A Gritty, Rollicking, ‘Rocky Horror’ at Central Square

November 12, 2023November 12, 2023 michaelhobanLeave a comment

Nico Ochoa, Emma Na-yun Downs, Michael J. Mahoney, and Matti Steriti in “The Rocky Horror Show” at Central Square Theatre Photo by: Nile Scott Studios

By Michele Markarian

“The Rocky Horror Show” by Richard O’Brien. Directed by Lee Mikesha Gardner and Jo Michael Rezes. Music Director, Sandy Sahar Gooen; Choreographer, Ilyse Robbins. Presented by Central Square Theater, 450 Massachusetts Avenue, Cambridge, through November 26.

Most people are introduced to “The Rocky Horror Show” by its film version, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” which dominated the Exeter Street Theater with frequent midnight showings back when I was in college. The film celebrated sexuality, gay, straight, whatever, which was probably why it was such a big hit with college students. Tim Curry was charming, abusive, and on the prowl. I loved him.

Moonbox Productions’ Brings ‘Light in the Darkness’ with ‘Rocky Horror’

October 18, 2021 michaelhobanLeave a comment

*Cast of Moonbox Productions’ ‘Rocky Horror Show’. Photos by* *Molly Shoemaker*

by Mike Hoban

‘The Rocky Horror Show’ – Directed by David Lucey; Music Directed by Mindy Cimini; Assistant Director/Associate Choreographer, Joy Clark; Scenic Design/Prop Design, Cameron McEachern; Sound Design, James Cannon; Lighting Design, Samuel J. Biondolillo; Choreographer, Daniel Forest Sullivan; Assistant Choreographer, Janis Hudson; Costume Design, David Lucey. Presented by Moonbox Productions at 25 Brattle St. Cambridge through October 31st.

Moonbox Productions has emerged from the 18-month in-person theater blackout with an encore presentation of The Rocky Horror Show, a production that brings back all of the twisted fun of the movie version that ran at the Harvard Square theater for 28 years.

Rocky Horror combines 50’s science fiction, pre-slasher ‘B’ horror movies and a tale of sexual awakenings set to a rock n roll score to deliver musical theater lovers their first full-scale musical in Greater Boston since the pandemic. It’s a much-needed blast of full-throttle exuberance.

Harvard Square Comes Alive Again with “The Rocky Horror Show”

October 20, 2019October 21, 2019 michaelhobanLeave a comment

*(Cast of Moonbox Productions’ “Rocky Horror Show” – Photos by Sharman Altshuler )*

“The Rocky Horror Show”. Music, Lyrics and Book by Richard O’Brien. Directed by David Lucey. Presented by Moonbox Productions, 25 Brattle Street, Cambridge, through November 2.

Recent developments in Cambridge’s iconic Harvard Square have been pretty depressing. An entire block of buildings that once housed Curious George as well as my dentist’s office is now kaput, torn down to make way for – get this – a mall. Storefronts that once held funky shops are now banks or empty. Cheap restaurants have all but disappeared. From now until November 2, however, Harvard Square gets its mojo back with Moonbox Productions’ electrifying, dynamic and sexy “The Rocky Horror Show”. The bold and beautiful signage that adorns the windows and door of the former site of Hidden Sweets is the tipoff: this is no ordinary production. Interestingly enough, the film version of the stage show ran at midnight for 28 years at another empty space, the AMC Loew’s Theater.