A few horrors, much laughter

The Rocky Horror Show promises to bring in a few horrors, many laughs and a lot of excellent music as Atlantis Productions stages it later this year.

Headed by theater’s enfant terrible Bobby Garcia, Atlantis Productions has staged many critically and commercially successful theater outings such as Rent (also staged in Singapore), Jesus Christ Superstar with rock star Basti Artadi of Wolfgang, Robert Seña, Dessa, Anna Fegi among others in the cast, Hedwig and the Angry Inch (excerpts of which are featured in the special section of the DVD version of the movie), Proof featuring Lea Salonga and most recently, tick, tick... BOOM! by Jonathan Larson with Proof’s David Auburn as script consultant. Atlantis Productions is currently negotiating with the Singapore Repertory Theater to stage tick, tick... BOOM! in the Lion City.

To be staged at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium at the RCBC Plaza in Makati from Nov. 15 to Dec. 8, The Rocky Horror Show is this year’s most anticipated musical production, having gotten a Tony nomination for Best Broadway revival and also because of its star-studded talented cast.

Heading the eclectic and exciting cast of The Rocky Horror Show is theater and recording artist Calvin Millado as the "sweet transvestite" Frank N’ Furter (made popular in film by Tim Curry). This is not the first time that Calvin has taken centerstage as he played Roger, one of the major characters in Rent Manila and Rent Singapore.

Also starring in The Rocky Horror Show are pop artist Anna Fegi as the chambermaid Magenta and recording sensation Aiza Seguerra in the dual role of Eddie and Dr. Scott (at certain performances, Chari Arespacochaga plays the part).

Fast-rising diva Bituin Escalante plays Columbia, the groupie from hell, rock icon Jett Pangan (fresh from his starring role in tick, tick.... BOOM!) plays the butler Riff Raff, award-winning actor-director Michael de Mesa goes onstage as the Narrator while singer/actor Jay Espano brings life to Rocky. Theater stalwarts Joel Trinidad and Cathy Azanza play newly- engaged couple Brad and Janet.

The ensemble is rock solid because it not only features theater veterans Jake Macapagal, Jeremy Aguado, MaiMai Hernandez, Raul Montessa, Pheona Paras, Gloria Sicam and Nino Volante but it also has the girl we love to hate on TV: the abominably fabulous Mylene Dizon.

It is both interesting and refreshing that someone like Mylene Dizon would cross over to theater considering that she is one of the hottest and most talented young actresses in tinseltown. She recently starred in Super B as one of the Flower Pot Girls and is raising hell in Sa Dulo Ng Walang Hanggan as the evil Sally.

The Rocky Horror Show is a rock musical about a loving couple, a few lost monsters and a sweet transvestite from transsexual Transylvania who sing and dance through a campy, high spirited salute to horror movies and sexual liberation. Told in true horror film fashion, it’s the story of an ordinary couple and one unforgettable night at the Frank N’ Furter castle.

Two young adults, Brad Majors and Janet Weiss run into trouble and seek help from a light in the distance. It’s coming from the castle, where Dr. Frank N’ Furter, a transvestite from the planet Transsexual in the galaxy of Transylvania, is in the midst of one of his maniacal experiments.... beware!

The Rocky Horror Show is directed by Bobby Garcia with lighting design by Gerry Fernandez. Costume design is by top fashion designer Rajo Laurel with musical direction by ManMan Angsico and choreography by Andy Alviz.

The Rocky Horror Show runs at the Carlos P. Romulo Auditorium, RCBC Plaza, Makati from Nov. 15 to Dec. 8, 2002. For show buying or ticket information or sponsorship inquiries, contact Atlantis Productions at 892 7078.