By Baylee Weaver, Newswire Intern
Xavier University’s Theatre program, directed by Stephen Skiles, is performing their adaptation of “The Rocky Horror Show” from Oct. 23-31.
“Rocky Horror,” written by Richard O’Brian, is a rock-and-roll comedy musical that pokes fun at the mid 20th century science fiction and B-horror movies, while also celebrating queer liberation and non-conformity.
The show follows lovebirds Brad, played by senior musical theatre major Luke Heetderks and Janet, played by senior entrepreneurship and musical theatre major Kyra Sander, as they seek shelter from a storm in the unsettling castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, played by senior musical theatre major Jamie Swisshelm. As they shelter in the castle, the lovers are brought into a world of memorable music and melodramatic chaos.
“The Rocky Horror Show,” which just had its 50th anniversary revival in 2025, has earned nine Tony Award nominations, including “Best Revival of a Broadway Musical.” With this show being an iconic hit for the past 50 years, the Xavier Theatre program had a huge undertaking in making sure the iconic essence of “Rocky” was present. With the eccentric costumes, fantastic lighting and engaging acting, Xavier Theatre has brought honor to the “Rocky Horror” legacy.
The group’s costume design brought the 60s disco and rock-n-roll aspects of “Rocky” to life. Each costume fits its character and
The Xavier Theatre program is performing “The Rocky Horror Show” from Oct. 23-31.
helps convey their personalities to the audience.
The main couple, Brad and Janet, were dressed in simple everyday wear, matching their simple dispositions. Characters like siblings Riff Raff, Magenta and Frank-N-Furter’s minions, were both given outfits that fit their similar sibling-like personalities but also highlight their differences. Riff Raff was dressed in a butler’s suit, showing their more focused and “helpful” nature, and Magenta was dressed in a housekeeper outfit, showing their bouncy and fun temperament. The ensemble was all dressed in simpler but still quirky gear that made them easily recognizable, while also adding to the lively atmosphere of the show.
The lighting and graphics of this production were truly one of the main contributors to the experience. Throughout the show, the lighting team helped emphasize the emotions of the current scene, acting as a secondary storyteller.
During the dance scenes, the lights were fun and colorful, creating an inviting atmosphere for the audience and making them feel like they were at the party themselves. During the more sexual scenes of the show, lighting was used to tell a story that the actors were physically incapable of conveying.
The most thrilling aspect of this show truly was the cast. The show begins with its narrator, the Criminologist, played by senior theatre major Anna Meister, who acts as a guide to the audience throughout the show. Meister kept a hilarious deadpan voice for the entire show, really adding an extra 60s inspired fun.
Swisshelm’s vocals and passion for acting as Frank-n-Furter shined in this production. Frank-n-Furter’s quirky, hedonistic and charismatic personality was perfected by Swisshelm, and made the experience in the theater lively.
The show would not be as complete or animated without the voices behind it. The cast really put their hearts in this, as this was a show that really involved the chemistry between characters and put it at the forefront of the production. The audience could feel their emotion while the characters witnessed Brad and Janet’s betrayal and their loss of innocence.
Xavier Theatre truly brought the campy heart of “Rocky Horror” with this production. However, “Rocky Horror” is known for its audience participation. The majority of the showtimes that Xavier Theatre has does not allow audience participation, otherwise known as “callbacks.” For viewers that are fans of Rocky Horror, and have seen other productions, this was somewhat of a drawback for them.
Xavier Theatre has one showtime with callbacks on Oct. 31. If you want to see a fun, transgressive, cult-classic watch this Halloween, an immersive experience can be found within the Xavier Theatre.
Tickets can be purchased through the Xavier.edu website, under the Xavier Theatre section. The online box office can also be found on the posters around campus, with a QR code.