Celluloid Meets Reality at the Ritz Theatre Company for Rocky Horror Picture Show

by: Amber Stolarski

This Halloween, I trekked across the bridge for a late night picture show- The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which played for a short set of performances at the Ritz Theatre Company in Oaklyn, NJ, at the end of October. The Ritz's aesthetic really lends itself to a showing of RHPS-- the classic red curtain with a mind-bending linear projection splayed across. The proscenium was done up to evoke the image of a vintage movie theater.

This production was done in a classic shadow cast style, in which the 1975 film plays on a projector as live actors reenact the scenes onstage. Prop bags were available for purchase, allowing the audience to participate alongside the cast and adding another interactive element to the show. 

We began our strange journey under the guidance of Rachael Grodzielanek, who served as MC for the evening. She was a dynamic, engaging, and hilarious host who took on her role with enthusiasm and a wry, witty approach. The preshow contest she hosted (details of which I will not name here) was very entertaining. Her performance of "Science Fiction/Double Feature" as the Usherette was incredible. The lights dimmed, the projector came to life, and we met Brad Majors (Josh Buffington) and Janet Weiss (Evelyn Passanante). Together they made a charming and initially straight-laced couple, unaware of the antics and debauchery that their night out will bring. But then the rain came. A wrong turn. A flat tire...and a castle down the road that may or may not have a telephone.  What could go wrong?

Connor Twigg serves as director for this production, in addition to portraying Riff Raff. I particularly enjoyed the fusion between the original film and the actors' individual interpretations of their characters. Twigg masterfully pays tribute to the original film's zany sense of camp and hedonism while infusing the live work on stage with uniqueness and memorable characterization. At no point in the evening did I feel as if I was watching an imitation from the shadowcast actors- I had the pleasure of viewing two separate performances occurring at the same time. While it would be easy to slip into copying the film beat for beat, none of the actors fell into that habit under Twigg's direction, and that is to be commended.

Josh Buffington (Brad) and Evelyn Passanante (Janet) showed us quite an effective character arc. As the audience, we initially perceive their characters as, to put it plainly, "squares". As the story continues and devolves into chaos, we see Passanante's Janet begin to give in relatively early in the game. Her "Toucha, Toucha, Touch Me" is at first shy, then passionate and ecstatic. Buffington's Brad takes a bit longer to loosen up, and he successfully shifts from an uptight young man to someone hesitantly exploring sexual freedom.

Connor Twigg (Riff Raff) and Jennie Santiago (Magenta) make a deliciously mischievous pair. Twigg is interchangeably deferential and on edge as Riff Raff, and his physicality when moving in the role is sly and appropriately extraterrestrial. Santiago is absolutely stunning as Magenta, mysterious and captivating. Santiago's Magenta is always watching and always aware of absolutely everything that is going on.

Columbia is played by Audrey Dienno Lacroce. Her performance was superbly layered, channeling Columbia's fleeting optimism, frustration, and lingering pain. Concurrently adorable and heartbreaking, Columbia stays on your mind long after the curtain falls.

I would be remiss if I did not take the time to praise the performance of Ivie Wren as Dr. Frank-N-Furter. They unapologetically take the stage with confidence and fervor. As you may know, the original actor who portrayed this character, the iconic Tim Curry, passed away this past summer. As I watched this production at Ritz Theatre Company, I felt that Wren had somehow inherited the same spirit that made Frank-N-Furter so magnetic and impossible to ignore. I also want to call attention to their facial expressions- channeling Curry's original performance while still making it their own.

The titular character, Rocky, is performed by Jack Bobbe. Appropriately primitive at first, then developing into a protector, Bobbe takes what could easily be a one-emotion character and turns him into a fully fleshed out individual (despite being "just seven hours old"). Steven Brandt takes on the dual roles of Eddie and Dr. Scott. He handles both characters with deftness. "Hot Patootie (Bless My Soul)" was one of the highlights of the evening - the energy displayed in that piece was incredible. Shout out to the choreographer (not listed in the program) and dance captain Jodi Zeichner for bringing a new zest to a classic song.

Rounding out the cast are the Phantoms- Chase Dannelly, Sarah Dorsey, Chrystina Duvall, and Jodi Zeichner. They add so much to the show experience, from their appearance as the unconventional Transylvanian party guests, to their recreation of Brad and Janet's car (windshield wipers and all). Their energy stayed consistent throughout the evening and never wavered.

The audience itself also serves as a great addition to the cast, if you will. Traditionally, audience participation and "call backs" are ingrained in any Rocky Horror Picture Show viewing experience. The audience on Halloween night did not disappoint, shouting clever call backs, some of which I'd never heard. All in all, it was a night out to remember. The show I attended was the last performance of RHPS at the Ritz, but I sincerely hope this becomes a tradition, whether they revive the shadow cast concept that they did this year, or bring the stage version to life as they did during their 2025 season.

Backstage, L. Bryce Welborn acted as stage manager, assisted by Kristy Joe Slough. The production ran seamlessly from my perspective, so kudos to them for keeping the show on course! Lighting was handled by Brian Gensel, a particularly effective facet of the production- attention could be paid to both the original film and the action happening onstage. The way the lighting was designed, both were equally important.

In summary, The Rocky Horror Picture Show at Ritz Theatre Company was a success and an absolute pleasure to watch. I hope it returns to their stage next October.