Since it first opened in London in 1973, The Rocky Horror Show has paved its way into history as one of the rock ‘n’ roll classics of musical theatre. For its 50th Anniversary production, the show will be playing a strictly limited season from May 18 at Melbourne’s Athenaeum Theatre. We chat with Stellar Perry, cast in the enviable role of Magenta, about her journey to playing her dream part, a behind-the-scenes glimpse into the special production and Magenta’s “mad cougar energy”.
Seen by over 30 million people in more than 30 countries, The Rocky Horror Show has captured audiences with its unique and mischievous energy. The hit music, characters, freedom and sexual awakening has become a cult-classic for people across all walks of life for decades.
The 50th Anniversary Production stars Australian superstars Jason Donovan as Frank N Furter, and Myf Warhurst as The Narrator. Joining them is Stellar Perry as Magenta, who became a household name when she was a finalist in contestant shows such as Australian Idol, X-Factor and The Voice. Despite never acting professionally before, Stellar successfully auditioned for the role of Oberon in a Bell Shakespeare production of The Lovers.
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“I’m so grateful to Laura Murphy, the writer of The Lovers, for thinking outside the box and casting an ‘alternative’ looking person,” Stellar says of her tattooed and pierced look. “It’s not really the ‘done’ thing and it’s consequently changed my life. I imagine there are a lot more talented people than myself with more body modifications that should get a look in.”
Stellar’s role in The Lovers resulted in being scouted by a producer for The Rocky Horror Show. The powers that be decided Stellar possessed Magenta-like qualities. An audition was teed up, and the producers and Stellar clicked immediately. “Truth be told, I was just honoured to even be considered,” Stellar recalls, “But getting the part was life made!”
Like many who have seen the iconic movie adaptation, Stellar was obsessed when she first saw the film as a teen. “Tim Curry raising his eyebrow and then saying, ‘How ‘bout that?’” she jokes, “Also a staple in the wank bank.”
Of the role, she says, “Magenta is honestly a dream part. I get to be a sci-fi obsessed and innocent usherette who opens and closes the show. Then I get to play a raunchy-fiend-Magenta who switches from a sub to a playful dom with a mad cougar energy. And then my favourite…an alien with a thick Transylvanian accent. I don’t know if it gets better than that!”
A “well-oiled machine”, the show has been exceptionally organised and efficient, making the rehearsal process fun, despite the hard work. “The director Chris Luscombe is one of my favourite humans ever to listen to and watch,” Stellar says, “As are the choreographers Nathan Wright and Danielle Evrat. They’re all open to suggestions, caring and patient. I enjoyed every single second.”
The days that have been challenging, whether it be on account of emotional or hormonal stressers, admittedly can feel like a slog for Stellar. But she says that the stage and cast are like medicine to her soul.
“Our cast are stupidly talented and in my opinion the best versions of each character that I’ve ever seen in a theatre production capacity,” she gushes, “So it’s just a bloody honour to share the stage with those freaks.”
But of course, no stage production goes without its hiccups. Stellar’s favourite slip up involved Rocky stumbling his line while saying “piss off” with a heavy lisp. The entire cast all broke and lost it. “I guess I enjoy laughing at other people’s expense,” Stellar jokes, “It’s called method acting. That’s the story I’m sticking to anyway.”
The Rocky Horror Show 50th Anniversary tour will be playing at the Athenaeum Theatre in Melbourne from May 18. Tickets on sale now.
