The Denton High Drama Club

From RockyWiki
Revision as of 16:03, 8 November 2024 by GreyHammond (Talk | contribs)

Jump to: navigation, search


Cast Location: Muskegon, MI

Cast Website: NA

Cast Facebook:The Denton High Drama Club Facebook

Cast Status: Special Performances

Cast Venues: NA

Show Frequency: In search for a new home venue, currently a floating cast currently performing for Pride, Halloween, and charity benefits. See our Facebook page for upcoming showings. Visit The Denton High Drama Club Facebook

Photos



Cast History

The Denton High Drama Club (DHDC) is an adult Rocky Horror Picture Show shadowcast troupe based in Muskegon, Michigan, that has gained recognition for its performances, especially around Halloween.
It was founded in August 2017 by Kevin Kilbry, a Muskegon resident and long-time fan of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and has become a staple of the West Michigan Rocky Horror community.
and has become a staple of the West Michigan Rocky Horror community.

Origins and Early Years

Kevin Kilbry, who performed as Riff Raff under the stage name Captain Dastardly, had attended Halloween screenings of Rocky Horror at Muskegon's Harbor Cinema since the 2000s. Over the years, he advocated for the theater to host a live shadowcast, a suggestion that finally came to fruition in 2017 with the formation of the Denton High Drama Club.

The DHDC quickly gained a reputation for their dynamic performances, particularly their annual Halloween shows. In addition to their regular performances at Muskegon’s Harbor Cinema, they were also known for their 30-minute preshows, which became a popular draw for fans.

Notable Performances

While the DHDC initially called the Muskegon Harbor Cinema its home theater, the venue closed permanently in March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic. However, before the shutdown, the troupe performed at several other venues, including special shows at the Wealthy Theatre in Grand Rapids. Some notable DHDC performances include:

  1. Devil’s Night 2018 and Halloween Eve 2019 at the Wealthy Theatre, both of which sold out.
  2. 'On the Lawn' Outdoor Show in October 2020, a collaboration between Wealthy Theatre and Circle Theatre, which was unfortunately cut short by rain after the preshow and 15 minutes of the movie.
  3. Williamston Sun Theatre Halloween shows in 2017, 2018, and 2019, all of which were sold out.
  4. 2020 New Year's Charity Fundraiser at The Playhouse at White Lake before the COVID shutdown.

Throughout its run, DHDC maintained a strong presence in the West Michigan Rocky Horror scene, with each of their shows incorporating props (with a prop bag included with every ticket) and a lively, interactive audience experience.

The Legacy of Larry Selvage and the DHDC's Future

In addition to their local shows, DHDC has always honored the legacy of other shadowcast leaders, notably Larry Selvage, the founder and producer of The Full Rocky in West Michigan. Larry Selvage, who inspired many in the shadowcast community, tragically passed away on September 27, 2020. His passing marked a sad chapter in the history of the West Michigan Rocky Horror scene.

In June 2022, as COVID restrictions began to ease, DHDC's founder Kevin Kilbry announced his retirement from the role of producer during the Saugatuck Pride Rocky Shadowcast performance. Kilbry passed the torch to Michael Baribeau, who had been with the group since its inception and had previously served as the director. Kevin continues to attend DHDC performances and remains an integral part of the community, though his role as producer has now transitioned to Baribeau.

The Future of DHDC

Though the COVID-19 pandemic forced the closure of their home theater and disrupted performances, DHDC has remained determined to bring Rocky Horror to West Michigan audiences. As of late 2024, the troupe is actively seeking a new home theater for their monthly shows and continues to entertain audiences in various locations. With a strong foundation built on creativity, camaraderie, and the spirit of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, DHDC remains a beloved part of Muskegon and the greater West Michigan Rocky Horror scene.

Trivia:

DHDC was known for their elaborate 30-minute preshows, which became a fan favorite.
The troupe performed many sold-out shows in their early years, including at the Williamston Sun Theatre and the Wealthy Theatre in Grand Rapids.
Kevin Kilbry performed as Riff Raff under the name Captain Dastardly and continues to be involved with the group despite his retirement as producer.

Active Cast & Crew


Cast parts frequently rotate. Usual Shadowcast includes...


Producer and Director Michael 'Sweet Pea' Baribeau

Sam Feenstra

Jennifer Finney aka Mistress

Kevin Kilbry aka Papa Riffy aka Capitan Dasterdly (intentional spelling)

Sam Koster

James Kozakiewicz

Walter Allon Myers Jr

Mana Nelson

Addie Rall

Doran Riley

Rain Riley

Sam Vandersluis

Sammy Scrivener aka 'Jinx C' (Jinx Caulfield)

Christine Vander Meer

Benji Enter aka Ms Dizzy Spellz (past DHDC Assistant Director)



Deborah Bullis Myers - Greeter

Lane Bullis - Mascot

Kelly Shannon - Photographer

Lee Green - Tech




Alumni Members


Erin Lynne

Amy Barton

Jamie Arnold-Page

David Lee Dickens-Jacobs

Madison Hang

T Hill Hill

Jenny Krasinski

Max Norton




Reference Links


Denton High Drama Club public facebook page

DHDC cast facebook page

DHDC Website

DHDC Favorite Videos

RHPS Shadowcast Map

RHPS Shadowcast map Instructions (Maps by Luna May 06/13/17)

List of All Rocky Horror Cast Names

RHPS Say It! 1975 Audience Participation Audio only
(the video automatically starts playing 45 seconds into the video so reset video to very beginning to catch emcee by Rocky Horror Legend Sal Piro also a Rockypedia link here. )

Rocky Horror Brief Beginning History

Producing A Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadow Cast

Rockypedia, The RHPS FAQ (useful site for shadowcasts)

RHPS Costumes and Wig Info (once there scroll to the bottom)

Wig Video Tutorials

RHPS Characters including Trixie the usherette

Callback Script VT 2011 Edition

Rocky Horror Picture Show Audience Participation Script

The Virgin’s Guide to Rocky Horror Callouts

Richard O'Brien's Rocky Horror Wiki Info & News (previously http://rocky-horror-picture-show.wikia.com)

RHPS Official Fan Club Facebook Page

RHPS Official Fan Club Facebook Community

Official Fan Club Membership Card

RHPS Cosmos Factory (dated and partially defunct)

RHPS Official Fan Club Website (dated and partially defunct)

Harbor Cinema in Muskegon MI Facebook

Cinema Treasures, Harbor Cinema in Muskegon MI (theater history)