LAURA AYRES

People have been getting together to go out and see The Rocky Horror Picture Show since 1976. Don’t be intimidated by not knowing what to expect though — here’s your guide to getting involved with this Halloween tradition!

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a science-fiction, comedic, musical B-movie that has long attracted audiences to interactive midnight showings. These events involve costumes, props, sing-alongs and a whole lot of other kooky traditions.

In the film, Brad Majors (Barry Bostwick) and Janet Weiss (Susan Sarandon) are a normal, straight-laced, newly-engaged couple whose world gets turned upside-down in one crazy night.

During a country drive, the couple’s car breaks down, leaving them stranded in the middle of nowhere. Brad and Janet seek refuge at an old castle they passed on their way. They discover that the castle is owned by Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), a transvestite scientist from Transsexual, Transylvania. The couple’s night is filled with invention, horror and sexual exploration.

When the film first debuted in 1975, it was a flop. However, the film’s popularity bloomed in 1976 when some cinemas began showing Rocky Horror at midnight viewings. Participation with the film began with audience members yelling back to the screen in September 1976.

In the spring of 1977, the first “props” were introduced when viewers began to throw items at the screen while watching. Since then, participation has escalated. It is now expected that audience members dress up as the film’s characters, yell at the screen and brings along specific props for certain scenes. In some theatres, people will silently act out the film in front of the screen, miming along with the movie.

A first-time viewer of the film can find a list of props and the scenes when they are used at rockyhorror.com, which is the official fansite. Many of the props are easy and cheap items to pick up. They range from an old newspaper to a piece of toast — preferably unbuttered — as well as party hats and a roll of toilet paper. Be sure to check ahead of time to see if any props are not allowed in your local theatre. The Broadway Theatre in Saskatoon, for example, asks that audience members leave rice at home — a popular prop in some theatres.

Interaction with the film and dressing up is highly encouraged, but not mandatory. If you’re unsure or uncomfortable, it is totally okay to just sit and enjoy the atmosphere in the theatre and the participation of others.

Rocky Horror is an event at which a variety of people can come together and embrace their alternative side. Participation makes the audience an accepting family of sorts, if only for a short while. Weirdness — and cross-dressing — are embraced and celebrated.

Attending a screening is a fun way to let loose on Halloween for those seeking an alternative to bars or parties. If the bar is on your agenda for the night, but catching this interactive flick is something you want to do as well, the Broadway Theatre’s showing starts at 8 p.m., leaving plenty of time to go out afterwards.

So come one, come all to The Rocky Horror Picture Show! Be sure to bring props, energy and a good attitude. Come show off your best Rocky, Janet or Frank costume in the pre-show competition. After all, who would want to miss out on a movie where you can actually come dressed in underwear or tight golden shorts?

For more information on the Broadway Theatre’s showing of The Rocky Horrow Picture Show, visit broadwaytheatre.ca.

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Image: Jeremy Britz / Graphics Editor