Get ready to do the “Time Warp” again! But this isn’t your typical midnight showing at the movie theatre—this is live at the Old Globe Theatre. The premise, just in case you missed it over the last 35 years (and what planet have you been on? Obviously not Transsexual, Tran- sylvania): Strange things happen when Brad and Janet, a clean-cut young couple from the suburbs, get caught with a flat in the middle of nowhere. After an incredible night they learn a little bit about them- selves and the world. The show is for mature audiences. One of the many “strange things” that happen is the birth of a hunky
man named Rocky, who in this production is played by sexySydney James Harcourt. Based on the behind-the-scenes details Harcourt shared, (with very few Rocky-esque grunts and groans), audiences
should prepare to let loose and have fun. Rocky Horror is really a wild madcap, risqué show, what are rehearsals like? Rehearsals have been amazing. This is the most fun I’ve had in theatre. The group is
so cohesive. It feels like summer camp, where everybody becomes friends. Everyone is working hard and there are no slackers or complainers—with each rehearsal we get more and more amped up. How have you and your cast mates prepared for an audience that will inevitably talk back at you? We started off rehearsals focusing on the story, what story are we trying to tell? We
did not focus on how the audience would respond. There was a first read-through, then the first week we focused on the dance numbers, staging, all of the craft. By the third week we did a full run-through and then after that we began to focus on what the audience might say. We’re aware of a lot of the places in the script where people always say things, but we know they will also shout what is on their mind in the mo- ment. And those are the best moments, when something unexpected is said. We will acknowledge it, not ignore it. The show really will celebrate the cult following and be very interactive. I see from your biography, this show is really a new direction for you. Yes, I started out in a very traditional Broadway show,Bells Are Ringing, a nice whole-
some show and what not. Then I was in Lion King and everyone knows what that is about—a lot of costume work and dance, it was also wholesome and earnest. Next I was cast inAmerican Idiot, which is right in your face with sex, drugs, rock-n-roll—Rocky Horror is not too far away from it. Both are contemporary rock shows with great vocals. So you’re an east coast boy? Yes, it is my first time in San Diego, it’s my first time visiting the West Coast for more
than a couple days—I’m kinda in love. I did The Wiz in Texas and it was like 113 degrees for 47 days straight. We never went outside; just from one air-conditioned place to the next. Here it is beautiful, especially because they put us up in a hotel right next to Balboa Park. I’m seriously thinking about moving here permanently. Tell us about Rocky. Rocky is over the top sex. I most recently came from playing the Tin Man in The Wiz,
I was covered in tin from head to toe and while the Tin Man has some subtle romantic undertones, it is nothing like Rocky.He is built for sex by his creator and the costume is just outrageous! I really am enjoying playing such a vivid character that combines sex symbol with Frankenstein and the idea that I/he am a baby still, just born. I love it, the freedom it gives me on stage. To know it is not me, or a representative of me out in the world, but a crazy fantasy I get to bring to life. How did you prepare for this role? I had to ‘create’ myself. I found out at the end of May that I had this role and I imme-
diately started going to the gym and went on a diet regime, I have never been in such great shape. It’s interesting to change into something else. At all the rehearsals and photo shoots they ask me to take off my shirt and I am learning to just go with it. I am looking forward to the costuming (or lack there of)! I think the splashiest part for the audience will be when the entire cast comes out in
drag or some version of it. We have amazing costumes. I imagine there is also a lot of creative freedom with the set. First, I have to say, I have worked on a number of Broadway Shows and been to see
many, many Broadway shows that did not even put in a quarter of the effort being put into this show. I heard Executive Producer, Lou Spisto has wanted to stage it for a long time, but it never quite seemed like the right time. There hasn’t been a fully mounted production of Rocky Horror Show in more than 10 years. The Scenic Designer, Donyale Werle has drawn inspiration from all kinds of places—science fiction movies, old B- Horror Films, the Clockwork Orange and Lady Gaga music videos—things that are on the cutting edge, strange and futuristic. The show also has some big special effects to keep it dark and mysterious. Can you reveal any of the special effects or should they stay a surprise? I don’t want to give away everything, maybe this is supposed to be a surprise, but
we’re adding a seven-minute finale that is total audience participation. If you have seen it, it will feel familiar and if you’ve never seen it, it will blow your mind. I have never seen a Janet who can sing like this girl Jeanna [De Waal] can and Riff Raff [Jason Wooten], when he sings it sounds like there something inside him that needs to be set free, and our Frank ‘N’ Furter [Matt McGrath] is so original, so unique. It has to be that way, no one can be the genius that Tim Curry was in the
movie.Matt is making a lot of choices that I really enjoy.
The Rocky Horror Showruns Thursday, September 15 through Sunday, November 6 at the Old Globe Theatre. For tickets and more information, contact 619.234.5623. If you need “Time Warp” lessons to get in step, visit
oldglobe.org, where there’s a teaching video on their “Explore Rocky Horror Show” page.
SEPTEMBER 2011 | RAGE monthly 19
Seated: Matt McGrath stars as Frank ‘N’ Furter and Sydney James Harcourt as Rocky (standing).
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