Of all the cult classic movies embedded in our culture, there is one that has actually become an addiction for many people. It involves a seemingly perfect couple, a sweet transvestite from Transsexual Transylvania and a mess of wacky characters.
On Halloween night in the EMU Ballroom, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” will be performed live by the Forbidden Fruit cast at 8:30 p.m. The cost is $5 for students and $7 for the general public.
Attendance is highly encouraged, because “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” requires audience interaction. Upon entering the show for the first time, one will be asked if they’re a virgin to the show. If you’ve only rented the movie, it doesn’t count. In that case, according to regular moviegoers, it’s only masturbation. Proudly announce that you’re a virgin and the friendly cast members and others will kindly initiate you.
“Don’t let the initiations scare you away. They’ll usually make you get up in front of everyone and perform something,” said Steve Ewing, who helps with the cast and plays one of the “trannies” (background transvestites). “At the most, it will be a little embarrassing. It’s never anything bad.”
Throughout the show, “virgins” learn that there are a number of lines the audience yells at the cast on the screen. Lines are learned by attending more of these shows, but director Lara Wickes suggests that whenever you see the criminologist, whonarrates the story, yell out some crack about his neck (he has no neck; that’s the joke).
“You also better be prepared to do the Time Warp,” she said, referring one of the show’s well-known dance numbers.
New lines are always encouraged, so if you think of something even remotely funny, scream it out — maybe someone will laugh.
Audience participation also includes props. There are a number of things you can bring to the show such as rice, squirt pistols, a newspaper, a flashlight and a noisemaker. At certain times during the show, these items will be used by the audience. It is important to remember, however, that water should not be sprayed on the cast and items should not be thrown at them. Projectiles must be thrown or sprayed to the back of the crowd, the front, or straight up in the air. Dressing up as one of the characters is also very common.
University student Thomas Vigil attends these shows often, though usually in Portland.
“I love the vibes you get from the show. It’s full of excitement and positive energy,” Vigil said. “I also like the message that it delivers, which is giving yourself over to absolute pleasure. Let’s do the Time Warp!”
So, this Halloween, prepare for a night of some honest, twisted fun with die-hard “Rocky Horror Picture Show” fans and virgins alike. There really isn’t another movie culture that can offer the interaction and excitement that this can. Your attendance is expected, because you, dear audience, is what makes this show come alive.