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Bangkok is a city with a lot of entertainment choices. Spoiled for choice, I have heard it said. But there are certain entertainment choices that people talk about years later. Such is the case with the first ever Bangkok musical production of, The Rocky Horror Show to be shown at the perfect venue. Years from now, I am sure of it, people will be asking the question, “Were you at the CheckInn99 when they did, The Rocky Horror Show?”
If you are not already aware, The Rocky Horror Show is a comedy-horror musical about a newly engaged couple whose car breaks down in an isolated area and who must pay a call to the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. First shown in the mid-1970s.

I had the good fortune to be at a Rocky rehearsal last week. There is no business like show business and there is no show quite like, The Rocky Horror Show. The 85 minute musical comedy will be shown four nights only, beginning tonite: October 30th, 31st and November 1st and 2nd. Tickets are still available for the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday shows. Saturday’s show is sold out.

There are thirteen professional performers in the cast, with an emphasis on professional. Included is the entire, Music of the Heart band. For those familiar with the show, which has lived on in midnight theatre showings for decades, it will be familiar fun and fantasy. For those that have never seen it, it’s a bucket list item. It’s a must see and it’s here now.

The Criminologist is the narrator for The Rocky Horror Show, played by John Gartland

The narration is done through the character of the Criminologist, played by performance poet and Elizabethan trained actor, John Gartland. Mr. Gartland’s training clearly shows and you can actually hear and understand every word, making the strange journey more fun as you follow the story easily between all the great musical numbers.

Kevin Wood as Riff Raff

The role of Riff Raff is played by well known Bangkok singer / musician, Kevin Wood. Riff Raff reminds us that time is fleeting and madness takes its toll. No argument here. Kevin Wood has some world class pipes to go along with his stage presence. It is always pure pleasure to listen to him sing and he gets to sing some Rocky classics.

Chris Wegoda as Dr. Frank-N-Furter

You could not pull off a production of The Rocky Horror Show without the right man cast as Dr. Frank-N-Furter. CheckInn99 owner, Chris Catto-Smith personally recruited Bangkok actor and comedian, Chris Wegoda for the role and what brilliant casting that is. Dr. Frank-N-Furter is the straw that stirs the drink and the Rocky Horror Show, based on the rehearsal I saw, is going to be one bloody good drink. Wegoda shines.

The Rocky Horror Show director is Jonathan Samson. Apologies for not listing all the names of all the actors and their roles. There are no weak links in this chain. It wont be a flawless production, but any flubs, prop accidents or wardrobe malfunctions will only add to the fun. One would hope this becomes a Halloween tradition in Bangkok. But there are no certainties in life. It was evident this production has taken a lot of time and energy by a lot of talented people to produce. It may be back – it may not. Time is indeed fleeting. So get your tickets for the remaining shows, now, while you still can. Because years from now, when people do ask, “Were you at the CheckInn99 when they did the Rocky Horror Show?” You’ll want to be able to answer, “I was. And I smiled so much, my face ached.”

 Come into the lab. See what’s on the slab. Tickets are still available for the Wednesday, Thursday and Friday evening shows, and can be booked online or by calling 081-735-7617.