Rocky Horror Show lands in Rome after 45-year run

The Rocky Horror Show, a cult musical that began as a small London production on June 16, 1973, is now touring Italy. After stops in Milan and Trieste, the show concludes its run at Rome's Teatro Olimpico as part of the Accademia Filarmonica Romana season. Directed by Christopher Luscombe, the production features an international cast with Italian comedian Greg (Claudio Gregori) as the narrator. The musical, known for its audience participation including the Time Warp dance, has been translated into at least 20 languages and performed in over 30 countries. The story follows a straight-laced couple who encounter the eccentric Dr. Frank-N-Furter. The show references American Gothic by Grant Wood, which the 1975 film version parodies. The Museum Lichtspiele in Munich has screened the film weekly since 1977, providing a special RHPS-Kit for audience participation. The musical's motto, "don't dream it, be it," echoes Woody Allen's quip about sex. The original poster also referenced Jaws with the line "a different set of jaws."