‘The Rocky Horror Show’ – Doing the Time Warp one last time at Oasis

For the past ten years, Richard O’Brien’s “The Rocky Horror Show” has been a staple at Oasis, the legendary drag club set to close at the end of the year. Every October, Oasis owner and former San Francisco Drag Laureate D’Arcy Drollinger has stepped into the stilettos made famous by Tim Curry and put his own spin on Frank-N-Furter, the bisexual crossdressing mad scientist. But this year’s presentation carries with it a somber note. With Oasis closing, it means that the annual “Rocky” show may also end.
Oasis has been producing “Rocky Horror” in collaboration with Ray of Light Theater, the troupe known for bringing musicals to the stage with a fresh twist. The film version of “Rocky Horror” has become legendary for its audience participation lines, which have become part of the show. The Oasis/Ray of Light production takes the concept of audience participation one step further. The show is immersive, meaning that the show is performed all over the nightclub, with the cast at times interacting with the audience.

Every audience member is a guest at Frank’s club,” Drollinger said in an interview with the Bay Area Reporter. “They are the Transylvanians, and everyone is part of the show. I think that’s what makes these productions so thrilling. It’s part nightclub, part theater, and part sing-along party. In hearing about the very first production of ‘The Rocky Horror Show,’ it sounds like it was also somewhat immersive, so it feels very much in the spirit of the show.”

Drollinger noted that he was very much inspired by Tim Curry’s portrayal of Frank-N-Furter.

“Seeing Tim Curry as Frank-N-Furter literally changed my life,” he said. “I had never seen anyone like him. A whole new world opened up for me, and I know I’m not alone. The character and this show/movie broke so many people out of their shells over the years and is still doing it. To dare to live your dreams, your fantasies. He may go a bit too far, but what’s a mad scientist to do?”

Don’t dream it, be it
Drollinger added that he considers it an honor to have played the role for these past ten years. It’s a role he’s been rehearsing for since he was twelve.

“It’s interesting how many new things I find for the character each year,” he said. “While I very much celebrate Tim Curry as Frank-N-Furter in my interpretation, which he said was him doing an interpretation of the Queen of England, I also bring a little Champagne White, Samantha Jones, and Paul Lynde.”

“The Rocky Horror Show” first took to the stage in 1973 and was adapted for the screen two years later. The film continues to be shown as a midnight movie, playing to packed houses in which audiences shout back at the screen and get up to do the “Time Warp” whenever that legendary tune is heard. People in the audience often dress up as their favorite characters, and the film has served as a coming out inspiration for many people. Drollinger addressed why he thinks the show and film still resonates after fifty years.

“Because everyone wants to live their dreams,” he said. “To act out their fantasies, be their authentic selves. And when you come to a ‘Rocky Horror Show,’ either the movie or a live production like ours, you can be wild and sexy and no one judges you. The lyric sums it up, ‘Don’t dream it, be it.’”

Besides Drollinger, the cast includes Julio Chavez as Brad, Lisa Frankenstein as Janet, Joe Greene as Riff Raff, Trixxie Carr as Magenta, Cheetah Biscotti as Columbia, and Austin Tip doubling up as Eddie and Dr. Scott.

“The cast and the creative team are fantastic,” Drollinger said. “Great singers and dancers, great comic timing. And everyone is very sexy.”

Drollinger admits that there’s a bittersweet tinge to this year’s production given the imminent closing of Oasis.

“It has been very challenging to end something that means so much to so many,” he said. “And at the same time, I hope that everyone can also take stock in what we’ve done collectively, and celebrate this magical decade of truly elevated queer art, joy and experiences. And yes, there is room for a miracle, and yes, I do believe in miracles.”

And while there’s always the possibility that Ray of Light’s “Rocky Horror” could move to another venue in the future, Drollinger was keeping his eyes focused on the present.

“I can’t say what lies ahead for ‘Rocky’ in terms of next year,” he said. “Right now, we’re focused on making our last Oasis show as fabulous as possible.”

‘The Rocky Horror Show,’ Oct. 9-Nov. 1, Wed.-Sat, 7pm, from $52.20, Oasis, 298 11th St. 21+
https://www.sfoasis.com/
https://www.rayoflighttheatre.com/