For more than 40 years in Montreal, it was a Halloween tradition to dress up in your frighteningly best and attend a screening of the 1975 cult classic movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show at either the old Cinema V in NDG or the Imperial Theatre on Bleury Street, and immerse yourself in the Rocky Horror experience.
Since 2015, a new not-to-be-missed Halloween tradition has been established at the MainLine Theatre, 3997 St. Laurent Boulevard, as it hosts a live stage presentation of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show at its mainstage. What originally began as a four performance run has expanded into a three-week, nine-performance engagement, which will run from October 18 to 31.
You don’t have to see the movie to enjoy this full blown production of Rocky Horror, which is done in an intimate, theatre-in-the-round setting, and includes a live five-piece band, crazy characters and costumes, and full blown choreography, said Amy Blackmore, the Montreal Fringe Festival executive and artistic director who also directs this production of Rocky Horror. There are people who have seen this show in the past and have like it so much, they come back to see it again. The great thing about the MainLine’s production of Rocky Horror is that it encourages people to forget about the outside world, and to relax and have a good time. And yes, we do encourage them to sing along and do those famous call backs.
And the Rocky Horror Show will herald the return of some popular local cast members from past productions, including Stephanie McKenna as Frank N. Furter, Elyann Quessy as Janet, Adrian Macdonald as Brad, and Kenny Streule as the show’s humble narrator; as well, there are several new additions to the cast, including Meghan Vera Starling, who will be the first female cast member to dive into the role of Riff Raff the butler.
Tickets for Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show are now on sale, and Ms. Blackmore urges everyone to get their tickets as soon as possible, because they are going fast, including the performances on October 27 (in which a Halloween after party will take place following the show) and October 31 (for obvious reasons); and she added that special Rocky Horror-themed cocktails will be served at the MainLine bar throughout the run of the show.
Ticket prices are $25 in advance, $30 at the door, and $20 for students and seniors. For more information, or to purchase tickets, call 514-849-3378 or go to www.mainlinetheatre.ca.
