It’s October 20, 2017, and RKO Army has brought “Rocky Horror Picture Show” back to Rhode Island at the Odeum for the first time in two years. I’m earnestly sitting in the third row with friends, virtually jumping out of my seat with antici --wait for it-- pation.
Now, I’m not here to spoil the show for anyone who hasn’t seen it. Shadow casts of this show have been around for decades, and there is plenty of opportunity for anyone who’s curious about the experience. Just know that seeing it live is a lot different than just watching it at home or even with a group of friends. If you want to see it, you’ll find a way, and you’re not getting any exclusive insight into the inside jokes the show has. I would tell you what RKO would have the audience yell at you for trying to skip out on learning as you go, but much of the outbursts from the crowd are less than appropriate. To quote some of the introduction you get before the show, “We will insult you. You will be insulted.” But you’re insulted in the best way possible, in a joking manner that is met with laughter all around.
Rather, I’m here to talk about why you need to experience this if you can.
I went in late October, and this show is a perfect way to get into the spirit of Halloween. This show is infused with a creepy spirit. The costumes are mostly dark, with a lot of reds and blacks. The setting is mysterious, a castle full of aliens found by an innocent young couple with car trouble on a stormy night. If that doesn’t sound creepy, then I don’t know what does. Just wait until Dr. Frank-N-Furter comes onstage, and let me know if that makes things any creepier.
Also, there is a message of body positivity throughout the show. Characters of all genders and body types are portrayed in varying levels of undress throughout the show’s duration. The show that I went to even had choreography to “Burlesque” before the main feature. These people are singing and dancing in front of packed theaters in outfits I know most of us wouldn’t be caught dead in. Gender stereotypes are played with; men are wearing heels and fishnets, and the main character has a whole musical number about how he’s “a sweet transvestite.”
Most importantly, it’s a free space to enjoy yourself. Go hog wild. The only real rules we had were that you couldn’t throw rice or put drinks on the stage. All sorts of humor were shouted from the audience all throughout the show, and the cast was playful with each other. There’s dirty humor all around, and people are laughing. You’re told you’ll be offended, but the crowd all thrives in the show’s energy. You laugh and applaud each other’s jokes (My favorite compared Dr. Frank’s floating dead body to the famous Nirvana album cover with the swimming baby), and no one judges you for what you do or don’t say.
Overall, RKO’s “Rocky Horror” is an event that everyone should attend. It’s well-performed fun, and you’ll have plenty of memories you won’t forget anytime soon. Let your freak flag fly, and give it a try! It’s perfect to get you in the spirit of Halloween while letting you let your guard down for a few hours.
