By John Lyle Belden

“The Rocky Horror Show” has returned to the Athenaeum’s Basile Theatre through Halloween night. With this show, if you know, you know – and you should go.

Here are some more things you should know:

• This is the live stage show, originally created by Richard O’Brien, NOT a screening of his cult-classic film. A few things are different from the movie – no “toast,” and “everybody’s lucky” without a bannister – but the story and all the absurd fun are the same, enhanced by the experience of live theatre.
• As this is a historic building, there are no props allowed, and don’t throw anything! (But feel free to dress up).
• Zach Rosing did sound and video design, while Zack Neiditch is the director. Neither appears on stage, but we do get proof that they are not the same person.
• For those who don’t know or don’t remember, the audience responses are displayed on a signboard above the stage. Please shout them on cue.
• Despite being performed in Indiana, within the show there is “no law against giving in to absolute pleasure.” This note is a good place to remind everyone that the content is very “R” rated.
• Tim Hunt returns as the fabulous Frank N. Furter, as does Johnnie Ray Hughes as his creation, Rocky – his toned physique worthy of the “Charles Atlas Seal of Approval.”
• Other roles, mostly new to the company, include Reno Moore and Sophie Sweany-Kocher as Brad and Janet, Michael Krauter as Riff Raff, Addi Koehler as Magenta, Julia Ammons as Columbia, and Jonathan Young as Eddie and Dr. Scott.
• The Narrator is played by Cynthia Collins, which works great with the gender-bending nature of the show. In Zach & Zack’s “Rocky,” this character is also free to roam about the theatre, making things even more wild and funny. Also, apparently, this Man has a neck, among other things.
• To ensure their names appear in the search tags, we’ll list the ensemble “phantoms:” Megan Arrington-Marks, Kelvin Burzon, Brittany Michelle Davis, Pablo Gonzalez, Kennedy Morgan, Cìcì Pasìon, and Kenan Timmin.
• The backstage band is music director Teneh B.C. Karimu on keyboards, Linnea Holt on synth, Matt Day on Guitar, Connor Allen on bass, Andrew Howard on drums, and Julian Orem with the sweet-patootie saxophone.
• The excellent crew includes Kenny Shepard as choreographer, Claire Wilcher having her hands full as intimacy director, and Katie Angel as stage manager. Brilliant costume design is by Anthony James Sirk.
• Perhaps the best news is something that isn’t even contained in the Basile theatre. There is a new bar and a big restroom (in a unisex arrangement with numerous private toilets) on the same floor! Intermission still gets busy and crowded, but you no longer have to wander the building to find relief.
• Everyone does a fantastic job, above and beyond the fact that even when this show is bad, it’s good.
• The seating looks plentiful, but trust me, with this show it can fill fast. Get tickets and info at rockyhorrorindy.com.