Aquasha DeLusty was 8 years old when she began her life as a theater and performance enthusiast.
She said as a child, she loved playing make-believe and dressing up in costumes with her friends. When she found out she could turn her games into a production, she said she was hooked.
DeLusty, a local drag queen, is directing the shadow cast and performing a role in Sirius Entertainment’s production of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at 9 p.m. and midnight Saturday and Sunday at the Kenworthy Performing Arts Centre. Tickets cost $12 and can be purchased online at siriusentertainment.com or at the door.
Moscow resident, Aquasha DeLusty, junior Andrea Falk and junior Lexii Galbreath reherse their parts in The Rocky Horror Picture Show Monday night at the Moose Lodge.
Stacey Holbrook, who is playing Riff Raff in the show, said this is Moscow’s first use of a shadow cast during the Rocky Horror Picture Show in more than 10 years.
DeLusty said she will perform the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a satirical character that represents the stereotypes of an uneducated society attached to the LGBTQA community during the 1970s, when the movie was produced. According to kenworthy.org, the movie is a cult classic about two sweethearts that get stuck in a storm and discover an eerie mansion full of “wild characters.” DeLusty said the movie is “grungy” and rejected societal norms.
“It gave a good middle finger to society at the time,” she said.
DeLusty referred to the production as the “‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ experience.” She said the shadow cast reenacts the movie in front of the screen and partakes in the musical numbers while the audience participates through shout-outs, asking question and poking fun at the movie. Every group of Rocky Horror Picture Show performers makes the show its own, she said.
“It takes the movie experience and kind of pulls it onto the stage,” DeLusty said. “Don’t come to watch the movie, come to enjoy the experience. It’s a little bit of a wild show, but it’s a good time.”
She said there are parts of the show where the audience is directed by cast members mixed within the crowd to throw objects like toast or rice onto the stage. She said the prop bag, included with the purchase of a ticket while supplies last, includes different foods, playing cards, glow sticks and more.
Holbrook said it’s best if the audience participates as much as possible, which they can do through shout-outs, singing the songs and throwing props.
“A movie with full participation is a blast,” she said.
DeLusty said this is her first production with Sirius Entertainment, but she has played the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter before, for Washington State University’s production of the show two years ago. She said Frank-N-Furter is a little wild, but a fun, loving character, which she enjoys.
Holbrook said she thinks DeLusty is one of the best performers in the area, and having her play Frank-N-Furter will be a highlight of the show for a lot of people.
DeLusty said she is ecstatic to be a part of such a fun show and her favorite part is watching the first-time-goers, called “virgins,” in awe during the production.
“It’s a really cool feeling to be able to create something together and to be a part of that jaw-dropping experience for someone,” DeLusty said.
DeLusty said in today’s society, the Rocky Horror Picture Show will hopefully spark commotion and discussion about what some consider taboo.
“It’s a great gateway to open some conversations that need to be happening,” she said.
Though the movie is from 1975, DeLusty said the show still presents a strong message about acceptance.
“You’re not a freak,” she said, referring to members of the LGBTQA community. “You’re worth being loved.”
Jordan Willson can be reached at [email protected]
The ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ showings are Friday and Saturday (27-28)