By Grant Terwilliger
The Adirondack Regional Theatre is presenting “The Rocky Horror Show” originally written by Richard O’Brien and directed by Autumn Bright and Neil Battinelli at the Strand Center on Oct. 25, 26 and 31.
Olivia Storms, a student at SUNY Plattsburgh, plays one of the phantoms in The Rocky Horror Show, marking her third year in the production. In her first production of the musical, she played the lead role of Janet. Storms said she is thrilled to be in another performance.
“On opening night, I’m looking forward to the crowd and the energy they bring,” Storms said. “Rocky is a cult classic and this area looks forward to it each year, so I’m excited for that experience again. It’s always so fun.”
Cam Lincoln, a recent graduate from SUNY Plattsburgh, plays the character of Brad Majors in the upcoming musical, it is his third time participating in the show as well. In the two prior years he worked as a crew member. Lincoln said that the show is unique, and different from the original Rocky Horror Show.
“People should come watch this show because it’s not your typical show. It’s a clear expression of queer joy, which isn’t something we see often,” Lincoln said.
The musical has allowed cast and crew members to build important bonds, connecting current SUNY Plattsburgh students to alumni and community members.
“Some of us worked together in school and we still get to see and work with each other now,” Storms said. “I also think working with alumni while I’m in school helps create a relationship that will continue on after school.”
According to Lincoln, it is a “canon event” for many Plattsburgh College Theatre Association members to join the Adirondack Regional Theatre after graduation.
Cast and crew of The Rocky Horror Show have been rehearsing and preparing for the production four to five nights a week.
“My preparation for this show looks different than my normal prep because I’m wearing a binder to play Brad and heels in the floor show,” Lincoln said. “So my preparation is learning my lines, practicing singing with my binder on and jogging in my heels.”
Storms preparation for the musical is also very different from prior years. She said she feels as though it takes a lot of preparation for the music and dance scenes.
“To prepare for the show this year it’s just a lot of practice. So just practicing with the music and dances because it’s very different this time, good different though,” Storms said.
Storms said she has had a great time with The Rocky Horror Show this year and thinks that it’s a fun group of people to work with.
The Rocky Horror Show will take place Oct. 25, 26 and 31 at 7 p.m. each night. Oct. 26 will have a midnight show at the Strand Center for the Arts. Get tickets at the Strand Center for the Arts website at https://www.strandcenter.org/theatre-events.
