The national phenomenon that is “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” has returned to stage as its original “The Rocky Horror Show” at the Old Globe Theatre in Balboa Park. James Vásquez, a Juilliard graduate who has won awards for his work in theatre, directs the dark and sensational tale of Brad and Janet, who, on a dark and stormy night, are dragged into a whirlwind of terror, pleasure, discoveries, and sensational wonder.

When we entered the theatre, the fog machines had already smoked up the room, creating a creepy ambiance and allowing the audience to become part of the play. This theme of audience involvement was maintained throughout the play, for several  audience members had props used during parts of the performance. At one point, the audience used newspapers to cover their heads from the “rain.” During the song “Over at the Frankenstein Place,” audience members armed with small flashlights waved them as if they were at a lighters at a concert.

The play, while having a thoroughly stellar cast, showcased Kelsey Kurz as Brad and Matt McGrath as Frank ‘N’ Furter.  Kurz perfectly portrays Brad’s innocent nature, eventually giving into the sexual pleasure that Frank ‘N’ Furter offers him. McGrath, while initially seeming to copy Tim Curry, the movie Frank ‘N’ Furter, eventually grew comfortable in his fishnets, high heels, and corset,  allowing his own interpretation of the character to come forth.

The costumes were highly exaggerated and almost campy, but the over-the-topness worked with the play in general. From the narrator’s bedazzled gold and rainbow jacket to Rocky’s miniscule gold shorts, everything fell into place. The muscular and defined Rocky, played by Sydney James Harcourt, did more than exceed our expectations with his shimming body and perfect portrayal of Frank ‘N’ Furter’s creation.

Overall, the performance was beyond what the movie could ever deliver by keeping the audience engaged and entertained which made us question why the seats were only 85 percent full. Anyone who has enjoyed the movie will enjoy the play, as well as any person who enjoys dark, sexually based humor and won’t mind crazy plot twists.

The play runs through Nov. 5 at the Old Globe. Ticket prices start at 66 dollars.