By Dianne Cornish, REVIEW STAFF

The Rocky Horror Show will open at Village Theatre (VT) next Friday night (Feb. 17), and the Waterdown-based troupe plans to present a rare mix of favourite elements from the classic rock musical while, at the same time, serving up a few surprises.

Director Matt Moore says the show will be a “stylistic interpretation of the original,” but will essentially tell the same story that has captivated audiences since the horror comedy stage musical premiered in London 39 years ago. The musical, penned by actor-composer Richard O’Brien, was later adapted into a movie and attracted a worldwide cult following. It’s still in limited release today.

Done in the round to encourage as much audience participation as possible, the VT show will take its audience on an unforgettable journey into the sexually kinky, rock-opera world of a gender-bender scientist and his time warped plans. It tells the story of a newly engaged couple who seek refuge in a nearby castle on a dark and stormy night, only to find themselves in the company of a group of bizarre people, including Dr. FranknFurter, the “sweet transvestite” from Transsexual, Transylvania.

“Hard-core fans will be interested to see what we’ve done with the show and newcomers will also have a really good time,” said Moore, a west Hamilton resident who noted that he’s been a fan of the show since he was a kid.

“I wanted to give audiences something they couldn’t see on a rental DVD,” the young director said. While being careful not to divulge too much before opening night, he said the two-act show will have “a more contemporary look.” Stage manager Amanda Nesbitt provided a bit more insight, adding that the production will feature “a new look and a new twist on the set and in costuming.” The cast, which she described as “adaptive to change,” will break loose as Victorian-Steam punk versions of the original characters, she said.

A live band will provide the music, including the who’s signature dance number, Time Warp, from a loft on stage. James Medeiros is the production’s musical director.

Because of its mature subject matter, the musical is restricted to those 16 years and older. However, Moore explained, anyone under 16 wanting to see the show will be allowed admission if accompanied by a parent or guardian.

Chris Cracknell, who Waterdown theatregoers will remember from his performance in Village Theatre’s 2010 production of Trafford Tanzi, is cast in the lead role of Dr. FranknFurter. Dustin Jodway and Erin Dunnigan portray the newly engaged couple, Brad and Janet, while Erik Canaria is cast as Riff Raff, the hunchbacked handyman. Dan Megaffen is Rocky, Dr. FranknFurter’s creation. Rounding out the cast are: Mike Queripel, Kaytee Alcock Snider, Mallory Greene, Loren Lieberman, Kayla Steadman and Rose Uesenica. Kasia Wtorek, Jenn Helsdon, Meagan Richardson, Lila Hunt, Mitchell Zarycki, Laurel Seagren, Gregory Solomon and Stuart Hefford will play the phantoms.

Next Friday’s show begins at 8 p.m. at Memorial, 317 Dundas St. East, Waterdown. Shows will also be held next Saturday night (Feb. 18), Feb. 23 and 24, and March 1, 2 and 3, all at 8 p.m. A 3 p.m. matinée and special midnight performance will be presented on Saturday, Feb. 25.

Ticket prices are $22 for adults and $20 for seniors or students. Admission to the midnight show is $25. Tickets can be purchased at Jitterbug Café or Polar Bay Wines in Waterdown or by contacting the box office at 905-690-7889. For additional information, visit www.villagetheatrewaterdown.ca.