Haliburton Highlands Secondary School students are time warping to put on the famed Rocky Horror Picture Show Jan. 12-14.
The school’s drama class will perform the 1973 musical about a lost engaged couple who are swept up into the castle of mad scientist Dr. Frank N. Furter. Grade 11 student Jordy Schell is starring as Brad Majors. He said he loves how the musical pushes boundaries.
“This show really exemplifies that art has no limits and it’s a huge leap for our high school to tackle a show with such mature and deep content and share it with our community,” Schell said.
The musical, which spawned an R-Rated movie, has been toned down for the high school stage but is still mature, according to Grade 12 student Codie Wilkinson, who is playing Dr. Furter.
“We had to change quite a bit just to make it more appropriate for the audience that would be attending,” Wilkinson said. “I don’t think anything too big has been drastically changed.”
The production features an ensemble cast of 14 students. Wilkinson said it is a show he wanted to do, given the musical’s LGBTQ representation.
“It’s been really fun, although it’s gotten a little stressful toward the end nearing the show,” he said. “Feel pretty well-prepared but something can always go wrong.”
Weather created challenges over the weekend, as a cancelled practice resulted in the Sunday matinee becoming a by-donation dress rehearsal. But both the performances Sunday went on as scheduled and will continue Monday and Tuesday at 7 p.m.
Tickets are $10 and can be purchased at the door or the school’s main office.
Wilkinson said it is good for the community to get a glimpse of what is happening at the high school by seeing the show.
“It’s going to be a fun time,” he said. “See how it’s changed the last few years and see the talent we have to offer.”
(With files from Hannah Sadlier).
