How often do you see a show or performance, and upon leaving you find yourself asking: “Who the hell was that? They were fantastic.”
You then do some research, only to find that many people have already joined the fan club, bought the album, worn the t-shirt, or whatever.
It’s just that the public relations machine hasn’t quite spread its tentacles in your direction.
I became a Tamsin Carroll fan in this very fashion, having seen her belt out tunes as Dusty Springfield musical.
But she won’t be the only name rolling off the lips of those who venture along to Rocky Horror Picture Show at Star City.
The show has been running three weeks and is still receiving high praise and packed audiences.
Much is to do with the show’s big three – Carroll, iOTA and Paul Capsis.
Capsis is superb and iOTA does a sterling job of the show’s traditional party tunes such as the Time Warp and Sweet Transvestite, but the true spine-chiller is his rendition of “I’m Going Home”, performed towards the tail of the show.
It’s the part of the show when everybody starts to feel sorry for the bad guy – and if the few tears in my aisle were any indication, iOTA does a pretty good job of it.
It was a shame Carroll’s role doesn’t allow her more solo time.
While All Saints Star John Waters, for mine, seemed a little unnatural, rushed and recited in his performance as the narrator, there were some pleasant surprises.
Sharon Millerchip might not headline, but her theatre resume speaks for itself – Cats, Chicago, Beauty and the Beast, Phantom of the Opera and in 2005 as one of Australia’s Leading Ladies.
Millerchip plays Columbia in Rocky Horror and for mine was equal to the performance of the night.
But Rocky Horror fans be warned: This show has been modified to fit into less than an hour and a half, which means it’s missing a fair whack of dialogue.
Rather, consider you’re going to a ramped (or should that be camped) up concert with some great voices, terrific costuming and reasonable sets.
The theatre lends itself to a party, so grab yourself a flashing glass with one of those slushie-style cocktails, let your hair down and time warp until your jumping to the left becomes right.
The show is designed to be a party atmosphere – not for a sedate crowd.
It’s difficult to be critical of such a top-line cast, but if there’s one note for the producers: It’s just not the same when Eddie doesn’t come out on a motorbike!
The show runs at Star Theatre until September. Tickets are at www.showbiz.com.au.
They sell for $79.90 through to $149.90 for a premium pack which includes guaranteed seating in the front eight rows and a bag of show goodies.
If you’ve seen the show, add your comments below.
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I found that individual performances shone only fleetingly but overall the show was flat and tired.
I found Columbine appalling (she sang flat most of the show!); Riff Raff only shone in the reprise of the Time Warp (talk about leaving it to the last minute!).
The sound system was appalling.
Costumes were drab (quite an achievement for a Rocky Horror production!)
The set was dull and disorganised (those awful tinfoil streamers and the weird door to the castle sucked out any atmosphere that should have been created).
I brought my family to this show to relive the magic of the 70s and all I got from them was “what was so good about that!”
This production sucks. I also wish I had known beforehand that most of the dialogue was cut and that we were not to experience the real Rocky experience. This production is a complete rip off!
The show was amazing. My family and I are going back to see it a second time. I would highly recommend seeing it to everyone.