John Bartlett struts into Transylvania as the lead character Riff-Raff in his signature fishnets, saucy black corset and booty shorts.
In his sixth year in the cast of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” he knows every character’s lines by heart.
The show, presented by the University’s Cultural Forum, provides newbies with a “Virgin Survival Guide,” a cheat-sheet to help first timers survive the humiliating antics and cues for when to shout obscenities, throw rice and of course, time warp.
The interactive movie-play requires a high level of participation; so don’t enter without being sufficiently stocked. Prop kits sell in-house for $1, but the veterans and adventurous may choose to pack their own. The survival guide reminds us to pack the usual – a newspaper (to be worn on your head), toast (unbuttered) and toilet paper. Consider whatever happens on stage during the “de-virginizing process” as initiation.
The cast spices up the movie’s storyline, which is projected behind them and playing throughout, with commentary and shout outs directly aimed at the onscreen characters. Bits of the commentary refer to Eugene and Oregon, acting as an inside joke.
This intimacy relaxes viewers in the overtly campy atmosphere.
The issue of ice breaking is pretty much eliminated by the notorious “de-virginizing” of first-time show goers. To begin with, a giant “V” is drawn onto the virginal victims’ faces, and they are then herded onstage for some naughtiness, which Sam Hediger and Bartlett say is an integral part of the experience. Don’t be afraid though, Bartlett reassures.
“No one in their fishnets will judge you,” Bartlett said.
Hediger, in the play for the second year, said the cast members’ initiation is even crazier than the fans’. Thus far, he has avoided stripteases, table dances and having to reveal embarrassing truths.
Bartlett reminds him that that is rare.
As the last rehearsal before the show started, a cast member wearing a short skirt in schoolgirl plaid, looked around at others wearing platform stiletto boots, crotchless fishnets and purple satin underwear and said, “I feel so overdressed.”
Across the room, a “trannie” was getting tied up in her corset dress.
“God, we’re going to need a fainting couch for you!” a comfortably laced actress observed.
“Rib cages are for the weak,” retorted another cast member.
If audience members are as excited for the show and as willing to lose their inhibitions as “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” cast, the shows, beginning on Friday at midnight at Bijou Art Cinemas and closing on Halloween Wednesday at the EMU Ballroom at 9 p.m, will be a hilarious camp fest.
The Transylvanian convent is the perfect setting for sex, time travel, and quick wit for any sweet transvestite – or for anyone looking for high energy and a good time this Halloween weekend.
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