by dick kerekes dickkerekes@yahoo.com
It has been about twenty-five years since those wild and crazy characters of the Rocky Horror Show have been on stage in Jacksonville. Chancey Productions Inc. will be opening this classic musical for a three week run starting June 21st at the 5 Points Theatre.
I saw the original stage production in London in the 70s. The play was made into a movie starring Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Meatloaf. It became a cult favorite and played midnights at theatres all over the country.
The movie played at the San Marco Theatre on Saturdays at midnight for several years. I lived in that area and I know I saw it at least 40 times. When movies became available on VHS and DVD, everybody could own a copy; the movie disappeared from the theatres and so did the fans that dressed like the characters.
I will bet that some of the audience participants from those days are now grandparents, but probably still have the costumes and make up stashed away in some closet. Well get it out - there will be some audience participation at selected performances.
Producer Joey Chancey, who is also the musical director, says there will be limited audience participation at the Friday and Saturday l0:30 pm shows, none at the 8 pm performances. Tickets will go on sale May 28th at l0 am online at chanceyproductions.com, or you can call (904) 252-1077. Ticket prices will range from $2l to $32 with some “nightclub” type seating available.
Joey and his Associate Producer/General Manger, Vanessa Harper, have assembled an outstanding cast from around the country, including some of our wonderful local talent, such as Randall Adkison, Juan Unzueta and Michelle Berry. Our own Lee Hamby is creating the costumes for this stellar production.
Last summer Chancey produced tick,tick,BOOM at the Atlantic Theatres to rave reviews. Chancey is excited about using the historic 5 Points Theatre, which has been completely renovated by the Mike Shad group, along with the rest of the building. 5 Points has become such an eclectic area, with a variety of restaurants and interesting shops. Although Joey will be leaving for New York to audition for a Broadway roadshow after this production closes, Chancey Productions Inc. has plans for future contemporary musicals in Jacksonville and wants to produce Jacksonville Summer Music Theatre as an annual event.
Rocky Horror is going to be the big event of the summer and I would recommend buying tickets early since this is a limited run. If you want a sample before you pay your money, be at ArtWalk downtown on June 6 at 6 pm in Hemming Plaza when the cast will present highlighted songs from the production for free (It would be great to see a few diehard Rocky fans dressed up!)
Shows will be presented on Thursday, Friday and Saturday. There will plenty of free street parking all over 5 Points since many of the businesses close at 5 pm and adult beverages will be available at all show (with proper ID, of course).
If you have never seen this show, wow are you in for a treat no matter what your age. Well, start looking for rice, toast and a squirt gun so you will be prepared for The Rocky Horror Show. Girls...don’t forget the fishnets.
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