In 1975 a cult phenomenon was born. Named The Rocky Horror Picture Show, it was more than just a British satire on science-fiction and horror movies. It is now a thirty-four year long run of a mind-blowing experience, the longest in the history of “midnight movies.”
Dressing up as characters, bringing props along (and throwing them in the theater at specific moments), and shouting back at the screen are not uncommon at screenings of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
This experience will be available for Conn students to enjoy and embrace on Thursday, November 5th at 11pm in Cro’s Nest, made possible by freshman Matt Rolin and junior Racine Oxtoby.
Since the Connecticut College Theater Department is presenting The Rocky Horror Show next semester, Oxtoby thought showing the movie this semester would be a logical choice.
She says, “I wanted to do the showing this semester because a) I didn’t want to encroach on (the theater department’s) territory, and b) I wanted people to get prepared for what kind of show they will be seeing. I’m not sure if props will be allowed at the play, but I think it’s basically the same atmosphere.”
Rolin and Oxtoby give Conn students some things to keep in mind for those who have never seen it before.
According to Oxtoby, “There will hopefully be some intense people at the showing and hopefully they don’t scare all the other people away. I want it to be enjoyable for everyone who shows up.”
Rolin agrees, saying, “You will be surprised by how into it some people are.”
They both also agree that the plot is confusing. I recommend maybe reading the plot Wikipedia gives before you see the movie on Thursday (a little hint: the main character is a Sweet Transvestite from Transexual, Transylvania).
Or, it’s always fun to be surprised by the absurdity of the movie’s plot.
Something also noteworthy is that along with the cult following of the movie is the costumes and props that go along with it. How did that tradition start, you ask?
Oxtoby fills us in:
“Back in the 70s, people were at a showing, and someone shouted at the screen ‘Buy an umbrella, you cheap bitch!’ because the character Janet was using the newspaper to keep herself dry. So people will bring newspapers to the show and put them over their heads during the scene and everyone else will squirt them.”
“No super soakers! Little tiny squirt guns, please,” Rolin interjects.
There are other scenes: When Dr. Frank N. Furter, played by Tim Curry, raises his glass for “a toast,” the audience throws slices of toast in the air. There’s a wedding and you throw rice (Rolin mentions that confetti is easier to clean up).
Rolin elaborates, saying, “Rice is almost impossible to clean up. At one of the showings a guy threw rice and they said that if (the person) threw rice again, they’d never be allowed back in the theater.”
As far as bring-your-own for props and costumes, Oxtoby says, “We’re providing props. I would love if people dressed up – I might go as Columbia. But I’ve seen people dress up as Dr. Frank N. Furter before too.”
Some of their favorite parts of the movie experience to look for are exciting.
Oxtoby’s favorite moment is, she says, “the rush of the big lips coming at you at the start of the movie and everyone shouting ‘Let there be lips!’”
Rolin’s favorite parts are “not really fit to print,” he claimed, referring to the vulgar and tasteless lines audience members shout bak at the movie. Some audience lines go back as far as the movie’s first year in theaters, while others are topical and updated frequently.
He has high hopes for first comers. “I hope they get up and dance the ‘time warp.’ Some just sit there trying to be all normal. Don’t be normal, it doesn’t work.”
Oxtoby adds, “I hope (first timers, aka Rocky Horror Virgins) come, first of all. And I hope they’re not scared out of their minds. It’s a lot to take in the first time.
Even though it is an intense experience, it is an amazing one. Oxtoby and Rolin hope to see you there.
And in the wise words of Dr. Frank N. Furter, “Don’t dream it, be it!”
