The Sci Fi Center Presents The Rocky Horror Picture Show

The LIVE cast of Science Fiction Double Feature is back on in front of the screen for its August 27 show. The Sci Fi Center presents The Rocky Horror Picture Show inside Core Contemporary Gallery's spacious performance area; come dressed up, bring virgins, and enjoy the show.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a 1975 musical comedy horror film based on the 1973 musical stage production Rocky Horror Show, with music, book, and lyrics by O'Brien. The production is a parody tribute to the science fiction and horror B movies of the 1930s through to the early 1960s.

The initial reception was extremely negative, but it soon became a hit as a midnight movie when audiences began participating in the film at the Waverly Theater in New York City in 1976. Audience members returned to the cinemas frequently and talked back to the screen, and began dressing as the characters, spawning similar performance groups across the United States. At almost the same time, fans in costume at the King's Court Theater in Pittsburgh began performing alongside the film. This "shadow cast" mimed the actions on the screen above and behind them while lip-syncing their character's lines.

Still, in release 46 years after its premiere, it is the longest-running theatrical release in film history. In many cities, live amateur shadow-casts act out the film as it is being shown and heavily draw upon a tradition of audience participation. In 2005, it was selected for preservation in the United States National Film Registry by the Library of Congress as being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant."

The Contemporary Gallery is located at 900 Karen Ave. Suite D222, Orleans Square in Commercial Center. Click here to purchase tickets.

EMAV Review: Oleanna ***** (Irresistible)

Who’s right, Who’s wrong?

By Paul Atreides

Acclaimed, award-winning playwright David Mamet is known primarily for his gritty, down-to-earth dialogue. Words exchanged between people without mincing, things you might easily hear in everyday life, out on the streets, in offices, anywhere that “polite” conversations would not take place. His work is typically peppered with what some consider “vulgarities.”

Mamet’s 1992 drama, Oleanna, about the power struggle between a university professor and a female student, does not portray those aforementioned types of characters. Oh, sure, there are a few f-bombs, but, as in real life, they come about organically, in a moment of frustration or sudden anger.

Directed by Troy Heard, the two-person production now performing at Majestic Repertory Theater is perfectly done in the round on a sparse office set; there is still a lot to take in–details that bring the space to life.

The play takes a hard look at how communication and political correctness can destroy. It is a play about academic politics, student/teacher relationships, and sexual harassment. All are still relevant today, and the use of a cell phone brings the situation right smack into the present.

Erik Amblad plays John, a university professor who rather likes to hear himself talk. He loves to use big words and pontificate, even to the audience of one, as he attempts to help a student pass a class. Amblad is the penultimate actor. It’s not only tone, volume, and cadence that tells the story; he uses his entire instrument to bring every thought and emotion to light. When one tact isn’t working, and he switches gears, we see it in facial expressions and body posture.

Venus Cobb, as Carol, at first a seemingly struggling student, brings a commanding presence to the stage. She’s got a vocal tonality that, even when soft, belies the intentions beneath. She surprises, and that is what makes it work all the better. The devious undertones, the innocence of youth, and the sometimes questioning of choice all bubble to the surface.

The production’s catchphrase, “Whatever side you believe, you’re wrong,” is front and center, particularly if you paid any attention to the recent Johnny Depp-Amber Heard trial.

This is a limited run, and you really do not want to miss this tour-de-force production.

What: Oleanna

When: 8 p.m. Thursday through Saturday; 5 p.m. Sundays through July 24

Remember that parking in the Arts District can be a challenge. Arrive extra early.

Tickets: $35 / $20 (www.majesticrepertory.com)

Grade: ***** (Irresistable)

Producer: Majestic Repertory Theatre; Director: Troy Heard; Fight Director: Will McMichael; Lighting & Sound Design: Cory Covell; Scenic Design: Troy Heard; Stage Manager: Cory Covell

Opera Las Vegas to premiere The House Without a Christmas Tree

Photo by Richard Brusky

Opera Las Vegas continues its 22nd Anniversary Season with the west coast premiere of Ricky Ian Gordon and Royce Vavrek’s The House Without a Christmas Tree at the Summerlin Library Theatre Nov. 19-21.

Based on Gail Rock’s popular story and the beloved 1972 TV movie of the same name, this heartwarming, family-friendly tale follows a precocious daughter, Addie, who struggles to understand her father’s resentment about the holidays and who longs at last for a beautiful Christmas tree like other families have, to “make her house look happy.”

In this touching coming-of-age story, performed in English, Addie learns empathy for her father, a crucial part of her growing up. Although she loves her father, all she seems to understand is his disapproval of her. Her grandmother helps her get a glimpse of her dad’s painful memory of the profound loss of Addie’s mother. Once Addie sees it, she takes positive action that changes all their lives for the better. Her father demonstrably feels her empathy, and they all change.

In short, everyone is healed by the transformative power of the Christmas season. The House Without a Christmas Tree stars sopranos Cadie Jordan and Taylor See, baritone Gabriel Preisser, and mezzo-sopranos Ashley Stone and Courtney Schwalbe. OLV Music Director Joshua Horsch conducts an 18-piece orchestra drawn from the ranks of the Valley’s finest musicians. Kate St. Pierre (The Lab) directs.

In collaboration with Thurman White Academy, the Opera Las Vegas Youth Chorus led by Chorus Master Athena Mertes also plays a considerable role in the 80-minute opera. They not only act and sing the roles of Addie’s classmates as they rehearse and perform a holiday pageant, but four of them have solo roles right next to the professional opera singers. Richard Cohen and Nathan Gibbs are double-cast as Addie’s nemesis, Billy, while Yna Ocan and Lily Robin share the poignant role of the poorest girl in town, Gloria.

“This is a beautiful score, with some wonderful melodies, but also some very tricky rhythms, and the chorus is learning it amazingly quickly,” says Mertes, who knows a thing or two about Gordon and Vavrek’s operas. She starred in 2019’s OLV production of their piece, “27,” which was also the germ that resulted in OLV’s award-winning Living Composers and Librettists Initiative.

“We could not be happier than to be producing another jewel of a short opera created by Ricky and Royce, two consummately talented artists. When they were in town for the important West Coast premiere of their ‘27,’ Mayor Carolyn Goodman proclaimed Apr. 27, 2019, as 27 Day in the city in their honor,” says General Director Jim Sohre. “We are working very hard to ensure that House, their newest collaboration, is entertaining, moving, musically top-notch, and theatrically satisfying. The characters are well-drawn, the story is engaging, and the music is accessible. One recurring tune, ‘Gather Round the Christmas Tree,’ sounds like a familiar carol but is wholly new for this opera.”

Please note that in keeping with state and federal COVID guidance, audience members will be required to wear face masks fully covering the nose and mouth at all times inside the facility.

Performances are 7:30 p.m. on Nov. 19 and 3 p.m. on Nov. 20 and Nov. 21 at the Summerlin Library Theatre, 1771 Inner Circle Drive. To purchase tickets, visit www.operalasvegas.com.