I've seen a few takes about TGWDLM OG and the Reprise; Both good and bad.
However, I keep thinking about the pacing and joke delivery and those expectations that were either met or not depending on who you're asking.
And I'm reminded that the first time I'd seen Rocky Horror Picture Show in theatre had been in 2018.
When 'Sweet Transvestite' was playing, the shock wasn't about the outlandish outfit. It was when the actor pulled away the Tim Curry styled wig to be a blonde underneath.
What am I saying with this? Well, the original bit cannot work any longer. The audience is generally aware of the 'classic' movie. Expectations have been set years before this theatre production had a chance. Thus, they do the next best thing. They adapt the bit. Why? Well, to keep us on our toes - and to sort of set itself apart from the movie.
But it also means that I've never experienced a theatre production of Rocky Horror Picture Show that showed me the original bit. I'm too young for that. Instead, it's always the "Oh, you thought we'd stick to the famous Tim Curry Frankenfurter look? THINK AGAIN"
I love that show, but I mourn that the original bit was changed because it just wasn't as shocking for a live audience; Yet I understand it. You have to clearly separate yourself from the other to be your own thing...
And that's sort of TGWDLM:R to me as a whole. I do mean that in the best way possible. It's clear that this show relies on having seen and understood the first - it builds off of it. Its new bits tend to work better if you're familiar with the old etc etc.
And it's fair to either enjoy it or not.
Personally, I've seen Rocky Horror Picture Show in theatres multiple times since 2018, and while initially slightly put off by those overt nudges towards the familiar movie, it's sort of grown on me.
Yes, I've seen the movie a thousand times before, nice to know you know - and there we go. Expectations thrown. Let's try something else this time, though ok? What do you think?