Another stage, another act for Don Shelby

Legendary TV anchor Don Shelby may have retired from the news desk, but he's not done yet. Shelby has just changed stages. A voice of authority at WCCO TV for 32 years ending last fall, Shelby has been cast in Richard O'Brien's interactive, campy horror flick send-up "The Rocky Horror Show." He plays the narrator in the independent production of the musical that is slated to open Sep. 15 at the Lab Theater in Minneapolis. "I call him Big D, Big Daddy Don," said "Rocky Horror" producer and director Andrew Rasmussen. "He's an old song and dance man who went to conservatory in Cincinnati. He loves the stage," Rasmussen continued. "I've been waiting a long time to get him and I just wrote him consistently for five years to try to work together. I'm glad that it finally clicked." Rasmussen, whose track record includes productions of "The Wild Party" and a "Rent" that was extended a year ago, said that some "Rent" alumni are in his "Rocky Horror" cast, including "American Idol" finalist Paris Bennett; her R&B diva mother, Jamecia Bennett; and rock frontman Harley Wood. Jamecia Bennett, for example, has been cast in a couple of pants roles, riding a motorcyle onstage as biker boy turned zombie Eddie. She also plays Scottish-German Nazi Dr. Scott. "Rocky Horror is all about excess, so we're going to have fun with it," said Rasmussen, who added that the production will be staged nearly in the round, with a runway. "It's very glam rock slash fashion show," Rasmussen continued. Does that mean Shelby is going to be wearing some fright night make-up? "We'll see," Rasmussen laughed. "We've got some surprises in store." Tickets go on sale Friday. www.rockyhorrorminneapolis.com.