Let's do the time warp again!

Vashon’s own Drama Dock is currently in rehearsal to present Richard O’Brien’s technically and artistically demanding musical "The Rocky Horror Show" at the VHS Theater.

Most islanders familiar with the show will know it through its 1975 film adaptation of the original 1973 British classic rock musical stage play which premiered at The Royal Court Theatre in London. The film, originally a crashing failure by any movie industry standards, quickly picked up a cult following and has achieved the distinction, 35 years later, of being the longest-running theatrical film release in history and has taken in approximately $140 million so far at the US box office alone, a stunning accomplishment given its original estimated budget of $1.2 million. The movie has been playing every weekend at some theaters for more than 35 years.

On the surface, the plot line is apparently a sendup of science fiction B-movies. The initial musical number of the show, "Science Fiction/Double Feature", alone mentions such science-fiction classics as "The Day the Earth Stood Still", Flash Gordon, "The Invisible Man", "King Kong", "It Came from Outer Space", "Tarantula", "Day of the Triffids", "When Worlds Collide", and "Forbidden Planet", not to mention many other indirect science-fiction B-movie references. The overall plot line thread itself is clearly a reference to "Frankenstein".

Campy, over-the-top, and literally filled end to end with very catchy rock ‘n roll tunes and ballads, potential theatergoers need to be aware that, while very comedic, the show does contain many strong adult themes and a definite portrayal of gay and trans-gender culture, and is considered by many to be a movie symbol of LGBT themes as well as other sexual elements. Though parental guidance is recommended, it should also be noted that as of 2005, the film version of the show has been preserved in the National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for being "culturally, historically, or aesthetically significant". The Vashon production will include all the songs and characters of the original show and movie.

Known to be appearing in the program are Marshall Murray, Stephanie Murray, Stephen Floyd, Lissy Nichols, Bryanna Savelesky, William Wassman, Ari Ashkenazi, Jon Whalen, Arlette Moody, Stephanie Murray, Zoey Rice, and Richard E. Montague. Christopher Overstreet provides projection art, and set design is by Lillian Ripley, who also provides the very demanding costume design for the production. In addition to appearing in the show, Arlette Moody also provides choreography.

Quoting Elizabeth Dinan-Slack, "Both Fridays (July 8 and 15) and Sunday (July 17), the show begins at 7:30 pm. Saturday (July 9) there will be two shows 7:30 pm, and 10 pm, and Saturday, July 16, one show at 10 pm. The 10 pm shows are for you Rocky-o-philes! Those who love to dress up and participate are encouraged to dress up as your favorite character from the movie and feel free to join in with call and responses the film has given birth to... "Say it!" And, of course, get to your feet and dance the Time Warp! Although we can’t throw rice and toast in the VHS Theater, there will be soda pop, candy and popcorn available in the lobby." For those unfamiliar with the established culture of Rocky Horror, Ms. Dinan-Slack is referring to long-running traditions of audience participation by fans of the show.