With a brilliant start, the Rocky Horror Show celebrated its anniversary tour on October 31, 2024, which this year includes not only Germany, but also Austria and Switzerland.
To mark the 50th anniversary of the cult musical, the organizer decided to start the anniversary tour on Halloween to bring out the scary and fascinating atmosphere even more. The six-month tour began in Berlin in the traditional Admiralspalast, and none other than Hugo Egon Balder made his debut in the role of narrator. For many fans and visitors, the appearance of the well-known TV star was a special attraction, and Balder's typical humorous manner proved to be a perfect complement to the incomparable style of the Rocky Horror Show.
A cult classic since 1973: An overview
The Rocky Horror Show, first performed in London in 1973, was created by Richard O'Brien and has since developed into a phenomenon that reaches far beyond the boundaries of the traditional musical. The mix of rock'n'roll, comedy, science fiction and horror occupies a unique niche that has appeal around the world. The film The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which followed in 1975, helped the stage show achieve even greater cult status and spawned classics such as "Time Warp" and "Sweet Transvestite", which remain part of the rock canon to this day. Since then, the show has been one of the most popular and longest-running musicals and enjoys a loyal fan base.
Another unique feature is the interactivity, which actively involves the audience in the action. The famous "verbal attacks" of the fans, which are based on certain scenes and include ironic comments or questions directed at the stage, are an integral part of the performance and give it the unmistakable atmosphere of a pop concert.
Hugo Egon Balder's debut as a narrator
For Hugo Egon Balder, who has long since achieved cult status as a presenter and actor in the German television landscape, the engagement represents an exciting new challenge. "The Rocky Horror Show is an absolute cult institution," said Balder in an interview. "The songs have become an integral part of the rock'n'roll canon." Balder, who also has a past as a musician, was excited to be part of this spectacle and to take the audience on the "wild, humorous journey." With his offbeat humor and his sense of timing, Balder is likely to enrich the role of the narrator in his very own way.
He was accompanied at the premiere by Sky du Mont, another prominent narrator of the show, who has been appearing in various productions of The Rocky Horror Show for over ten years and who, even after so long, still has a deep enthusiasm for the piece. "The energy and commitment of the fans make every performance an unforgettable experience," said du Mont. "The atmosphere is unique - almost like a pop concert!" This dynamic that The Rocky Horror Show creates every time is probably a key reason for its enduring popularity.
A challenging start with incomparable spontaneity
The role of narrator in the Rocky Horror Show is particularly challenging, as the actor not only has to drive the plot forward, but also react to the often unpredictable comments from the audience. Sky du Mont advised Balder to embrace the unexpected and trust in the spontaneity of the show. "Don't even try to prepare for it. You never know what will happen on that stage," said du Mont.
The audience in Berlin enthusiastically welcomed Balder's debut and was impressed by his quick wit and his ability to humorously parry the numerous heckling from fans. His first guest appearance at the Admiralspalast will be remembered by the audience - not least because Balder also took over the performances of Ilka Bessin, known as the comedienne "Cindy from Marzahn", who was originally planned for the role of narrator, due to illness.
Timeless classics and current popularity
With its anniversary tour, the Rocky Horror Show proves once again that its popularity is unbroken. The tour through Germany, Austria and Switzerland will not only attract existing fans, but will also inspire a new generation for the colorful mix of music, satire and theater. The well-known "Time Warp", the show's iconic song, invites visitors to sing and dance along as always and symbolizes the timeless energy and rebellious spirit that has characterized the musical from the beginning.
The anniversary tour is a living testimony to the enduring nature of Richard O'Brien's work and shows how relevant the show's themes are today. Especially in times when individuality and acceptance of different ways of life are becoming increasingly important, the Rocky Horror Show offers a stage for tolerance and openness, coupled with a humorous wink and a pinch of eccentricity.
The premiere of the Rocky Horror Show anniversary tour marks a high point in the musical's history and gives hope for an exciting season full of energy, humor and rock sounds. The audience's response and the successful performance of Hugo Egon Balder in his new role show that the fascination for this extraordinary spectacle remains unbroken even after five decades.
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