Rocky Horror: The Music Behind the Mayhem

In his director’s notes for PVCC’s performance of The Rocky Horror Show, Brad Stoller mentioned the power of the original film in the wake of the Vietnam War. He wrote of the spirit of creativity, freedom and fun that the film encompassed. Forty years later, this message remained poignant: the audience sat in front of the of the Dickinson Main Stage waiting for the show one day after another mass shooting on American soil. On Dec. 3, 2015, Stoller, a group of stage actors and a live band delivered that spirit once again.

Of particular interest was the live band that played under the direction of Morgan Moran, a local musician with several projects beyond the realm of theater. Moran stated that costume designer, Lisa Eller, asked the musician if she would be interested in “slappin’ that bass” for Rocky Horror. Moran’s answer was a resounding, “Hell, yeah!”

According to Moran, Stoller called her a couple of days later asking if she knew of any other musicians who might be interested in the production. Echoing her earlier sentiment, Moran answered, “Hell, yes!”

Moran, along with Porter Bralley (drums), Tom Lynch (synth), Larissa Moore (guitar), Nick Cardoni (piano), and James Copeland (sax) worked out the details behind the music of the show. Moran provided bios written by each of the band members (see bottom).

A half an hour before the doors opened Dec. 3, the band, along with some of the performers, fine-tuned their instruments during last-minute rehearsals. Stoller asked the band what they planned to play in the half hour between the times the doors opened and the show started. The band members saidthey had not prepared anything.

Undeterred, the band agreed on playing blue’s mucic, which said much about their talent both as a group and as individual musicians. They easily filled about a half hour of silence with music on a whim.

After half an hour, The Rocky Horror Show opened, providing shelter from the 21st century and nurturing the idea that maybe there is another way–a better way–for the human spirit to thrive.

Band Bios:

Nick Cardoni, Piano

Nick’s hands have been caressing keyboards for over 20 years. When they’re not making sweet, sweet love to 88 keys, his paws are wrapped around a hot pitcher of steamed milk at Mudhouse Coffee, twisting the throttle on a street bike, or blocking Kung Fu strikes at Laughing Dragon. If there’s a party, Nick’s hands will surely be invited. Look for them at local wineries this spring, playing along with the six other tipsy mitts in the Bobby Midnight Band.

Morgan Moran, Bass

Born on a mountain of skulls, in the castle of pain. Morgan Moran is the bastard daughter of sixteenth-century tyrant, Vigo. Chaos and blood are projected through her music, blending her into the underground world of freaks and creatures of the night. Known for such bands as The Falsies, and the Rock’N’Roll Cannibals. She plays with the undead. Collecting them, and making them wrestle, by spraying a mist of fresh brains on them. This sport, is, Sexy Zombie Jelly Wrestling. When she got the call for the Rocky Horror show. She was delighted! Noting that she hadn’t seen Frankenfurter in ages! (sic)

Porter Bralley, Drums

Porter Bralley: Due to his involvement in the Shades, a much speculated about secret society, not much is known about Porter Bralley. He just showed up one day in Charlottesville, and has been spotted playing drums in various bands around town including The 40 Boys and The Elderly. Some say that they have even spotted him playing in the UVA Marching Band. Reclusive and mysterious by nature. It is best to observe him from a distance.

James Copeland, Sax

James Copeland was born with the blues in the rural South and started honkin’ the sax at the tender age of 10 with dreams of blowin’ the blues on the biggest stages in America. He’s played jazz, blues, and rock ‘n’ roll with anyone around that can use his sultry sound. Since then, he put his dreams to rest and now works a desk job with the state Department of Transportation.

Larissa Moore, Guitar

Larissa Moore lives in a world of rock ‘n’ roll, cats, and chickpeas. Mostly rock ‘n’ roll…fine, mostly cats. When she’s not making noise with her current band, The Lusionistics, you can find her trying really hard to move inanimate objects with her mind, daydreaming about David Bowie and his magical labyrinth pants…oh and cats mostly.

Tom Lynch, Synth

Tom Lynch is committed to only doing musical theater that involves cross dressing.  His last appearance in a skirt was as Skszp in the Live Arts production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch.  Between now and then, he’s been in and out of a handful of local area rocks bands, most recently Spider Lilies and the improvisational electronic act This Hollow Machine.  Tom received his rock ‘n’ roll musical training on a distant asteroid using meditation techniques to become one with the rock.  After a hefty round of electrolysis freed him from the stone, he landed in Charlottesville to wreak havoc and drink filtered water.