A little more than 20 years ago, Kelly Lawrence sat down in Morton Hall as a sophomore to watch
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
for the very first time.
“Not too long after seeing it, I bought my own copy, watched it a dozen times and learned the words by heart,” she said.
Now, Lawrence is coordinating screenings of
The Rocky Horror Picture Show
at ARTS/ West, 132 W. State St., on Thursday and Friday. Lawrence said she hopes the film’s popularity will help revitalize the organization’s idea to hold a film series to show classic and family films to the community.
“It’s a cult classic,” said Lawrence, events coordinator at ARTS/ West. “It’s an event whenever it plays. It’s a film that’s much more fun to see with a group. The costumes, the props — there’s a community that surrounds
Rocky Horror
.”
Most of that community has evolved from the midnight showings the film is famous for. At these showings, a shadow cast is present to act out the film in front of the screen, wearing the costumes of each character, which often involves dressing in drag for several actors.
While the showing at ARTS/West will not be a full performance, Lost Flamingo Company member Jake Crosen will perform “Sweet Transvestite” as Frank N. Furter with full costume and makeup. Crosen will be the only member performing live due to scheduling conflicts for the rest of the cast.
Crosen, a sophomore studying political science, said he is excited he gets to perform more and make the most out of the corset he had to buy for the show.
LFC typically performs
Rocky Horror
at The Union Bar & Grill, 18 W. Union St.. Kristin Salaky, Culture Editor of
The Post
is a member of the cast.
Caiti McLaughlin, the show’s director and a senior studying Spanish education, echoed Crosen’s excitement, saying it will be interesting to see the show performed in a different ambiance of an actual performance space versus a bar.
At The Union, there are no prop bags — a staple of
Rocky Horror
showings. But audience members will have a limited opportunity to throw toast and toilet paper at ARTS/ West. Prop bags will be available to the first 20 people. Since ARTS/ West was recently refurbished, they want to minimize the amount of trash left behind, Lawrence said.
But the
Rocky Horror
experience won’t be hindered. LFC will help with callbacks —another staple of the film’s culture — while also marking the traditional lipstick “V” on the foreheads of those who have never seen the film before.
Lawrence said she hopes the showings at ARTS/ West will provide an opportunity for people to experience
Rocky Horror
for the first time.
“It’s such a freeing experience. That’s why I love
Rocky Horror
so much,” Lawrence said. “We’re encouraging everyone to come dressed as their favorite character.”
If You Go:
What: The Rocky Horror Picture Show
When: 7:30 p.m. Thursday and Friday
Where: ARTS/ West, 132 W. State St.
Admission: $5 donation at the door; $5 prop bag to the first 20 people; $1 callback scripts will be available from the Lost Flamingo Company
mg986611@ohiou.edu
@buzzlightmeryl
