The Louisville Cardinal

(official student newspaper for the University of Louisville)

November 12, 2002

Fishnets, glitter, black mascara, and lots of cleavage... these are the things we truly love about The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Who in their right mind would try to entertain an audience of hard-core Frank N. Furter and Magenta fans without these essential elements? Well, Adam Watson and an incredible cast and crew of volunteer participants attempted this very feat Friday night on 91.9 WFPK FM, giving Louisville its first experience with The Rocky Horror Radio Show. In what was much like a 1930s radio drama, the actors evoked vivid images of freaky-yet-sexy ghoulishness, even without the visuals.

The most remarkable aspect of the entire production was the fact that it was all completely live, including the music, which was performed by The Rebis Electric Quartet. It is the songs that make Rocky Horror such a delight for fans, and this band was no letdown. They performed such hits as "Time Warp" with so much incredible enthusiasm and energy that it was difficult to believe the performance was live.

One cannot neglect the fabulously flamboyant cast of talented actors and actresses. Although all performances were wonderfully animated and lively, a few stuck out as truly one-of-a-kind. Magenta was her deliciously evil and sexy self through the talents of Delores Norman, Alexander V. Thompson brought out Dr. Frank N. Furter's psychotic charm flawlessly, and the gum chewing, Jersey-girl air of Columbia was performed humorously by Wanda E. Peck. Other talented actors and actresses included Rebecca Grossman playing the innocent Janet, Lance Hillman as the assertive Brad, Neil Bradley as the mysteriously macabre Riff Raff, Rick O'Daniel-Munger playing both Eddie and Dr. Everett Scott, and Dan Phillips as the grunts of Rocky himself. This was not only Adam Watson's first experience with directing and producing, but also with acting; he played the part of the narrator.

Something must be said of the classic scene in which Dr. Everett Scott was introduced into the show. Much confusion hung in the air as the characters called to one another: "Janet!" "Dr. Scott!" "Brad!" "Rrrr!" "Rocky!" "Janet!" "Brad!" "Rocky" "Rrrr!" "Dr. Scott!" Probably one of the most famous scenes in the entire show, the actors hilariously pulled it off without being trite or cliche.

The Rocky Horror Radio Show made for a marvelously ghoulish evening. Louisville should hope for a return of these incredible actors and musicians, who volunteered their time and energy to put together such a smashing show. Let's hope that next year, they decide, "Don't dream it, be it," and entertain our town with their talent in the macabre yet again.

--Note: No longer archived online at The Louisville Cardinal. Reposted here for publicity purposes only.