University Theatre gears up for “The Rocky Horror Show”

If you’ve been itching to do the time warp again, now is your chance.

With generous sponsorship from Electronic Theatre Controls in Middleton, the University of Wisconsin–Madison’s Department of Theatre and Drama is teaming up with the Wisconsin Union Theater to bring “The Rocky Horror Show” to Madison.

This sci-fi fantasy adventure, by Richard O’Brien, will be performed live at the Wisconsin Union Theatre March 3-5. Tickets are available online here or by calling 608-265-ARTS.

Imagine a time before cell phones and GPS – if your car broke down, you got out and asked for help. That’s what happens to Brad and Janet in this cult classic that opened in London in 1973.

Originally titled “They Came from Denton High,” composer and lyricist Richard O’Brien changed the name to “The Rocky Horror Show” just two days before its debut. The film adaptation was released in 1975 and now, 35 years later, the show and movie continue to draw loyal crowds.

Visiting director and choreographer, Dennis Courtney, joins UT’s production team from New York to direct the show. Courtney says “The press release from the original Rocky Horror [movie] describes the piece as ‘an outrageous assemblage of the most stereotyped sci-fi movies, Marvel comics, Frankie Avalon/Annette Funicello outings and every rock-and-roll vintage.’ We will inherit all this with the script and music and while I imagine a production with great imagination and fabulosity in design.”

Katie Gray, costume designer and MFA student at UW–Madison, says, “Designing the costumes for ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ has been a dream come true. I’ve always been a huge Rocky Horror fan; so I know that people have certain expectations when they come to see the show. It’s been a fantastic challenge figuring out how I could meet those expectations while still putting my own unique spin on the costumes.”

Lighting designer and MFA student Erik Barry is excited about the challenges ahead.

“Rocky Horror presents numerous challenges, in that it is a rock show. … Full of big spectacle, my job is to separate the reality we live in from the mystical and sexually intense world that Frank lives in,” he says.

“The Rocky Horror Show” will run Thursday through Saturday, March 3, 4, and 5. Performances are in the Wisconsin Union Theater, 800 Langdon St. Performances begin at 7:30 p.m. with midnight performances also on the March 4 and March 5.

All tickets on March 3 are $10. Tickets prices on March 4 and 5 range from $15.50-$26.50. UW Student ticket price is only $10 for the midnight performances. Group discounts are available.

Audience participation packages will be on sale in the lobby prior to all shows (no individual items allowed). Media sponsorship is by AV Club Madison. Purchase tickets by phone at (608) 265-ARTS (2787), in person at the Vilas Hall Box Office, 821 University Ave., the Wisconsin Union Box Office, 800 Langdon St., or order online; buy tickets and view the calendar here.