Those old devil "artistic differences" prompted The Old Globe to hire James Vásquez as director of its in-rehearsal production of Richard O'Brien's musical. Vásquez replaced the previously announced Oanh Nguyen. That followed the earlier departure of star James Barbour (who was to play Frank N Furter), who left to address family issues. Matt McGrath took his role.
The Rocky Horror Show, with book, music and lyrics by O'Brien, musical staging and choreography by JT Horenstein and music direction by Mike Wilkins, runs in the Old Globe Theatre, part of the Globe's Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, to Nov. 6 in San Diego, CA.
As previously announced, the cast of The Rocky Horror Show includes Andrew Call (Eddie, Phantom), Jeanna de Waal (Janet), Sydney James Harcourt (Rocky), Nadine Isenegger (Columbia), Lauren Lim Jackson (Phantom), Kelsey Kurz (Brad), David Andrew Macdonald (Narrator, Dr. Scott), Matt McGrath (Frank N Furter), Anna Schnaitter (Phantom), Laura Shoop (Magenta, Usherette), Kit Treece (Phantom) and Jason Wooten (Riff Raff, Usher).
Vásquez will also this direct this season's 14th annual presentation of Dr. Seuss' How the Grinch Stole Christmas!, for which he has recreated the original musical staging since 2003. He won the 2010 Craig Noel Award for Outstanding Direction for Sweeney Todd (Cygnet Theatre Company). His recent directing credits include the West Coast premieres of [title of show], Fair Use and Twist (Diversionary Theatre), Little Shop of Horrors (choreographer), A Little Night Music (choreographer) and Hedwig and the Angry Inch (Cygnet) and Into the Woods (New Village Arts).
Here's how Old Globe bills the rock classic: "The musical that became a movie and started a 35-year nonstop cultural phenomenon is back where it is meant to be seen — live on stage. When Brad and Janet, a clean-cut young couple from the suburbs, get caught with a flat in the middle of nowhere, they seek help from the devilishly charming transvestite Dr. Frank N Furter. What they discover in his mysterious laboratory is a time warp of sexual and scientific possibilities — and, perhaps, true love." The creative team also includes Donyale Werle (scenic design), Emily Rebholz (costume design), Rui Rita (lighting design), Kevin Kennedy (sound design), Aaron Rhyne (projection design), Carrie Gardner, CSA (casting) and Anjee Nero (stage manager).
Rocky Horror tickets can be purchased online at www.TheOldGlobe.org, by phone at (619) 23-GLOBE or by visiting the box office at 1363 Old Globe Way in Balboa Park.
