Rocky Horror Guide for Virgins - The Firehouse Center for the Arts

 A Guide for Rocky Horror Picture Show Virgins A marriage proposal, a romantic drive on a rainy night, a flat tire -­‐ these are the elements that lead everyone’s favorite cult-­‐film couple, Brad Majors and Janet Weiss, to the castle of that “sweet transvestite” Dr. Frank N. Furter. Since 1975, to the delight of Rocky Horror Picture Show fans the world over, this British musical comedy film has parodied science fiction and horror films. Part of the film’s cult-­‐appeal lies in the audience participation that is encouraged. Fans across the country continue to show up at theaters dressed as their favorite Rocky Horror characters and follow along with the dialog -­‐ both verbally and with an assortment of props! In addition, Rocky Horror Picture Show conventions keep the fan base alive and thriving. It has become a well-­‐loved tradition for many, and is a fitting event for Halloween weekend, marrying costumes with theatrics. Visit the official fan website for tips on how to participate (see link on webpage). The film was first released in the U.S. in Los Angeles in September 1975. Although it did well there, it failed to draw crowds in other cities until a cult following became established at the midnight showings of the film at the Waverly Theater in New York City. April Fools’ Day 1976 was the first midnight screening and by that Halloween people were attending in costume and participating in the movie dialog. Less than two years later there were Friday and Saturday midnight-­‐showings in fifty locations and by the year following that, the number of locations had jumped to over 230 theaters and Rocky Horror Fan Clubs could be found all over the country. Still in limited release, the Rocky Horror Picture Show has the longest-­‐running theatrical release in film history. Now well-­‐known to mainstream audiences, the film has even been selected for preservation in the U.S. National Film Registry by the Library of Congress for its cultural significance. Although reviews initially were negative, the critics praised the music and the performance of newcomer Tim Curry as the lovable Dr. Frank N. Furter. Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick played the newly engaged Janet and Brad early on in their film careers. You’ll also see Meat Loaf playing the delivery boy, Eddie, as he zooms in on a motorcycle singing “Hot Patootie”! Grab your costume and come learn to dance like an alien transvestite to the tune of The Time Warp down at the Firehouse – “It's just a jump to the left, and then a step to the right. With your hands on your hips, you bring your knees in tight…” Let’s do the Time Warp again! Firehouse Center for the Arts | Market Square, Newburyport MA | firehouse.org | 978-­‐462-­‐7336