Five years ago, three travelers, lost in the dark woods of Sonoma County, saw a light in the old Frankenstein movie theater (The California), where… you know the rest. If you don’t have any idea what this paragraph is about, don’t panic; our own Harry Duke (along with other local celebrities) will, in the role of the criminologist (aka the narrator), guide you through the rest.
For those of you who know exactly what this is about, yes, a live production of The Rocky Horror Show is headed back to Sonoma County! THTR Productions (aka Executive Producer Ken Urso, Creative Director Dan Gutierrez, and Artistic Director Danny Gorman) have established themselves as the resident production company at The California in downtown Santa Rosa. While Left EdgeTheatre is still the resident theatre company, THTR is the resident production company, and there is a difference. THTR wants to create an experience rather than just a show. Their Rocky Horror experience runs Oct. 22 – 24.
“We came from New York about 5 years ago,” explains Urso.
“We all have a background in theater and events,” says Gutierrez.
“We were looking for a way to combine those two things, and make a space for the queer community, and make space for everyone to feel welcome, and maybe make some money,” adds Gorman. “We spent the last few years saying yes to everything.”
They have been busy. They are the de facto resident event programmers at the Triple R in Guerneville. They produce award-winning drag brunches at the Flamingo Hotel. They’ve hosted murder mysteries, helped middle schoolers put on plays, and designed the set for 6th Street Playhouse’s recent production of South Pacific. They’ve even won the KZST Hometown Heroes Award twice.
This is also not their first Rocky rodeo at The California. So why do it again, and why now?
“Rocky is the perfect combo of theater and nightlife,” says Urso.
“Last year we had a lot of people who didn’t actually know the show.” says Gorman, “but they still left feeling like a community. You don’t have to be a theater person to enjoy Rocky.”
“Even people who didn’t know the show dressed up and had fun,” adds Gutierrez.
“This year is a fresh interpretation,” says Gorman. “We really wanted to honor Tim Curry. There will be hidden Tim’s throughout the theater.”
Aside from the hidden Tim’s, what should people expect?
“It will be a great night out,” Gorman said.
For Rocky lovers, it’s important to note that this isn’t the shadow play but a staged, live version. For play lovers, it’s important to note that this is not a staid production that keeps safely behind a proscenium.
“It’s an immersive experience,” Urso explains, “The play happens all around you.”
Gorman is quick to reassure, “Don’t worry, you’ll feel safe. The actors are experienced in recognizing boundaries. No one will be forced to interact if they don’t want to.”
In addition to the esteemed Mr. Duke, other local performers will be sharing the stage with talent from L.A. and New York.
“If you love the show,” Gorman says, “You’ll love this fresh take. If you don’t know it, come out and try something new. Either way, it will be a great night out.”
Oh, and about THAT Broadway controversy, Gorman says: “Enjoy doing the callouts, just don’t be a jerk.”
THTR Productions presents ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ at The California Theatre. 528 7thStreet, Santa Rosa. Thurs, Oct. 22, Fri, Oct. 23, Sat, Oct. 24 @ 8:00 pm. $55–$65. 707.664.7529. thtrproductions.com
