Phamaly Theatre Company would like, if they may, to take you on a strange journey...
This summer, as part of the Denver disability-affirmative theatre company's 33rd season, Phamaly will stage a rendition of Richard O'Brien's cult-classic rock musical The Rocky Horror Show.
The 1973 musical horror comedy, which was later adapted into the beloved 1975 film The Rocky Horror Picture Show, tells the story of Brad and Janet, a couple who get lost during a road trip and end up crashing at the spooky, mysterious mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a scientist and alien "transvestite from Transexual, Transylvania." They soon meet a cast of wild characters, including Rocky, a muscular man Frank-N-Furter created in a lab, and embark on a countercultural journey of self-liberation and discovery.
Artistic Director Ben Raanan said the show is a good fit for Phamaly, which exclusively casts artists with physical, cognitive, intellectual and emotional disabilities and seeks to "upend conventional narratives by transforming individuals, audiences, and the world," per the company's website.
"Phamaly has always encouraged artists to own who they are and how they navigate through the world, and to own it unapologetically," Raanan said in a statement. "Therefore, we are thrilled to present The Rocky Horror Show. This production has been at the forefront of ushering a legacy of groundbreaking counter-culture and revolution by breaking societal norms."
The production will run at Su Teatro Cultural and Performing Arts Center from August 12 - September 4. In the spirit of Rocky Horror, some performances will be interactive, though there are also noninteractive shows available. Phamaly offers accessibility services like wheelchair access, captioning, audio description, Braille materials, sensory guides, tactile tours, ASL interpretation, sensory friendly performances and hospitality discounts.
Tickets go on sale on June 22. More information is available at Phamaly's website.
