Planning, casting, and fully preparing a musical production is no easy task, let alone doing it in three months. But Lebanon Community Theatre has taken on the challenge.
This weekend, LCT will perform The Rocky Horror Picture Show at five showtimes: Oct. 31 at 7:30 p.m., Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. (sold out) and midnight, and Nov. 2 at 7:30 p.m. (sold out) and midnight.
“It’s integral to the Rocky Horror experience to have midnight showings,” explained director Rick Kopecky III.
While Rocky Horror, a provocative show with adult themes, is sometimes performed by a “shadow cast” alongside the movie, this performance will be completely live — with a six-piece live orchestra to boot.
The show’s profits will go toward paying for recent roof repairs. Producer Amy Kopecky, also Rick’s sister, explained that the theatre at East Maple Street & Theatre Drive began collapsing over the summer, and costs totaled over $25,000.
As a result, LCT decided to put on a show separate from the regular 2024 season as a fundraiser. Rocky Horror was an easy choice, Amy said, because LCT put it on in 2022. Much of the cast and orchestra are reprising their roles.
“It was such a hit that we thought were bring it back,” said producer Amy Kopecky.
Rick, who also plays Rocky, is making his directorial debut.
“[Directing] has had its challenges for sure, the biggest is putting my role on the backburner so they can be secure in theirs,” said Rick.
He said that while directing and performing in one show has been challenging, he is thankful for the cast.
“There has been absolutely no drama, everyone’s been getting along,” he said. “There’s great camaraderie.”
Amy said that the show aims to preserve LCT’s funds, with “phantom” actors picking their own costumes and other production costs being offset by sponsors.
LCT is made up entirely of volunteers, so continued performances rely heavily on sponsors and community support.
Rick said that he is “imploring the community to continue to support local arts and local artists.” Amy echoed this sentiment, saying that “it takes a lot of community support.”
After Rocky Horror this weekend, LCT has one more show planned for the 2024 season: White Christmas. Director David Deitz, also Eddie in Rocky Horror, said planning and practices for the show have already begun.
“It’s been kind of a very difficult exercise because they’re very different,” Deitz said on working on Rocky Horror and White Christmas simultaneously. “The thing that’s delightful about doing both is that they balance each other out,” with one showing being a risque boundary-pusher and the other a wholesome classic.
LCT has also announced its 2025 season, which includes The Addams Family, Death of a Salesman, and Rent.
To buy tickets for Rocky Horror in advance, visit LCT’s website or buy tickets before the performance. Tickets are still available for tonight’s 7:30 showing, as well as midnight showings Friday and Saturday.
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