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Sharman's success with the original Australian production of ''Superstar'' led to an invitation to direct the first London stage production, and it was during the London run of ''Superstar'' that he met O'Brien, who briefly had a role in the show (he played Herod for just one performance). O'Brien played Sharman some of the songs he had written and they began to flesh out the concept for the show; Sharman later brought in fellow Australians Nell Campbell (aka 'Little Nell') and longtime design collaborator Brian Thomson , who had designed both ''Hair'' and ''Superstar''. Sharman's theatrical background -- his father and grandfather were famous tent-show promoters -- influenced the deliberately makeshift look and feel of the original production, which premiered in a small, 60 seater, run-down theatre slated for demolition that was run by the Royal Court as a project space for new work. The show was voted Best New Musical by London's theatre critics and the production transferred to a theatre on the Kings Road where it ran continuously for three years.

The movie has been much more popular in the United States than the theatrical show, revivals of which are mounted periodically without great success. In other countries the stage show has proved a perennial favourite with theatre audiences, and many successful revivals of the show have been mounted. In some places at the stage show, fans dress up as the characters and shout call-backs at the stage.

Versions of the show have played well in various other Countries , including a New Zealand production that featured, at one time or other, the former Prime Minister Robert Muldoon (as the compère) and the (now shamed) Rock Star , Gary Glitter playing the lead.

It came eighth in a BBC Radio 2 listener Poll of the "Nation's Number One Essential Musicals" (wherein Nation refers to the United Kingdom). {Link without Title}


ORIGINAL LONDON CAST AND PRODUCTION TEAM






SONGS

  • "Science Fiction-Double Feature"

  • "Damn It Janet"

  • "There's a Light" (renamed for the film: "Over At the Frankenstein Place")

  • "The Time Warp "

  • "Sweet Transvestite"

  • "The Sword Of Damocles "

  • "Charles Atlas Song" (renamed and rewritten for the film, and since retained in current stage versions: "I Can Make You a Man")

  • "Hot Patootie-Bless My Soul"

  • "Charles Atlas Song: Reprise" (renamed for the film: "I Can Make You a Man (Reprise)")

  • "Once in a While"

  • "Touch-a Touch-a Touch-a Touch Me" (also known as: "Touch-a Touch-a Touch Me")

  • "Eddie's Teddy"

  • "Planet Schmanet Janet" (also known as: "Wise Up Janet Weiss")

  • "Rose Tint My World"

  • "Don't Dream It - Be It"

  • "Wild And Untamed Thing" ''(often combined with Rose Tint My World and "Don't Dream It" as simply "Floorshow")''

  • "I'm Going Home"

  • "Super Heroes"

  • "Science Fiction/Double Feature: Reprise"



U.S.A. PREMIERE

The Rocky Horror Show premiered in the U.S. at the Roxy theatre, Los Angeles opening March 24th 1974. Director Jim Sharman and lots of other backstage members came over from London. Tim Curry was the only member of the cast to reprise their role. Meat Loaf joined the cast here as Eddie/Dr. Scott, and Jamie Donnelly , Jan from Grease the movie, starred as Magenta/Usherette. There was a cast recording made of this cast and it is easy to find.


BROADWAY

The Rocky Horror Show originally went on Broadway in 1975 with the Roxy cast from Los Angeles . It opened March 10th at the Belasco Theatre . It did not do too well and closed after 45 performances. The Rocky Horror Show had a short revival on Broadway back in 2000 and featured funny lady Lea DeLaria and of Rent fame Daphne Rubin-Vega .


UK TOUR


The Rocky Horror Show is currently touring the UK, starring David Bedella as Dr Frank N Furter and Suzanne Shaw as '''Janet'''


SEE ALSO