Back with a bang: Actors' Mission prepares for "Rocky Horror Show"

While the Actors' Mission is performing "The Rocky Horror Show" this week to raise funds for the group's new building, Kenneth Starling has other big goals for the show - and what it could mean for the future of the Actors' Mission and the arts in Sweetwater County. 

Starling is not only directing the production, but also starring as Frank N' Furter, one of the main characters. The bright red high heels they wear are familiar territory for them. 

"It's in my heart and soul," Starling said of the musical.

This production is the fifth time (in the fourth state) for Starling to be involved in "The Rocky Horror Show," and not their first time playing the memorable character. Starling is from South Carolina, lived in Salt Lake City, and moved to Rock Springs with their partner Devin Manfull less than a year ago. Manfull is also involved, playing Brad Major in the show. 

Starling joined the Actors' Mission board in February when discussions were underway for both fundraiser ideas and a way to "come back with a bang" and bring people back to the theater now that there are less restrictions due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Starling suggested "The Rocky Horror Show" and the board loved the idea. However, some board members at the Broadway Theater in Rock Springs, where the Actors' Mission currently performs, were hesitant at first. This was mainly due to the fact that in the 90s, during a screening of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" (the film based on the musical) at a local theater, someone threw a beer bottle through the movie screen. However, Starling presented their plans for the show, including how audience participation would work, and the Broadway Theater board was convinced. 

"The Rocky Horror Show" has been a change of pace for the Actors' Mission. For one thing, it's the first musical the organization has produced since "The Great American Trailer Park Musical" in 2013. It's also one of the only shows the Actors' Mission has charged for. Usually admission is free, but this show was specifically organized as a fundraiser. All proceeds will benefit the Actors' Mission Building Fund, which supports the ongoing efforts to renovate the organization's new building on South Main Street. 

According to Starling, this production is also unique simply because "'Rocky Horror' is unlike any other theatrical experience." 

Starling describes the show as a "cultural phenomenon" that crosses multiple generations. The play was originally performed in 1973 and the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" film was released in 1975. Starling pointed out that most people are familiar with the film and if nothing else people have probably heard the song "The Time Warp."  In addition to directing and playing a lead role, Starling took on the challenges of designing the set, costumes and choreography. They said the work has been challenging, but they love how the production and the cast and crew have "created such a beautiful environment of love and acceptance."

"What's really made my heart happy is how diverse our cast is," Starling said, noting that, out of five productions, this is the most diverse they have been involved with. "We've got people of color, we've got gay, straight, bi, I'm nonbinary, we've got people over the age of 60," they said. 

They hope the audience that comes will also be full of diversity and people who need to see diversity represented. Starling said everyone should come, but they specifically expressed their desire for the audience to include "little queer kids who don't have an outlet in this town; people of color; people of different body types that don't understand that it's okay to be sexy, and that you are sexy just the way you are, and that it's okay to embrace that; different body types; different ages." 

The main message Starling hopes people will take away from the show is "love yourself." They described a moment in the show where Frank looks out at people and says "Don't dream it, be it," which they believe encapsulates the show.

"And you are sexy!" Starling added with a laugh.

Starling hopes the Actors' Mission will continue to do productions like "The Rocky Horror Show" in the future. For one thing, they hope a summer musical fundraiser will become a tradition. But they also hope to keep doing shows that "help people broaden their horizons," to continue bringing in and presenting more diversity, and to work towards creating "a bustling arts community." 

"I think art is teaching and healing," Starling said, adding that, if not, they hope to just make people laugh.

"The Rocky Horror Show" will be performed at the Broadway Theater in Rock Springs on July 30 and 31. The theater will open at 6 p.m. with a pre-show raffle to win prizes, as well as alcohol for sale in the lobby. Audience participation kits with props and instructions will also be available. The performance will begin at 7 p.m. 

Tickets can be purchased at the Rock Springs URA office or the Rock Springs Chamber of Commerce, as well as at the door the night of the show.