First of all, my next door neighbor (for about two years) was cast as Dr. Frankenfurter. We really didn't know each other before this. We have so much in common that I wonder why we didn't connect prior to this show? We would wave at each other, sure, or say the odd "hello", but that was it. I've learned that perhaps I need to reach out more, especially to neighbors. I really should know who lives next door to me!
Secondly, I've watched this cast go on a marvelous journey about appreciating their own bodies. I have to admit, when I first tried on my tight red dress, I loved the dress, but not necessarily how I looked in it. So, I started doing some ab workouts and bought some spanx. But as I looked around me at the cast of Rocky Horror, I realized they were having to reveal much more of themselves than I was and that they were doing it freely and confidently. And you know what? They are all beautiful. Why should anyone ever be ashamed of how they look? Our flaws might not be flaws, after all. So, in my less than perfect 52 year old body, I go out on that stage in a tight red dress and have a blast without apology. As one of my amazing cast mates said "I will NOT be embracing my flaws in 2017, because I'm not the one that decided they were flaws to begin with."
20 years ago, I never would have thought I would be out on stage engaging in some rather naughty banter with an audience that wasn't completely scripted. When the director first told me he wanted me to do some stand up comedian type back and forth exchange with the audience, I had some moments of panic. That was a bit beyond my comfort zone. Breaking the 4th wall and yet staying in character and saying my scripted lines is challenging, but I am absolutely loving it. I'm having a blast playing with the audience during every performance.
Accompanying me on this journey has been my daughter, Angelle. We've had many adventures together, including attending Sissy's Sircus (a burlesque show which I have attended for several years in a row with my dear friend, Kristin) together, watching a drag show (for which our cast performed during intermission to promote the show), and Angelle being a Rocky Horror "groupie", helping out in the audience with saying the right lines at the right times and dressing up like a different character (including mine) every night she has attended. In fact, I've had so much excellent quality time with Angelle lately, I am realizing that once this show is over, I'm going to need to spend a lot of quality time with the non-groupie, 12 year old KD. I'm looking forward to the adventures she and I will have.
I just can't express what a fabulous experience being in Rocky Horror has been so far. We have four more shows coming up this weekend. If you didn't get a chance to see it yet, I strongly encourage you to. Get your tickets by calling 319-291-4494 or going to www.wcpbhct.org . I guarantee you won't regret it. Remember, this is a show appropriate for ages 16 on up. Hope to be able to "play" with you in the audience soon.
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