’ll just shout ‘Boring!’ if they don’t like it. It’ll be a challenger but it’ll be a good experience.”
Tickets are a little pricy for this Mount Royal performance, as they are $20 – double the usual price of tickets for MRU theatre productions. However, those involved with the show are confident that once viewers leave they’ll feel more than content with the money paid to see their art.
The show is expected to sell out, so make sure you get your tickets when you can. Call the Mount Royal Conservatory right away, as it is unlikely that these tickets will make it to the door.
