Titilayo Farukuoye

Staff Writer

As October drew to a close, the question how to spend Halloween became ever more prominent. Finally, watching the all-time classic, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, could live up to the festive occasion.  

The evening started as innocent as the story itself. As a room, full of people in a jingly Halloween mood, at Tellus 360 in Lancaster, watched the story’s lead, couple Brad and Janet, enter the scene twice, on screen and on stage.

The musical was performed in its common format, as a shadow cast adoption, where the acting takes place in front of the movie-screening itself. Following a classic horror story script, Philip Rooney and Dani Decker, who embodied the couple on stage, ended up at Dr Frank-N-Furter’s mansion in search for a telephone, to fix their broken-down car.

Dr Frank-N-Furter’s introduction, with the song ‘Sweet Transvestite’, came as breath-taking surprise for Rocky Horror virgins, but was eagerly awaited by the show’s geeks. It lay, along with the Dr’s dance, the foundation of the musical. Frank-N-Furter, played by Alex Hart, bewitched the audience with his daring moves and glamourous outfit. ‘Sweet Transvestite’ introduced the first grasp of The Rocky Horror story’s theme – a tale about gender, sexual orientation and beauty, the tale of scientific transvestite Dr Frank-N-Furter.

Rocky’s awakening is another key scene. The embodiment of Frank-N-Furter’s dream muscle man, who has no experience or personality, leaves the crowed reflecting about the importance of character and society’s beauty standards. Michael Garland’s movements as Rocky, during his creation seem even more suitable than his counterpart’s screen.

Shadowing the actual movie, creates a scenario in which tightly corded corsets, sexy fishnet stockings and tights on all bodies, almost suffice all costume needs. Without adding any special effects, it is as if the actors stepped out of the movie, like an absurd 3D effect, creating an incredible proximity to the audience.

Where other horror stories use mysterious killers, dangerous surroundings and bloodshed, this classic from 1975, creates its mystery and uniqueness through the play with the LGBTQ+ Pride’s gospel.

The musical is a hymn of acceptance and love for all bodies, sexes, genders and sexual orientations. It is not only entreating, but embraces all identities and empowers the audience a new, with every performance.

The show, directed by Josh Dorsheimer, was fully produced out of the group’s pockets, who collected donations for Lancaster Pride.

Watching The Rocky Horror Picture Show was a Halloween adequately spend. After all, what could be a better pass-time for the spooky night of horror and fun, than being enchanted by Dr Frank-N-Furter’s world of transsexual Transylvanians and muscular dream man Rocky?