Theater goers step through ‘Time’ warp into cult classic nirvana
Musical screams fill the Time Community Theater for the Rocky Horror Picture Show. The Time’s doors opened to host the event for fans, old and new, once again on September 21. The event included games, a costume contest, delicious snacks, and a showing of the comedic horror musical.
This spooktacular evening has been running for 14 years, since 2010.
“We do a lot of work to get ready for the event,” said Phil Krause, ticket holder and concession stand worker.
Rocky Horror night takes around eight hours to set up, and within those hours the volunteers prepared around 150 survival bags for the audience, and set up the games and movie. Games included races with partners, a drawing contest, and some physical workout competitions, so audience members had a chance to warm up with one another. The costume contest went next and included three different categories people were able to show off character looks from the movie.
“I really like all of the interactive bits and getting to dress up,” said junior Ollie Hardy.
After all pre-show events came to a stop, the host went over the survival bags and what to do with them; each survival bag was equipped with rice, toast, a party hat, bells, and more.
During the movie, people within the audience were able to yell and make remarks toward the characters on the screen, making everything light-hearted, as well as preserving the moviegoer traditions. However, right before the movie started, the host asked all newer fans to stand up and give a pledge to celebrate their first viewing with friends and family.
“I learned about it in seventh grade from my mom, and I’ve been going ever since,” said Hardy.
The 1975 film centers on a newly engaged couple, Brad Majors and Janet Weiss, whose car just broke down in the middle of nowhere. To Brad and Janet’s luck, there is a castle not too far from the highway where they then meet scientist Doctor Frank N Furter. Brad and Janet get welcomed in by this strange scientist and see the Doctor's newest experiment, Rocky. Rocky represents the perfect male, which led Janet and Frank N Furter to fight over him and ultimately creates unfair treatment of Furter’s servants towards Brad and Janet. Then Riff Raff and Magenta, who were both some of Furter’s servants, decided to rebel against Furter, resulting in blowing up the castle.
“I think the movie is about embracing yourself,” said one of the community members at the show.
The movie’s main message is to be yourself without shame or judgment from others. The community comes together a couple times a year to dress up without shame and are welcomed in a new make-shift family.
“It’s a time where people can express themselves,” said Krause.
by Kayden Brandt
Published October 7 2024
Oshkosh West Index Volume 121 Issue I