It is astounding, time is fleeting, as Lost Flamingo Theatre Company presents its shadow cast production of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at The Union Bar and Grill this weekend for the 23rd year.
However, the tradition is much longer, as this year celebrates 51 years of Rocky. In a shadow cast production, performers act out scenes while the movie adaptation plays behind them.
Beginning the first week of classes, members of Lost Flamingo auditioned to be in the show, splitting into the main cast of characters and the “Whorus,” an ensemble of dancers.
Once cast, the main characters and Whorus began the rehearsal process separately, merging the two groups together in mid-September.
Peyton Smith, a senior studying marketing, is the Whorus’ choreographer and a performer in the ensemble.
“They’re obviously trying to mimic the film in a way, and we have our own dances that aren’t already in the film,” Smith said. “We don’t want to merge it too soon, so we had our own time to kind of digest our own separate parts.”
Rocky Horror is known to draw a crowd to The Union, maxing out capacity and forming a line down West Union Street.
Elle Mitsch, a senior studying theater production design and technology, is portraying Columbia for the second year in the main cast.
“The whole community of Athens itself supports this show like no other thing I’ve ever seen,” Mitsch said. “It’s so important because theater is often regarded as freaks and weirdos. Yeah, we are those freaks and weirdos, thank you very much.”
Before the film begins, Lost Flamingo presents their “sex museum” pre-show, a playlist of the latest hits and throwbacks with a few choreographed numbers for attendees to watch before the main event.
“We interact with the audience a little bit, and it just sets the vibe of what they’re about to get themselves into,” Smith said. “The crowd really gets hyped.”
Sexuality and pushing the norms of expression are integral parts of Rocky. The cast reflects these themes with their costumes, which primarily consist of lingerie.
Mitsch said being on stage in revealing costumes can be intimidating, but the connections built when bonding over this vulnerability is the best part of Lost Flamingo.
Anna Martin, a senior studying hearing, speech and language sciences, is directing Rocky for the third year.
“I really do lead on comfortability, and wanting to make sure everyone is seen, heard and understands the boundaries within their roles." Martin said. “It is a very sexual show, it is very intimate and that’s some pieces that people don’t really expect. It also leads to opportunity for people to grow and to learn how to adjust in those different rehearsal atmospheres.”
The themes of the show do not just allow actors to learn, but are also an opportunity for audience members.
Elijah Shafer, a senior studying integrated social studies, portrays Eddie and said he challenges people who believe they might be uncomfortable to attend the show.
“You will grow as a person coming to this show,” Shafer said. “It will show you to be more accepting, it’s a wonderful show and you have to be able to clear your lens, open your lens and open your world up to everyone and everything.”
Jack Swaney, a senior studying studio art, plays Dr. Frank-N-Furter, who resides in the castle where much of the story is set.
“You might critique your body, all that stuff, you might not think you’re sexy,” Swaney said. “Through doing my first year of Rocky, I found that true sexiness comes through confidence and self love. It’s truly just about letting go and, don’t dream it, be it.”
The role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter was originated by Tim Curry in the 1975 film. Following Curry’s passing in August, Lost Flamingo hopes to celebrate his life and legacy.
“It was actually the first of auditions the day that he passed away,” Martin said. “It was very devastating to find out … doing this production for the past four years and directing it for three years knowing the impact that he has made on my life and on this cast's life. We want to make sure we make it the best we can.”
The celebration of life and expression does not occur just within the cast, crew and attendees. Martin said the relationship built with The Union and its staff is important to Lost Flamingo.
“The Union has been a great partnership,” Martin said. “Their bartenders and their staff always show support to Rocky and are always looking forward to that as well.”
Rocky opens on Wednesday and runs until Saturday, doors open each night at 8 p.m. with the show beginning at 10 p.m. Entry for ages 18+ is $10, $8 for ages 21+.
“You get to see sexy people on stage dancing, like come on,” Smith said. “Who doesn't want to be in a bar with their friends listening to fire music?”
