Courtesy of Theo Andres
Connecticut College’s annual Halloween tradition erupted with fresh energy on October 31st in Evans Hall, as Wig and Candle’s production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show Live transformed the Cummings Arts Center. Directed by Ava Mary Aloia ’26, this year’s show moved from last year’s two performances in the more intimate Olin 014 basement auditorium to a single, larger-scale production, accommodating more attendees on a bigger stage to meet heightened campus interest.
The casting brought familiar cult characters vividly to life, with Ariel Mayer ‘26 portraying Frank N’ Furter—sporting striking blond hair rather than curls. Claire Mental ‘26 energized the role of Rocky, while Julia Toyer ‘27 and Finley Reagan ‘27 channeled the awkward charm of Janet and Brad respectively. Gray Ruffer’s ‘26 Riff Raff, Maddie Bell’s ‘26 Magenta, Ryan Brearley’s ‘28 Dr. Scott, Tallaulah Ghant’s ‘27 Columbia, and Nell Hamilton’s ‘26 Eddie completed the ensemble, with an inventive dual Criminologist role played by Nic Sanfilippo ‘27 and Bailey Reagan ‘27, adding a unique dynamic to the narration.
Before the main show, the drag performers Lady Stardust, Deruet Kaz, and Spence Nicks set the tone with electrifying performances. Their high-energy acts, especially followed by Big Time Gush, a group rendition of Big Time Rush, earned enthusiastic applause and set a vivacious mood for the night.
One distinguishing technical aspect of this production was its lighting design. Unlike last year’s darker, more intimate ambiance that complemented the subversive tone of Rocky Horror, this year’s lighting leaned heavily toward warm, amber hues that softened the theatrical mood. While visually striking, the warmth inadvertently made it difficult for some audience members to see the film as clearly as intended, as the projection screen’s visibility was compromised by the stage lighting.
Audience participation, a keystone of every Rocky Horror experience, as it is an interactive show, was welcomed yet complex this year. Wig and Candle utilized their social media presence to clearly set expectations with content warnings listing sexual content and derogatory language and explicitly advising, “if you are not comfortable with this, we suggest you sit in one of the back rows!” Accessible seating was provided in the front rows to ensure broader inclusion. Nonetheless, a handful of students left the performance early, seemingly caught off guard by the high-energy, immersive environment of the production, perhaps unfamiliar with the interactive and often raucous nature of Rocky Horror. This disconnect between newcomers and seasoned fans highlighted how the show’s unique rituals still challenge first-timers.
A standout moment involved an audience member whose repeated loud and awkward comments drew discomfort and ire from fellow viewers. While Rocky Horror thrives on audience call-backs, witty interruptions, and spontaneous participation—as is well-documented in Rocky Horror etiquette guides—this individual’s behavior edged beyond community norms, eliciting audible boos and illustrating the delicate balance between embracing participative spontaneity and maintaining collective respect.
The costume contest, held mid-show shortly after Dr. Scott’s entrance, added a lively but somewhat ill-timed break to the pacing. Among the most memorable outfits were an elaborately styled Pope and a meticulous Walter White, whose dedication to character brought laughter and cheers, embodying the show’s spirit of flamboyant self-expression.
Supporting the production’s success was a strong creative team: Assistant Director Spencer McLaughlin ‘27, Intimacy Advocate Westley Cardani ‘26, Costume Designer Ainsley Cornwall ‘26, Makeup Designer Amelia Erickson ‘28, and their assistants guided performers through the night with professionalism and care, negotiating the challenging shift from an intimate, shadowy setting to a light-flooded, expansive stage space.
The company’s choice to amplify warmth and openness with lighting softened the traditional dark, shadowy tone that underscores the film’s edge, resulting in a more theatrical, revue-like vibe rather than the underground cult classic’s usual aura. While some spectators appreciated this fresh visual style, others noted it diminished the eerie, subversive atmosphere integral to Rocky Horror’s identity.
This rendition of The Rocky Horror Picture Show was an exuberant, larger-than-life celebration of queer camp, theatricality, and participatory spectacle. The warm lighting and the expansive stage reshaped the show’s traditional aura, eliciting awe and some perplexity alike. While challenges surfaced, from audience confusion to amplified reactions and a controversial participant, the night reaffirmed the show’s role as a communal rite that thrills, unsettles, and bonds Conn’s student body each Halloween.
This year, the line between screen and stage blurred under warmly glowing lights, creating moments where the familiar film behind the actors was sometimes eclipsed but never overshadowed by the live, vibrant chaos in front. The balance between spectacle, participation, and community continues to evolve, promising future seasons as thrillingly unpredictable as ever.
Wig and Candle were contacted for comments regarding certain aspects of this year’s production, but no response was received by press time.
