'Rocky' at Lincoln sexy, not scary

There is over the top and then there is an incredible, all in, completely and enthusiastically well executed over the top production of "Rocky Horror Show" playing at the Lincoln Theatre in Mount Vernon the next two weeks. All liberated adults, go if you can get a ticket.

A completely over-the-top performance of "The Rocky Horror Show" was exactly what the near sold-out Lincoln Theatre audience was ready for Sunday afternoon. From squirt guns mimicking rain to shout-outs throughout the performance, to their own costumes, attendees embraced a show devotees knew as well as the cast.

It seemed to be perfect in every way. The audience was ready. The cast was ready, from Brad (Robert Neeleman) Janet (Abigail Hanson), Rocky (Benjamin Usher) and Frank 'N Furter (Mason Beaver) to the 15 or so Phantoms, the ensemble singing and dancing in the background.

As great as Beaver and others were, Myles Doorn, as Riff Raff, had a special presence on stage, fully embodying and creating his "maybe that's a humpback" servant with every twitch and jerk of a shoulder or elbow.

Likewise, a shoutout to Erin Melanie, tap dancing as Columbia,

No need to recap the plot, since the story is bizarre and only virgins have not experienced it. The opening number, "Science Fiction Double Feature," sung by the Usherettes, leads into the story: "Science fiction (ooh-ooh-ooh) double feature / Doctor X (ooh-ooh-ooh) will build a creature / See androids fighting (ooh-ooh-ooh) Brad and Janet / / At the late night, double feature, picture show." This is science fiction like no other show.

Suffice it to say there is a dark night, a fierce storm, the car breaks down, there is a castle and odd servants usher Brad and Janet inside.

The near opening scene of Brad and Janet in a car comprised of cast members, complete with headlights and windshield wipers, is simple, elegant and entirely wonderfully whimsical.

It is not quite a rock opera, but almost, with nine first act songs and dance numbers and eight in act two. Beaver, as Frank, is pretty muscular, in many a song. Neelman and Hanson fine, the three playing off of each other.

Behind them in most numbers are the Phantoms, singing and dancing, well directed by director and choreographer Mike Jenkins, guest choreographer Angela Marinella, dance captain Katie Ramstead and supported by musical director TJ Anderson and assistant music director Will Sanders, part of a six member band.

There is not enough space to name and congratulate the cast and production team on all their fine work.

No expense seemed to be spared in costuming the cast. Can you say 20-plus corsets of all sizes, pairs of fishnet stockings and boas? That's the ending scene. Renee Sherrer is the superb costumer.

Producers Brooke Hofstetter, Ria Peth and Leisha Skinner are the responsible parties managing the production. Peth is the pre-show host with husband Jenkins and sings the opening number with Martha Porteous. Gina Touche manages each virgin sacrifice.

Richard O'Brien created his rock musical "The Rocky Horror Show" in 1973 and it premiered in London. It went to Los Angeles in 1974 and onto Broadway in 1975, the same year the film was made.

Performances are Thursday-Saturday through Nov. 4 and Halloween Monday.

This is for adults. They can decide on bringing their teenagers.

For performance times and tickets: lincolntheatre.org. Bring $5 for a prop bag.