The Rocky Horror Picture Show

Living so close to New York City, I have been to a few plays in my day.  From the big Broadway productions to small, independent theaters and a multitude of high school plays, I would consider myself quite the theater junkie.  While this may be true, nothing could have prepared me for what was to come at last night’s performance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.  Having seen the movie a few years ago, I was aware of the strange nature of the show, but the production brought it to a whole new level. 

              The evening began with the act of getting in spirit.  This entailed compiling every black article of clothing and accessory in my closet into one coherent outfit.  Applying as much black makeup as humanly possible followed this as well as making my hair look like it had not been brushed in months.  The photos from this event should probably be burned.  While our outfits may have been ridiculous, no one was to be outdone by the cast members.

            For those who had not seen the film previous to the show, (whom were marked with a read lipstick ‘V’ to make sure all were aware of their Rocky Horror virginity) the scene was probably quite shocking!  Upon entering stood a student covered in fishnets and makeup, towering over the crowd in heels even I could not manage to walk in.  If you could sum up the show in one moment, it was the look on the Rocky virgin’s faces.  This state of shock was only to be amplified as the ‘rules’ for the show were set forth, read by men in lingerie and sprinkled with swears and innuendoes. 

            I am not even going to attempt to explain the basis of the film, as it will probably cost me any amount of sanity you believe me to have; let us just say it is quite the acquired taste.  Once the initial shock had worn off, the remainder of the night was filled with scantily clad college students reenacting the movie while it played in the background, adding an entire new element to the evening.  Although this may seem to be riding the line of sanity as it is, I must admit that I was prepared for the cast to really step it up.  I was ready to have to wash rice out of my hair, get hit in the head with toast, and not be able to move in a small, dark room.  While it was a very good effort, and was a night I will probably not forget for a long time, I hope that the entire audience knows all of the dances by next October.  I have high hopes for the show in years to come.  I will definitely be pulling out the black ensemble again next year.