Am I a consenting adult? Yes. Am I open to all kinds of shenanigans? Yes. Am I prepared to clutch my pearls? Absolutely. Is this the most perfect show to celebrate Pride Month and give a proverbial middle finger to the antics of queer erasure? You bet your britches. This rendition of The Rocky Horror Show, produced by Iron Crow Theatre, is hands down my favorite version. Whether you are a longtime fan of this cult classic or a virgin, this show is a must-see. But please leave your judgment at the door. Or better yet, just send it on a permanent vacation and join the rest of us in our very loud, audacious Rocky Horror antics.
This adaptation of The Rocky Horror Show, written by Richard O’Brien, was directed by the most talented Sean Elias. You felt his heart and saw the result of what must have been endless nights filled with tears and sweat, brought to life in front of you. Truly a great work to witness. Most of us are familiar with the basic interactive elements of these shows, such as the newspaper, the party hat, the playing card, etc. But this show was several steps above my expectations. I don’t want to give anything away because I want you to have the same level of fun I did. The immersive experience and audience participation are top tier and exciting. You honestly cannot be disappointed with this show. The familiar storyline of the transvestite from Transylvania along with the sweet, naïve couple in need of a phone, devolving into sexual madness is as old as time. Or at least since 1975. Yet, the added quirky elements bring it up to date to 2025, keeping it fresh and relevant.
Literally every aspect of this show was marvelous. But I am going to share what made me sparkle the most. First, the set! The double staircase leading up to a double door was majestic and so beautiful! It was breathtaking! I was in complete awe just walking into the playhouse. So, congrats to set designer Bruce Kapplin on a job well done. I just want to have the most story-worthy entrance on those stairs. And that leads me to Frank ’N’ Furter, embodied by the jaw-dropping Nicholas Miles. The entrance? Incomparable. The way he took over the entire room with a single step and a smile? I am jealous. He was so much fun! It felt like the role was made for him and him alone. And the voice! The runs up and down the scale were sensational. I especially enjoyed “Sweet Transvestite” and “I’m Going Home.” It was almost as if he was an alien. I’m absolutely prepared to watch him for the remainder of the season.
Then there is Miss Janet Weiss, portrayed by the stunning and enigmatic Kristen Stickley. I loved her performance. It was completely over the top and kitschy, but in the best way possible. While I expected her to have a good voice, I was shocked that she had such a great one. “Touch-A Touch-A Touch Me” was so risqué that I think I blushed a little. I almost wanted to call her Miss Jackson because she went from innocent to nasty seamlessly.
Another staggering voice was that of Cera Baker. During her brief solo as an Usherette and in her main role as Magenta, her voice was uniquely hers and astounding. So powerful, I think it almost stopped time for a moment. Instantly recognizable, you’ll understand when you hear her.
I also appreciated the costumes and makeup design by Stacey Stephens. Frank’s fascinator at the end was marvelous, and his entrance cape with the Pride flag was stunning. I also appreciated all the silver; it was so wrong, it was right. These were added elements that brought joy and a few chuckles.
Overall, this production was worth the time, money, and effort to see. A resounding bravo to the whole cast! I have a few notes that you need to know. First and foremost, this is not kid-friendly! Unless, of course, you want to explain a few sexual positions, answer a few questions, and create an awkward environment for everyone. It’s not even teenager-friendly. This is really for mature audiences, so be mindful. There are pre-show and intermission games, such as what I have dubbed “adult ring toss” and “the best voice-over actor.” They are a lot of fun, and you should try them. There are prizes to be won and reputations to gain or ruin—your choice. There is a dubious amount of profanity and, of course, sexual innuendo, some of it rather blatant and straightforward. I say all that to say that if you are easily offended or feel sexual freedom is taboo and not for public consumption in any form, then this show is not for you. This show is also very stimulating, in that there is a lot going on, including balls, water, glitter, and essentially a sensory overload. However, I hope you will reconsider any bias you may have and open your heart and mind to the possibility of something different. I wouldn’t want you to miss out on what can easily be seen as the diamond of this year’s Pride season. Happy Pride!
Running Time: Two hours and 20 minutes including one intermission.
The Rocky Horror Show plays through June 29, 2025, presented by Iron Crow Theatre performing at Baltimore Theatre Project, 45 West Preston Street, Baltimore, MD. Purchase tickets ($45–$75) online or contact the box office at boxoffice@ironcrowtheatre.org
Visit theatreproject.org for info on the best parking spots in the 45 West Preston neighborhood.
Credits for the cast and creative team are here.
The Rocky Horror Show
Book, Music, Lyrics: Richard O’Brien
CREATIVE TEAM
Director: Sean Elias
Stage Manager/Assistant Director: Allison Bradbury
Music Director/Keys: Michelle Henning
Choreographer: Arthur Cuadros
Intimacy Director: Shawna Potter
Assistant Stage Manager: Lauren Marsh
Set Design/Technical Director: Bruce Kapplin
DESIGN TEAM
Costume Design: Stacey Stephens
Lighting Design: Thomas P. Gardner
Props Design: Soph Riscigno
Sound Design/A1: Zach Sexton
Hair & Makeup Supervisor: Brandon Ross
BAND
Guitar: Jamie Williams
Bass: Jared Davis
Drums: Brett Schatz
PRODUCTION TEAM
Marketing: Mickey Moulder
Production Assistant: Wyatt Lyions
Deck Crew: Lucy Dunn
Intern: Robbie Shapiro
