The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Show Notes
Are you ready for a night of absolute pleasure? For one night and one night only, join The Perot Theatre as they screen the eccentric cult classic film, The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a musical stage show written in 1973 by Richard O’Brien. Later in 1975, the horror musical made its cinematic debut when it was turned into a movie. Directed by Jim Sharman, the movie stars Tim Curry as Frank N. Furter, Barry Bostwick as Brad Majors, Susan Sarandon as Janet Weiss, Peter Hinwood as Rocky Horror, Richard O’Brien as Riff Raff, Patricia Quinn as Magenta, and Nell Campbell as Colombia.
The movie follows Brad and Janet as they get caught in a storm with a flat tire. In search of help, they find themselves in a castle that belongs to a transvestite mad scientist who goes by the name of Frank N. Furter. In the castle, Brad and Janet meet many interesting people, including Frank N. Furter’s creation, Rocky. Rocky is Frank N. Furter’s attempt at creating a perfect man and partner.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a super campy cult classic. It is fun, and it is different from what the community of Texarkana is used to,” Director of Marketing and Audience Services Rashinda Hampton said. “It has a huge following, not only with residents here in this community, but outside the community as well.”
The Perot Theatre will be screening The Rocky Horror Picture Show on Friday, October 28, at 8:00 p.m. Much like other classic film screenings, this screening will be an audience participation screening. General admission tickets cost $15, while tickets with the Virgin Kit will cost $25.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is considered one of the first audience participation movies. This means that during certain scenes, audience members will receive props in what is widely known as a Virgin Kit, giving them a chance to interact with what is happening on screen. The theatre will provide props, including bubbles for the wedding scene, newspaper sheets for the rain scene, party hats for the dinner party, and other props. A “How to Use Virgin Kit” will be posted on the theatre’s social media. No outside props will be allowed into the theatre.
In 2000, the film won The Gaylactic Spectrum Award Hall of Fame, an award recognizing works of science fiction, fantasy, and/or horror. Even though the cult classic has only one award under its name, the fanbase behind the film has turned it into the popular classic that fans know and love today.
The theatre is also highly encouraging attendees to dress up. Dressing up is not required, but it is highly encouraged for audience members. The dress code for those who choose to participate is to dress according to the eccentric fashion statements portrayed in the movie. The movie introduces us to a variety of different characters, all of which have their own unique and iconic style.
“[We are] especially encouraging them [people] to come out in these costumes which are very unique, eccentric, and not your run of the mill type of attire that you would see in a theatre,” Hampton said. “This allows people to be more creative, have fun, let go, and just enjoy themselves.”
The classic and iconic film has a large fanbase, many of which were younger when the film was first released in 1975. For many fans of the cult classic, there tends to be a nostalgic factor when rewatching and interacting with the film. This screening is also a great opportunity for the young adult audience, who may have only seen the film on DVD. Most of the younger audience will be able to get the full experience and the excitement of an audience participation screening and seeing the cult classic on the big screen.
“[The film] brings back nostalgia to a lot of people. [If you] go back and look through some of the Facebook comments, you get to see how people are reacting,” said Hampton. “[The comments] show how people are really getting excited about it.”
The Perot Theatre has received a lot of support and excitement from people who are interested in attending and people who are attending. After 47 years of this film being released, it is incredible to see the number of people still supporting this cult classic.
“If we do have a good turnout, which I think we will, it will definitely become something that I want to hold annually,” Hampton said.
Note: This is a rated-R film that includes partial nudity, sexual innuendos, inferred sexual acts, swearing, and murder.
Outside props are not allowed. Prop kits are available with the Virgin Kit ticket purchase at the box office.
PROPS AND HOW TO USE THEM...
Bubbles (NO RICE): At the beginning of the film is the wedding of Ralph Hapschatt and Betty Munroe. As the newlyweds exit the church you should blow bubbles along with the wedding guests on-screen.
Newspapers: When Brad and Janet are caught in the storm, Janet covers her head with a newspaper… you should do the same.
Water Pistol: Used by the audience to simulate the rainstorm that Brad and Janet are caught in.
Glow Sticks: During the “There’s a Light” verse of “Over at the Frankenstein Place,” light up the theatre with your glowstick.
Rubber Gloves: During and after the creating speech, Frank snaps his rubber gloves three times. Later Magenta pulls these gloves off his hands. Snap your gloves in synch each time to create a marvelous sound effect.
Noisemakers: At the end of the creation speech, the Transylvanians respond with applause and noisemakers. Join them and do the same!
Toilet Paper: When Dr. Scott enters the lab, Brad cries out, “Great Scott!” At this point, hurl your toilet paper into the air.
Rose Petals: At the end of the “Charles Atlas Song” reprise, the Transylvanians throw confetti as Rocky and Frank move toward the bedroom. You will toss your rose petals instead.
Party Hat: At the dinner table, when Frank puts on a party hat, you should do the same.
Keys: During the song “Planet Schmanet Janet,” jingle your keys when Frank sings, “Did you hear a bell ring?”
Business Cards: During the song “I’m Going Home,” Frank sings “Cards for sorrow, cards for pain”. This is when you will shower the theatre with your cards.
Photos courtesy of Criterion Pictures
