It’s a Halloween tradition for the graduates of trick-or-treating. Don’t worry about missing your slutty costume party; “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is that and so much more.
What was originally a flop at the box office in 1975 quickly transformed into a cult classic once it began playing at theaters as a midnight showing. The movie is an absolute freak show, and it developed a massive following of devoted fans that has only grown in the last 40-some years. Let’s just say there’s an entire Wikipedia page separate from the “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” page dedicated to “The Rocky Horror Picture Show cult following.”
Luckily for Bradley students, local theatre Peoria Players offers performances, obviously at midnight, on Oct. 26 and Oct. 27. Rocky Horror-themed costumes are quite welcome.
First-timers to this iconic performance are encouraged to identify themselves as virgins with a red lipstick “V.” Each theatre initiates virgins differently, but they should be prepared to perform likely embarrassing tasks consisting of anything from a public spanking, “moan-off” or whatever the cast’s sick minds can think up.
However, newbies should not be worried – these tasks are simply a tradition every old-timer has gone through at one point. Rocky Horror’s welcoming cult of weirdos simply shows their affection… uniquely.
Once every audience member has been properly warmed up, the show is ready to welcome everyone into the creepy mansion of sweet transvestite scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter.
Singing red lips grow with the volume of the song “Science Fiction/Double Feature” until they spread across the big screen right before your eyes. That’s when the journey into the movie experience of a lifetime officially begins.
While the movie plays, actors costumed in precise replicas of the movie’s outfits speak and move along with the screen. This adds elements of proximity and live performance to the same story you could stream illegally on your laptop.
The show encourages audience interaction throughout. Prepared attendees may have brought along props to utilize: a party hat to wear during Rocky’s birthday dinner, bubbles to celebrate a wedding, etc. Often, comments are shouted at the screen – some historically yelled in unison by seasoned attendees, other reactive lines made up on the spot.
It’s a show to please both sports fans and sport haters who still want their opportunity to scream with a crowd. Opinions are welcome, and the snarkier the better.
Beyond that, get ready to stand up and dance the “Time Warp.” Don’t worry, the lyrics to the song instruct your moves, and know that thousands of people nationwide are probably dancing along with you.
In the almost two hour performance, audience members will witness an extraordinary number of completely unique events and characters including the creation of the “ideal” muscled man (clad only a gold Speedo) and a castle’s transformation into a rocket ship.
The complex and blatantly weird show has entranced viewers for over 4 decades, and is surely a must-see for the culturally involved.
Often featured in only large cities, Bradley students are fortunate to have this opportunity so close to campus. Tickets went on sale Oct. 1 and have already sold out. This will be the 27th soldout year the Peoria Players.
