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So who and what is behind this production of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW? Well, it's actually the first effort of a newly created production company called CreatiVision Entertainment. Created by Jones and his partner Steve Hiltebrand, CreatiVision's mission is to use unconventional methods and approaches in order to produce commercial musical theater in Chicago. Hiltebrand, the
director of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, grew up in the
North Shore suburbs and attended Marquette University as a Theatre
major in the mid-1980s. He's been a part of the city's theater
community for many years as a successful actor and has numerous
touring company credits on his résumé. While an
actor first and foremost, Hiltebrand over the past ten years
has increasingly turned his attention to being on the other side
of the table. In addition to theatrical productions, he has directed,
written, and produced a variety of The success of large scale Broadway-type shows at various downtown venues has presented Chicago's community and regional theater companies with new and distinctive competitive challenges for the public's limited entertainment dollar. Drawing on his unique behind-the-scenes experiences and combined with the expertise of other collaborators, Hiltebrand hopes to help lead CreatiVision in producing cutting edge musical theater entertainment that will not only delight and impress seasoned theater-goers but also draw in new audiences. These potential younger generation newbies pose an even more daunting challenge in that their expectations have been formed and shaped by modern-day technological advances and high end "American Idol"-esque production values. THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW is a prime example of CreatiVision living up to its mission. While being reverent to the original story, the Mercury Theater production feels fresh and hip and is filled with contemporary touches. The interaction of the cast with the audience as well as the use of recorded music and hand held mics gives the show a certain coolness and welcomed intimacy; almost a sense, especially during the second act, that you're at a fashionable and trendy boutique dance club and not in a staid theater. Additionally, the non-traditional casting of Amy Armstrong was a fantastic outside-the-box decision that not only strengthens the overall vocal performance of the show but no doubt helps put additional butts - those of some of her loyal and devoted fans - in the Mercury's seats. These bold creative moves in part have led to the popularity of CreatiVision's first production and bode well for their next theatrical adventure in the spring. All in all, as evidenced by the high-quality nature of THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Chicago's cultural life will benefit greatly by the entrance of CreatiVision onto the city's commercial musical theater scene. THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW runs until December 2, 2007 at the Mercury Theater (3745 N. Southport Ave. | 773.325.1700). |
One
of the most talked about and best reviewed stage productions
in the city this fall has been THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW
currently playing at the Mercury Theater. This omnisexual staged
musical, which was the basis for the 1975 cult film classic,
features the absolutely brilliant Scott Alan Jones, who reprises
his Jeff Nominated performance in the lead role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter.
Jones' abilities to sing, to act, and to walk in hellishly high
platform heels are truly impressive, and his fish-netted ass
is just SPECTACULAR! Equally impressive with their performances
is the surrounding cast of talented local actors and actresses,
several of whom that were previously nominated for a prestigious
Jeff Award or were part of Jeff nominated productions. Also included
in the stellar cast is the incomparable Amy Armstrong (sans Freddy
or any other partner you may have seen her with recently) who
superbly plays not just one, but two male roles. Go figure!
entertainment
events (such as Chicago Gay Games Celebrations at the Aragon
Ballroom) and staged many performances at non-theatrical venues
such as nightclubs and concert halls.