Rocky Horror Show Gears Up to Rock Sonoma

The live theater version of the original sci-fi, rock-n-roll musical "The Rocky Horror Show" is coming to town.

For those who haven’t yet been introduced to the “The Rocky Horror Show”, it is a satirical musical bringing together a hilarious mixture of Transylvanians, transvestites and science fiction heroes.

Philip Sales is producer, as well as set designer, props manager, and also plays the criminologist-narrator role onstage. Of course, Sales says “he has a few elves that help him.”  Cat Austin is stage director and music director, as well as vocal coach.

After looking at other musical shows with a comedic element, Sales and Austin settled on "The Rocky Horror Show" because, according to Sales, “It is a bit edgy, despite being almost 40 years old. I first saw it in 1974 in London before the movie was made. It starred a then unknown Tim Curry, who went on to also star in the enormously successful cult movie, ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’.”

While the show is definitely rated R (don’t bring the kids), Austin admits they have adjusted the show “a smidge” for the Sonoma version.

The team initially proposed a 10pm late night show on Saturdays, but met some opposition from neighbors of the Community Center.  “Neighbors like their peace and quiet, understandably,” said Austin.

 CAPS and the neighbors eventually compromised on a 9pm late show.  “We’re calling it ‘Sonoma's Midnight Show starting at 9:00’, well, it is midnight in New York,” said Sales, “and we have a 6pm show as well.”

Murphys Irish Pub will be putting a special "Rocky Horror Show" themed menu together for the run and offering a 10% discount on the “Rocky” themed items to ticket holders. The menu will be available on Saturdays for the 6pm show and also for pre-show dinners on Thursdays, Fridays and Saturdays and a post- 6pm show dinner on Saturdays. If you plan to eat at Murphy’s before the show, be sure to give yourself at least one hour before curtain.

Austin says the “feel good” show lets you step out of your “self imposed box” and express yourself in a different way.  “We happen to believe that Sonoma is ready for a little shake, rattle and roll.  This is a virtual romp for the senses.”

The movie version of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” has a long history of impromptu audience participation with a variety of props. The Sonoma production will encourage audience participation, but because of insurance and safety concerns, audience members will not be able to bring their own props. “Our actors bruise easily,” said Sales.

Audience Participation Kits will be available for $6. On Thursday nights, except on the June 30 opening, a free Audience Participation Kit will be given out as part of general admission.

 “We want everyone to be comfortable and entertained, both cult followers and those who haven’t seen the show,” said Austin. “Of course, audience participation is optional. You can simply show up and watch the spectacle unfold.”

“The Rocky Horror Show" will play Thursdays through Saturdays June 30 - July 16 in Andrews Hall at the Sonoma Community Center. (There will not be a Sunday matinee but there will be two shows on Saturday evenings.)

General admission is $22 and tickets are available at the Sonoma Community Center box office by calling (707) 938-4626 x 1, or you can visit the office in person. The show is put on by CAPS Productions, which produced last summer’s hit musical comedy “Ze Show. . . “ CAPS is a member of the Sonoma Theatre Alliance.