St. Albans, W.Va. – The Alban Arts Center is celebrating Halloween with a lively production of the cult classic musical The Rocky Horror Show. The two‑week run, which began on Friday, offers audiences a chance to experience the iconic story of Brad Majors and Janet Weiss as they stumble into the eccentric world of Dr. Frank‑N‑Furter.
Local Cast Brings Fresh Energy
Patrick Knighton and Elaina Smith lead the cast as the newly‑engaged couple Brad and Janet. Smith explains, “It follows this newly‑engaged couple, Brad and Janet, as their car breaks down and they stumble upon a castle, where they meet Dr. Frank‑N‑Furter and all of his minions. They end up discovering a lot of things about themselves and the craziness that goes on in the castle.” Knighton adds that audience participation is a key element, noting, “This show, in particular, encourages participation. I think an audience member, if they’re coming not knowing they’re supposed to participate, they’ll be convinced pretty soon that that’s part of the deal.”
Tribute to Tim Curry
The production also honors the memory of Tim Curry, who originated the role of Dr. Frank‑N‑Furter in the 1975 film The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Co‑director Tim Walker said, “This is very much in memory of Tim Curry and recognizing the brilliance of his performance. Our Frank, Levi Kelley, is just so talented and pays homage to Tim really well, and I think Tim would be very proud of Levi’s performance.”
Message of Self‑Expression
Tyler Kinser, who portrays Riff Raff, highlighted the show’s emphasis on creativity and self‑acceptance. “Don’t dream it – be it,” Kinser said. “This is a show that is liberating. It is fluid. It is expression. It is literally stripping any inhibitions that you have about yourself and coming just as you are and maybe loving yourself a little bit harder. We have so many different body types, so many different genders, so many different ethnicities in this show, and we are all coming together and showing off our best selves. It’s inspiring and I hope someone can watch that and walk away with that same feeling – ‘if they can do it, I can do it too.'”
Full Cast and Performance Schedule
In addition to Knighton, Smith, Kelley and Kinser, the production features Holly Maynard as Magenta, Courtlyn Lewis as Columbia, Jackson Johnson as Rocky, Adam Terry as Eddie, Dewey Fletcher as Dr. Scott and Neil Gardner as the Narrator. Hope Griffith and Kennedy Miller serve as usherettes, while an ensemble of ten performers rounds out the cast.
The show runs for two weekends. Friday performances begin at 8 p.m., and each Saturday offers two shows—one at 8 p.m. and a midnight performance that starts as the clock strikes Sunday. The midnight shows are preceded by an opening act from the theatre’s resident improv troupe, Factory Reset, so audiences are encouraged to arrive early.
Adult‑Only Rating
Both the musical and the preceding improv shows are rated “R” and are intended for adult audiences due to mature themes. Ticket information and purchase links are available on the Alban Arts Center website.
For families and community members looking for a spirited Halloween outing that blends classic theater with local talent, the Alban Arts Center’s The Rocky Horror Show offers a memorable experience that celebrates creativity, inclusivity, and the enduring legacy of a beloved performer.
Original reporting: WCHS Eyewitness News Charleston (local) — read the source article.
