‘Rocky Horror’ back on stage

Features

Published: 15 Dec. 2005, 21:11

‘Rocky Horror’ back on stage

Some people could be made fun of for having unusual names, but for Hong Rocky, an actor, comedian and television show host, his name might have undeniably helped his career, at least in the musical business.
He has been the star of the cult musical “The Rocky Horror Show” since it was first staged in Korea in 2001. It may seem obvious that the actor got his role as the cross-dressing Dr. Frank-N-Furter simply because his name sounds similar to the “Rocky” of the title, but it did help promote the performance when the hypersexual sci-fi-horror camp musical launched in Daehangno, the heart of the Korean musical scene, four years ago.
To those unfamiliar with the cult hit production by playwright Richard O’Brien, which was first performed in 1973, it must have looked backwards, as if Hong had made his own musical.
The crew of genetically-engineered sex toys, lost newlyweds and freakish lab assistants will stage their B-movie stuff again this winter in Korea, with Hong again performing his lead role.
In addition to acting, Hong also directed the show for this winter’s performance, his first foray into directing.
Mr. Hong’s show has a cast of actress Yu Na-yeong as Janet, a young and naive fiancee who, with the help of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, experiences a sexual awakening. Then there’s actor Chu Sang-rok as Dr. Scott, the German-or-something professor who tries to stop Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s experiments.
The story begins with newly engaged couple, Janet and Brad, lost in the woods. They find their way to the residence of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a scientist and transvestite from the planet Transsexual in the galaxy of Transylvania. Dr. Frank-N-Furter has liaisons with both Brad and Janey. The doctor, however, goes mad with jealousy when Rocky, the doctor’s genetically-created sex playmate, wins Janet’s affections.

by Lee Min-a

The Rocky Horror Show plays at the Conference center of COEX, southern Seoul, every night except Mondays starting this Saturday and running until Jan. 15. Tickets range from 35,000 won ($34) to 70,000 won ($69). For more information, call (02) 516-1501 or visit www.rockyhorror.co.kr.