SHERMAN — The Sherman Players swung for the rafters, scoring huge with their raucous and racy (is there any other kind?) rendition of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show. Under the wickedly creative direction of Francis A. Daley this musical is nostalgic, evil and perverse, all while being incredibly entertaining.  It is the perfect Halloween treat for any adult with a sense of humor.

On a dark and stormy night, newly engaged Brad Majors (played by Michael Wright) and Janet Weiss (Carly Phypers) find themselves on a deserted road with a blown out tire. Seeking refuge and a telephone they happen upon a creepy castle with a butler of sorts named Riff Raff (Sarah Hammer), who leads them  to the inner sanctum.

Met by a romping, ravenous crew of women, including the loyal Columbia (Jerusha Wright) and the girl from back home in Transylvania, Magenta (Beth Lang) Brad and Janet are trapped. Dr Frank N. Furter (Fred Rueck), an outrageously fierce, ludicrous and oversexed transvestite, makes a grand entrance to meet the newcomers as his harem fawns over him constantly.

Frank’n’furter has been hard at work in his laboratory, building a flawless specimen of a man. He invites Janet and Brad to witness the birth of this fully formed creation. Rocky, played by Jim Deitter, is indeed perfection and everyone wants a piece of him.

This is not the first creation of Dr Frank N. Furter, yet he grows bored easily. The dismissal of his previous effort, Eddie (Shawn Brown), is gruesome. Mr Brown also plays Dr Scott, a drop-in visitor of sorts who happens to be Eddie’s uncle.

Much cavorting, carrying on and coupling accompanied by thoroughly hilarious music and dialogue fills the night. All the action includes the “phantoms” — a bunch of Frank N. Furter groupies who sing, dance and emote on cue. They include Jillian Kelsey, Maya Daley, Diana Downes, Phaedra Harris, Marisa Caron and Sarah E.H. Marcus.

The evening’s surreal offering is introduced and closed by usherette Christine Daley. Narrating the absurd action is a British dandy elegantly played by Viv Berger.

Music Director Morgan Kelsey gets the most out of the terrific stage band, and Choreographer Arthur Fredric does an excellent job of maximizing the varied dance experience of the cast so they all moved well together.

This is a spectacle. It would be hard not to get completely caught up in the antics. The October 8 audience was complete with old timers and new followers familiar with the play and interacting throughout, in corsets and fishnets to boot. It was a hoot.

This play hinges on the performance of Dr Frank N. Furter. Fred Rueck is electric. The stage comes alive when he is on it.

Rueck gives a tour de force performance which rocks the house. Completely enabled by the terrific-in-every-way cast surrounding him, not a beat was missed.

To a one they are bold, brave, and completely into it. Everyone gives their all, and it is a blast for those in attendance.

The set design by Leif Smith is incredible. The special effects are inventive and work well to enhance the silly yet eerie atmosphere.  The costumes by Terry Hawley are appropriately inappropriate, pleather and fishnets everywhere.

“Don’t just dream it…be it,” croons Frank. Don’t just read about it…see it.

Even grown-ups deserve a good set of chills and thrills for Halloween!

Performances continue at The Sherman Playhouse, 5 Route 39N in Sherman, weekends through Halloween.

Curtain is 8 pm Friday and Saturday, with 2 pm matinees scheduled for Sundays, October 18 and 25.

Two notes: the Saturday, October 17 performance is sold out, and there will be a midnight production finalé on Saturday, October 31, in addition to the regular 8 pm show.

Visit shermanplayers.org or call 860-354-3622 for reservations or additional information.

Sherman Players is not recommending this production for ages 12 and under.