On Halloween, as is tradition, the Drew University Dramatic Society put on their annual performance of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” This year was extra special, however, as it was celebrating the 50th anniversary of the iconic movie. Theatre-lovers gathered in Crawford Hall in the Ehinger Center to take part in the wonderfully bizarre event.
Any performance of “Rocky Horror” is an experience in of itself. A popular theatre tradition, especially at many colleges, the “shadow cast” of “Rocky Horror” involves the 1975 movie being projected, while actors dressed as the characters act out the scenes along with the movie. To add even more energy and excitement, the audience receives “prop bags” filled with various things to throw on stage, or make sound with, while also having a guide of the many places where the audience is encouraged to shout things out at the screen or actors.
Prior to the show, audience members whose first time it is seeing it performed live are invited to join in on a special “virgin ritual.” While these “rituals” may vary, at Drew, this year, it involved consuming a plate of whipped cream in an unconventional way. This kickstarts the night by getting everyone into the eccentric “Rocky Horror” mindset.
In addition to the “ritual,” there was a raffle and various mocktails to enjoy while waiting for the show to commence. As people filtered in, all dressed in costumes, theatre fans mingled with each other, sharing their excitement.
Much of the experience of seeing a shadow cast of “Rocky Horror” comes from the audience participation. At the very beginning of the movie, during a scene which involved a wedding, the audience throws rice onto the stage and at the actors. Later, when it is raining in the movie, water guns are provided to mimic the experience for those in the audience as well.
Props aren’t the only thing that get hurled at the actors, though. Almost constantly throughout the movie, there are lines in response to the ones in the movie for the audience to yell at the screen. From raunchy jokes to insults, the crowd almost always has something to say.
A shadow cast of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is truly a special experience at Drew, and reflects the connection and camaraderie that exists in the theatre community: everyone coming together to have a ridiculously fun time.
Nathan Moldover is a first year student majoring in Political Science and Philosophy.
