Where is that jump to the left?Rocky Horror is the apex of 1970’s camp horror, this schmaltzy parody of the 1950’s late night double feature meets alien infested sex romp lingers in the popular imagination. Perhaps it has something to do with the most basic of human needs at the very heart of the musical - the deep yearning for glory of glories - human touch. That said, for all its delectable campery, its homoerotic perversity and transgressive spirit, Director Gale Edward’s incarnation of this evergreen musical is sadly lacking in sexiness.
Iota has the golden voice of a dark angel, Paul Capsis mystically channels Iggy Pop as Riff Raff, Sharon Millerchip’s New York Bronx inflected Columbia steals the show. Strengths aside, despite the lashings of fish netted, bare midriffed, mascared lithe creatures of the night and a blonde haired blue-eyed muscle Mary named Rocky - well - it all amounts to as much sexiness as a eunuch at a Lamington Drive. There is more wicked fun, innuendo, frottage and libidinal stirring at a below average Melbourne Drag show at 3am Saturday morning than in this production.
Simply put, the show’s stand out consolation is Iota’s extraordinary spine tingly show stopping rendition of I'm Going Home.
Iota love you, but Frank’n’furter the fella in kinky fetishwear who runs the queer Frankenstein factory in an old mansion. Honey really - he could do with a little more Elvis Pelvis. Narrator Darren Hinch. Honey no really - get ye to the viagra. Let the touching begin!
Bitchiness aside, non-arthritic nostalgia buffs will love doing stomach crunches to the Time Warp again.
Richard O’Brien’s
Rocky Horror Show
Venue: Comedy Theatre | 228-240 Exhibition Street, Melbourne 3000
Dates: 12 Sep 2008 – 25 Jan 2009
Times: Tuesday @ 7pm; Wednesday, Thursday & Friday @ 8pm; Saturday @ 4pm and 8pm; Sunday @ 2pm and 6pm
Bookings: 1300 795 012 or www.ticketek.com.au
