Cult classic rocks Point Richmond

You’ve seen similar story plots numerous times, but probably not with such a wild twist:

It is a dark and stormy night. A newly engaged couple ends up lost in the middle of nowhere with a flat tire…and of course, no spare. Keep in mind it was the 1970s, so nix the idea of calling for help on a cell phone. But wait: the couple remembers passing a huge castle about a mile back. Perhaps the castle owner has a telephone to contact a towing company.

Riiiight.

And so the zany adventure begins.

Though bizarre in many scenes, The Rocky Horror Show is far from scary or spine-chilling. It’s a rock musical spoof of old science fiction and horror films, penned by British playwright Richard O’Brien. The cult classic isn’t your standard musical. It’s one big orgy of weirdness, humor, jealousy, betrayal, catchy songs, an even catchier group dance known as the “Time Warp” and a Sweet Transvestite from Transexual, Transylvania. Be assured, it will all make sense when you see it.

This is the first time the Masquers Playhouse has produced Rocky Horror. The play’s director, G.A. Klein, said he’s seen the play and the film, sometimes together, 500 times before he lost count. In his director’s notes, Klein writes that when he first saw the film in 1979, he was coming out to his friends and family, and Rocky Horror, despite its wacky plot, made him feel less alone.

“I enjoy The Rocky Horror Show because it’s about people who are different and it’s about being proud of being different,” Klein said.

Rocky Horror’s fluid stage design is a cross between a science lab and a magician’s storehouse, a nod to its set designer John Hull. The set changes flow smoothly, without the long, annoying transitional pauses. The live band adds a ‘jam session’ quality to the play. Combined with the intimacy of the 89-seat theater, the production creates an up-close-and-personal experience that trumps viewing the movie at home.

Rocky Horror runs through Dec. 12 at the Masquers Playhouse (105 Park Place, Point Richmond). Performances are Friday and Saturday at 8 p.m., with a few Sunday matinees at 2:30 p.m. A special midnight audience participation show is scheduled for Saturday, Nov. 21. The midnight show includes ‘goodie bags’ with props for the audience to use during the performance. Popular Rocky Horror props include newspaper for covering one’s head during the rain scene and rubber gloves to pull on and snap. Rice is another popular prop, thrown during the wedding scene. However it’s a no-go for Masquers, due to the no food or drink policy.

Tickets are $20, with an extra $5 charge for the midnight show. For more information, visit Masquers.org.