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Theater Review: A timeless ‘Time Warp’ at Bucks Playhouse

Aficionados of “The Rocky Horror Show” probably can’t do better than to see, or rather, experience Bucks County Playhouse’s production, which continues through Oct. 30 in New Hope.

This is a Broadway-quality production with great performances by an incredibly-talented cast, super stage values and an on-stage sizzling four-piece rock band led by the show’s Music Director Will Shuler, who conducts and plays keyboards, with Sound Design by Bart Fasbender.

What’s more, on opening night, Oct. 21, when the show was seen for this review, the “Prop Bag,” which includes a bag of rice and other items referenced in the script and instructions on when to deploy, was in full effect by the vociferous audience, many of whom shouted out lines of dialogue or references to dialogue and stage action throughout the approximate one-and one-half hour (without intermission) show. “Time Warp Ticket” holders joined the cast on stage to dance the “Time Warp” finale, after which you still might be picking rice out of your hair.

The entire stage is used to give the impression of a dark and stormy night. Two staircases flank the band at center stage, a catwalk traverses the stage and all manner of mannequins, a jukebox and props adorn the interior of the castle in the Scenic Design by David L. Arsnault and Wilson Chin. Call it Yard-Sale Gothic. Christmas tree lights, purple hues and clever effects dominate in the Lighting Design by Travis McHale. Nicole V. Moody’s Costume Designs are amazing, detailed and very specific to each character.

Director Hunter Foster and choreographer Lorin Latarro pull out all the stops in the musical, with book, music, and lyrics by Richard O’Brien, that debuted in 1973 on London’s West End and inspired the 1975 classic cult film, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

If you like old horror movies, this musical’s for you, complete with a reference to Claude Rains in “The Wolf Man” (1941). There are also some added contemporary and regional references (“Eat your heart out, Ann Miller,” whose favorite haunt was the Black Bass Inn, just up the Delaware River in Lumberville, Bucks County) and ad-libs.

The musical’s concept is to create a live version of a 1950s’-to-early 1960s’ “Science Fiction Double Feature,” and that opening number does so from the outset with incredible energy paced by the powerful singing and dancing of Ryah Nixon (Magenta), a real belter dominating every scene she’s in, and Justin Matthew (Riff Raff), who also has a great voice and really snaps-to with his fleet feet.

Of course, the signature number among the 17 songs (including one reprise) is “The Time Warp,” and the cast, led by William Youmans (excellent as the Narrator and also playing Eddie and Dr. Scott) doesn’t disappoint with a raucous, dance-in-your seat (until you get up on stage) rollicking version.

Kevin Cahoon (Dr. Frank-n-Furter) steals every scene he’s in, addresses the audience humorously and impresses with a huge voice in the ballad, “Once in a While,” with Nixon (Magenta).

Nick Adams (Rocky) is a revelation from the moment he steps onto the stage with a physique better than Adonis and the voice of an angel, especially in “The Sword of Damocles.”

Maximilian Sangerman (Brad), in bow-tie, blue sweater vest and blue blazer (to begin with) is perfect as is Stephanie Gibson (Janet) in pink dress. Their voices soar in “Over at the Frankenstein Place.”

Katie Anderson is a very athletic Columbia, tapping and doing a back flip.

Danielle Diniz and Tyler McKenzie as Phantoms complete the cast.

“The Rocky Horror Show” was ahead of its “Time Warp.” That’s why this hilarious show can be seen time and time again. The Bucks County Playhouse production is one of the most “Warp”-ed ever.

PRESS PHOTO BY PAUL WILLISTEIN“Time Warp” finale of “The Rocky Horror Show” at Bucks County Playhouse, New Hope, includes audience members dancing on stage with cast members.