Theatre Review: "The Rocky Horror Show" at Square Foot Theatre

WALLINGFORD - Square Foot Theatre presented a fun production of “The Rocky Horror Show” in their intimate theatre space, appropriately closing at a midnight performance on Halloween. The production is proudly sponsored by the Jamie A. Hulley Arts Foundation.

In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a transvestite scientist. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named "Rocky." Complete with sass from the audience, cascading toilet paper, and an array of other audience participation props, this deliberately kitschy rock 'n' roll sci-fi gothic musical is more fun than ever.

The show handled the intense adult themes and strong language well and the audience members were able to purchase a bag of supplies to safely participate in the action. There was a list on each table explaining when to use each of the props included in the bag.

The cast maintained the creepy theme of their characters, while appearing to be having a great time performing their roles.

I realized that I had never seen Patrick Laffin perform onstage, as he is usually behind the scenes directing the actors at Square Foot productions. He reprised the role of Frank N Furter that he had played in 2015. He was delightfully fiendish and looked fabulous in his corset and heels, and what a singer he is. It was worth the trip just to see his performance, but the rest of the cast supported him very well.

Janet was played with a strong singing voice by Taylor Klein. Brad was portrayed by Robert Weiner, who stepped out of character to apologize to the table of his family and friends.
Charlie Hartel played Frank’s underling Magenta and Avery Serrambana was Columbia.

Miles Larcheveque portrayed the perfect male specimen Rocky in a skimpy costume and Joey Abate was very strong in the role of Riff Raff. Eddie and Dr. Scott were played by Theresa Moscato. Denny Meyers sat across the room from the stage to narrate the proceedings.

The usherettes/phantoms included Denny Meyers, Tiffani DiNicola, Sheila Duckworth,
Calista Giroux and Megan McEvoy.

Laffin served as both director and choreographer for the production, while Alan Dougherty was the musical director. Laffin was also in charge of the set, costume and lighting design, all of which were creepy and well-fitting. As usual, the set encompassed the entire space, and Frank entered via the staircase leading to the platform that contained the small band.

Proof of vaccination and masks are required when at Square Foot Theatre and Tavern, unless you are actively eating or drinking. Visit squarefoottheatre.com/covid for details.

The Square Foot Theatre is an intimate theatre experience. Patrons are encouraged to bring their own food and a full bar is available on site. (Outside beverages are prohibited). Doors to the theatre open a half hour before the performance, but the Tavern opens two hours before the production.

Nancy Sasso Janis has been writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local theatre venues. She posts reviews of well over 100 productions each year. In 2016, she became a member of the Connecticut Critics Circle. She continues to contribute theatre news, previews, and audition notices to local Patch sites. Reviews of all levels of theatrical productions are posted on Naugatuck Patch and the Patch sites closest to the venue. She recently became a contributor to the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column and theatre reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

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