Great Scott! Westmoreland Performing Arts stages 'Rocky Horror Show'

Oct. 27—As much fun as actors might have on stage, sometimes performing is just a job.

That's not the case for those involved in the Westmoreland Performing Arts production of "The Rocky Horror Show."

"There are shows that actors do because they're actors, and there are shows they do because it's just fun," said director Tony Marino. "You say to yourself, 'I can't believe somebody's paying me to do this.'

"This is one of those."

The 1973 musical, which spawned the 1975 cult favorite film, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," will be presented at 8 p.m. and midnight Friday and Saturday in Science Hall Theater on the Westmoreland County Community College main campus in Hempfield.

"Rocky Horror" is known for its interactive aspects including call-outs, in which audience members shout along with or in response to many of the scripted lines and brandish props that accompany those moments.

A call-out cheat sheet will be available in the program or via a QR code that can be scanned at the theater.

For $5, audience members can buy a prop bag containing a piece of toast, a noisemaker, newspaper, playing cards and confetti (instead of rice). They also can bring their own props — with one exception.

"We have a no-hot-dog rule, just because those things could hurt," Marino said. "If you've ever been smacked with a semi-frozen hot dog, it's no fun."

The story revolves around an innocent couple who find themselves stranded during a storm in an eerie mansion, surrounded by the mad scientist, Dr. Frank N. Furter, and his minions. Through a series of now-classic dance numbers like "Time Warp" and "Sweet Patootie," the doctor unveils his new creation: a muscular young man named Rocky.

The fun factor makes "Rocky Horror" a perennial favorite of both actors and audiences, Marino said. Many of the WPA cast members have done it up to 20 times before.

Veteran "Rocky" players include Marino in the parts of Eddie and Dr. Scott, Kevin O'Leary as the mad doctor, Renata Marino as Columbia, Alex Noble as Riff Raff, Katherine Harkins as Janet, Anthony Marino Jr. as Brad and Alex Podolinski as Rocky.

Ryan Jordan, a recent Seton Hill University musical theater graduate, is new to the show in the role of Magenta. John Noble is featured as The Narrator in taped segments.

The show will have live music from a four-piece rock band led by Eric Barchiesi. Renata Marino serves as choreographer.

The 25 ensemble members will be dressed as fairy tale characters, mythical beasts and aliens, and audience members are encouraged to dress in similar themes.

The show closes with a reprise of "Time Warp," guaranteed to bring audience members to their feet, Marino said.

"They take part in the show at that point as full cast members," he said. "We encourage people to dress up and act crazy and yell back at the actors.

"It's a party, and we want everybody to have a blast."

Tickets are $20, available at the door, by calling 724-836-8000 or online at thepalacetheatre.org.

Shirley McMarlin is a Tribune-Review staff writer. You can contact Shirley by email at smcmarlin@triblive.com or via Twitter .