The Rocky Horror Show is a cult classic musical stage production written by Richard O’Brien.
The show premiered in London in 1973 and has since proven that it is a story that transcends both borders and time. Back by phenomenal demand, The Rocky Horror Show returns to Melbourne after enjoying sell-out performances and rave reviews during the 2023 season of the 50th Anniversary Tour.
Jason Donovan returns to star as Frank-N-Furter and in a Melbourne exclusive the ever-important Narrator role will be played by absolute legend Joel Creasey, with the iconic Nicholas Hammond playing the role at select shows.
With a star-studded cast and a cult-classic story, the 2024 season is set to be an adventure you’ll never forget.
Check out Melbourne’s latest stage shows and theatrical events here.
Before the show opens on 9 February, we spoke to the acclaimed choreographer behind numerous productions of the iconic Rocky Horror Show, Nathan Wright. We discussed the enduring legacy of this groundbreaking musical, exploring Nathan’s creative process, the universal appeal of the show and why audiences want to see the show over and over again.
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For anyone who hasn’t seen the musical, it follows our protagonists Brad and Janet. Through a series of unfortunate events, the newly engaged couple seek refuge in the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Let’s just say they have a night out they were going to remember for a very long time. According to Nathan, it’s rare to find someone who hasn’t heard of the show.
“Come with an open mind and you will experience an evening of pure adulation and a show about freedom and love. It’s all in the title song really… ‘Don’t Dream It, Be It.’ It’s a show about aspiration, about being who you want to be.”
He highlights the revolutionary nature of the show, which continues to resonate with audiences worldwide. “I think one of the key reasons we’re celebrating the 50th anniversary is that it’s a show that was so revolutionary in its time in regard to the subject matter, in terms of the freedom of the show, what the show represents and the fact that the show is still connecting to people now.
“That is testament really of how incredible the show was and the show is. I think it’s a show that’s inspiring to people who can see representation on a stage that was created 50 years ago.”
The current production of The Rocky Horror Show is Nathan’s 17th production of the show. Reflecting on his involvement with Rocky Horror, which spans from the 40th anniversary to the 50th anniversary productions, he said, “the show is really dependent on the people you cast”. Each version of the production is unique in that it is tailored to the talents of the cast.
The Rocky Horror Show has a formula that we all know and love, but Nathan tells us that not one production is the same as the last. “They’re similar, but even the latest version of the 50th anniversary, which you saw last year, I’ve changed that again. And even though 90% of the cast are the same, we do have some new cast members,” he said.
“I just can’t help myself because I think the great thing about Rocky is there’s always something more to discover. And for me, it’s about creating something that is really exciting for the audience to watch, but also something really exciting for the cast to perform.
“We’ll do the show eight times a week so I really try to create a show for the cast where they can still be discovering things even if they’re doing it every single night.”
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Taking us through the creative process, Nathan also elaborated on the collaboration that happens behind the scenes. This is where every aspect of the production works in harmony to bring the director’s vision to life. “I want all the elements to be aligned, so I really approach everything with the storytelling point of view. I create the story and then steps come from that,” he explains.
Nathan always goes into each show with strong ideas for how it is going to work and most of the choreography in his mind. However, once he gets onto the stage the collaboration extends to the performers who contribute their ideas and skills to enhance the creative process. “When I talk about collaboration, if someone has a great idea, I’m like oh my God, that’s amazing, let’s do that. I really like people to feel that they have a voice in the room, and they feel that they’re contributing,” he said.
As each production reaches opening night, Nathan leaves and his work is maintained by a resident choreographer. However, that’s not to say he doesn’t get to see his vision come to life. He tries to see every show from the audience. He explains that one of the most rewarding aspects of every show is witnessing the audience’s reactions.
“Sitting in an audience where people have no idea who I am and hearing them talk about the show and what it means to them is truly special,” he shares. He admits to being a little terrified each time that the audience won’t like the show and he will hear about it.
Luckily for him the overwhelmingly positive responses reaffirm the impact of his work and the enduring magic of Rocky Horror. For Nathan, “It’s really quite special when you hear people talk about the show that you’ve created in such a positive way.”
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The universal appeal of The Rocky Horror Show has seen it thrive from decade to decade. “What makes Rocky Horror so universal is its message,” Nathan emphasises. “I think it is because the language is universal because everyone, no matter where you’re from, can identify with the meaning of the show. I think everyone can identify with seeing themselves out there and releasing their fears and seeing the powerful, powerful messages that come to the show,” he said.
Finally, when asked why we should come to see the production, Nathan’s answer was simple yet compelling: “Why would you not? Life is too short not to see Rocky Horror.” With its timeless message of self-expression and exhilarating performances, The Rocky Horror Show continues to captivate audiences worldwide, inviting them to embrace the extraordinary and celebrate the power of being true to oneself.
As Nathan Wright continues to shape the legacy of Rocky Horror through his choreography, audiences eagerly anticipate the electrifying experience that awaits them, ready to give themselves over to absolute pleasure once more.
The Rocky Horror Show is playing at the Athenaeum Theatre in Melbourne from 9 Feb – 23 Mar 2024. Get tickets here.
