The Rocky Horror Show

Renaissance Theatre invites you to give yourself over to absolute pleasure in its steaming hot new production of "The Rocky Horror Show," starring Ryan Butler as Frank N. Furter, the sweet transvestite with a proclivity for sadism and masochism.

Most are probably more familiar with the 1975 film adaptation, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" — it's synonymous with midnight showings around Halloween and has a cult following — than the original London stage version. Yet both are very much the same.

Bob Baker’s naughty direction intends to bring the production back to its London roots with movie-version twists. Sure, the production's sexy and lewd, but it's still less provocative than one expects. All the licentious ingredients are there: tight corsets, fishnet hosiery, bare flesh, leather undergarments, sexual innuendos and seduction.

Brad (Joel Yalowitz) and Janet (Anneliese Canada) end up at an old castle after Brad's car breaks down, they just want to use the phone, but despite their protests, they stay longer than they wanted and are then seduced into a couple of sexual experiences.

Manipulative but brilliant, Frank N. Furter has achieved a bio-chemical breakthrough, creating a human boy toy for himself named Rocky (Tylan Schneider). The lewd and super-talented Riff Raff (Art Walthall), Magenta (Michelle Huguley) and Columbia (Mariah Jones) contribute to the dark, stormy night's voyeurism.

Butler plays Frank N. Furter with explosive charisma; his energetic rendition of "Sweet Transvestite" is so hot that even the fire alarms are threatening to go off. Walthall is adorably maudlin, and Anna Canada is raging with hormones in her sensual interpretation of "A Touch Me." Michelle Huguley is strong and sexual and a good match for Walthall’s quintessential Riff Raff. Mariah Jones is an energetic and ideal Columbia.

Bob Baker and Gay Broad’s costumes expose S&M culture; Jessica Alexander’s choreography, replete with pelvic thrusts, is so expertly crafted that it's a shame audience participation is prohibited. Joe Canada directs the backstage band with energy — the rock 'n' roll adds excitement.

This "Rocky Horror" is on the propulsive verge of having its own Huntsville cult following. Shows start October 24 on Renaissance Theatre’s Mainstage and run through November 2. There will be several midnight showings as well. Tickets are $25 for evening performances and $30 for Midnight performances.