Gwynnevere Cristobal, Bart Perry, Ethan Glasman; (rear) Alycia Adame, Chloë Angst Photo by Evelyn Huynh

Many successful movie musicals are based on similarly successful stage shows, this being no exception. Now called Richard O'Brien's The Rocky Horror Show (to distinguish it from all of the other Rocky Horror Shows!?), it reaches fewer audiences than the movie but replicates the devoted following. San Jose's City Lights Theater Company is offering a revival, after its well-received 2003 and 2013 productions, and the Amber Smith directed show hits all its marks with a highly entertaining and super skillful reprise.

Previously unpublished auteur Richard O'Brien hit the jackpot in 1973 as composer, lyricist, and bookwriter for the enormously popular Rocky Horror entertainments. He even originated the role of Riff Raff, central character Dr. Frank-N-Furter's major domo, in the stage version and then on the screen. Drawing from science fiction like "Frankenstein" and glam rock a la David Bowie, O'Brien created a world of lush, throbbing fantasy.

However, the overlay that gives Rocky Horror its real pizzazz and perhaps a nod to meaningfulness is transvestism. Not only is Frank-N-Furter the "sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania," but other characters morph into transvestites, suggesting that we all have gender fluidity within us that should be accepted. O'Brien himself identifies as third gender (using he/him pronouns).

For those unfamiliar, the narrative involves buttoned-down, nerdy Brad (a perfectly cast Ethan Glasman) and girlfriend, sweet Janet (the sweet Gwynnevere Cristobal) having a flat tire on a country road in a storm. They take refuge (of sorts) in the home of crazy scientist Frank-N-Furter, who corrupts the innocence of the inadvertent guests and who has created a humanoid sexual plaything for his own pleasure.

What makes the City Lights production a treat is everything. Of course, there is an awful lot to work with. The endowment of the storyline tickles with sexual innuendo, and the rock-based, memorable music rouses. However, as added value, actors invigorate (led by Bart Perry, who provides the lascivious flamboyance needed for Frank-N-Furter), choreography excites (Stephanie Staszak), costumes sparkle (Lonie Fullerton), lighting spooks (Carsten Koester), sound threatens (George Psarras), and staging gives it all an abstract home (Ron Gasparinetti). The combination results in a riotous and constantly involving experience.

Perhaps the most exceptional quality is the absolute powerhouse singing across the whole cast. The play opens with a song unconnected to the plot, "Science Fiction–Double Feature," that introduces the genre of the musical. Chloë Angst is the usherette serving popcorn and song, and she brings the roof down with stunning vibrato and rasp and potency. But then there is the innocent Janet's inviting "Touch-A, Touch-A, Touch Me," and Frank-N-Furter's also inviting "Sweet Transvestite."

The surprise is Kit Wilder as Riff Raff. Throughout, he displays a Beetlejuice-like look and a tongue-flicking, lurking manner in a part that doesn't seem to call for great vocal skill. Nonetheless, toward the end, his solo "Transit Beam" reveals a voice on par with the other powerful singers. A final energizing song is the great song-and-dance number "Time Warp." Also noteworthy, the several-piece band really rocks it loud and strong under the music direction of Brian Allan Hobbs.

Enough aficionados in the audience on opening night participated in the frivolity with verbal callbacks to add to the flavor and keep the characters on their toes. In keeping with movie audience tradition, every time Brad's name is mentioned, the crowd responds "asshole!" and every time Janet's name is mentioned, the audience response is "slut!" What's more, audience members sometimes throw in impromptu comments that on-stage characters respond to.

I was a little dubious about attending this show, feeling that I remembered the plot and the music and didn't need to see it again. I was wrong. It is so much fun that it's always worth seeing again, and this production ensures that the audience will have a great time.

Richard O'Brien's The Rocky Horror Show runs through August 25, 2024, at City Lights Theater Company, 529 S. Second St., San Jose CA. For tickets and information, please visit cltc.org or call 408-295-4200.