I admit it. I’m a virgin. Well, not anymore. I, Claire Farrow, along with two of my friends, celebrated our first “birthday” and became a part of the Rocky Horror family last Friday night, Oct. 17, over at the old historic Tampa Theatre.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show has been on my radar for some time now, and I figured it was high time I saw this picture. Although far from a cinematic masterpiece, in many ways, the film was certainly ahead of its time. Rocky Horror took risks, and though many of the subjects covered in this film are still mainstream taboo, for alternative culture, the movie has found a place in many peoples’ hearts. What truly makes this a film worth seeing in theaters is most certainly the live shadowcasts that host the event. Shadowcasts are groups of individuals who act alongside the film, creating an additional interactive sphere with the audience. This was excellently provided at Tampa Theatre by two shadow casts– Interchangeable Parts and Cheap Little Punks.
A major incentive to going to this ‘70s flick was the venue– the historic Tampa Theatre located downtown. My old soul sings hallelujah praises whenever I set foot in that gorgeous building. The Tampa Theatre has been on Franklin St. in downtown Tampa, a ten minute walk from campus, for 88 years. Going to a classic “movie palace” to watch one of the most well-known cult movie classics is an experience in itself.
The perfection of the venue left little to complain about. In fact, the only criticism I have for the entire experience was that the sound was lacking in volume and quality. When the shadow casts were doing their introductions for the pre-show, I could hardly hear a word they said, and I was in the 7th or 8th row; I can hardly imagine how hard it would’ve been had I been sitting up in the mezzanine. Also, the film at times was quite hard to hear, even when people weren’t shouting at the screen. Aside from that, however, the venue was perfect.
While watching the Rocky Horror Picture Show shadowcast performance, I couldn’t help but think about a very twisted, sexual version of Alice in Wonderland coupled with many classic science fiction story tropes. Both works of fiction have a bizarre premise and non-linear plot, while the main characters suffer and maneuver through insane shenanigans (such as being turned into living statues and mind-controlled). It was almost as if Brad and Janet were Alice, and Frank-N-Furter encompassed the spirits of the Mad Hatter, the Red Queen, and the Hookah-smoking Caterpillar.
Rocky Horror fans are what truly make this experience worthwhile. Being the actors fan I am, I really enjoyed the performances that were given by both the original 1975 cast, and by both entertaining shadow casts. Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon are definitely the biggest names that have endured since 1975 on the big screen, but that is not to say that the other cast members haven’t had successes.
Although it was hard to tell who was from which shadowcast, by far my favorite performer of the night was the marvelous actor who predominantly portrayed Dr. Frank-N-Furter. The actor who played this doctor maintained an androgynous look, capturing the essence of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, much the way that Tim Curry did in the film. Additionally, all of these actors performed their parts to a flawless degree. Easily I gave in to the illusion of what was going on onscreen and on stage were one and the same.
For most first-time viewers of Rocky Horror, or ‘virgins’ there is a level of hazing or initiation that takes place before the movie starts. Normally the virgins are put through moderately embarrassing activities, such as twerking on stage or getting spanked by the entire shadow cast. This is done all in good fun and with consent of all the participants. I had heard a couple horror stories about more hardcore hazing that had taken place at other Rocky Horror shows, such as being told to deepthroat a banana, and was relieved to find these two shadowcasts to be quite kind. Only about ten people (I was not one, but my friend Kate was) went up on stage,where the twerking and spanking took place, while the rest gathered around the front of the stage. After singing “Happy Birthday”, hugs were exchanged and we were sent back to our seats.
Happily, I found the community very welcoming, which is how any fandom worth joining should be. I didn’t once feel uncomfortable being there. Also, despite all the profanity and obscenities shouted at the screen, I felt like what was being said wasn’t really derogatory in this setting, and that is coming from someone who tries not to habitually swear. Some of the most memorable lines shouted at the screen were “slut” and “asshole” whenever Janet and Brad appeared. Additionally, lines such as “they used superglue as a contraceptive,” “F*** the back row. F*** the front row,” “Do you f*** your sister?” etc. As I’m writing these quotes, they certainly carry their full derogatory weight. However, in that particular setting and in the context in which they were used, I didn’t feel like a degenerate human being for joining in. Rather, all the swearing and shouting was more like a release of any aggression, frustration, and/or pent up anger that I may have had. I’ll be honest; I felt very refreshed leaving the theatre. It felt really good to just be obnoxious for once and not care what you said. A completely judgment-free zone.
Whether you’re a virgin or not, definitely go to Rocky Horror with at least one friend; I was lucky enough to have four good friends with me for my first time, two who had already been, and two virgins like me. I found having a posse topped off my entire experience and made the night all the more memorable. Watching the film beforehand actually helped me enjoy the performance, and I highly recommend being acquainted with the flow of Rocky Horror before going a to a live-casted theater showing.
As the cult population of Rocky Horror increased, so did the addition of props. To go along with the plot, props such as water guns, toast, hot dogs, rice, newspapers, toilet paper, noise makers, party hats, and playing cards are thrown at the screen and around the theater. While hot dogs, rice, and water guns are prohibited at the Tampa Theater, many audience members brought their own variety of props. Other Rocky Horror venues, however, tend to sell props before the event. I regretted forgoing props a little, as they added to the atmosphere and experience. If you’re in the mood and feeling inspired–dress up as one of the characters. Many of the costumes are very easy to copy. Those feeling a bit more adventurous can don the corset, fishnets, high heels, pearls, and black curly wig to channel Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Finally, have fun; clearly, The Rocky Horror Picture Show doesn’t take itself too seriously, you shouldn’t either.
Claire Farrow can be reached at Claire.Farrow@spartans.ut.edu.