The Kenworthy Performing Arts Center called down all Transylvanians last weekend for a Rocky Horror experience.
Local queens and performers put on a show Moscow has been looking forward to all year.
The rice-throwing, glove-snapping and profane commentary made the Halloween classic an even better watch than before — something a rocky virgin (myself) was not expecting.
While I might have seen the movie I didn’t know what a full live action Rocky Horror Picture Show would entail.
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Brianna Finnegan | Argonaut ![]()
Brianna Finnegan | Argonaut ![]()
Brianna Finnegan | Argonaut
Leaving things as a surprise would have, in my head, made for a more exciting experience, which turned out to be true.
Being greeted with a prop bag 30 minutes before the show interested me, peeking into the brown sack I did not know why a bag of rice, stale bread, cards and a rubber glove were needed. .
I was going to sit in the first three rows with the other virgins, but I ran some friends and ended up sitting in the back with them. This was pure luck for me.
The virgin ritual came next, them and I too naive to know what to expect. I won’t spoil what the ritual enclosed, but I was glad I picked to sit in the back.
The rest of the night consisted of yelling ‘asshole’ at Brad and ‘slut’ at Janet. The commentary made the show hilarious. It seemed like there was a perfect phrase for everything.
When it came time to throw the rice at the wedding scene, I was startled because I didn’t realize what was going on. But once I knew, I listened for bags crumpling and was at the edge of my seat ready to use the next prop.
ICYMI: A review of the 2018 production – ‘A living theater’
The shadow cast, actors who performed while the movie played in the background, made every scene special. It was like the show was happening on the screen and in the theater — the more engaging the better.
Whether it was Brad and Janet in the wedding scene or Frank chasing Rocky down the Kenworthy aisles, it made the show come to life.
When the show ended, everyone left with rice in their socks, sorry for whoever had to clean up before the next show started. The virgins left with a red lipstick V stained on their foreheads — one I cannot scrub off. The show was original and creative, living up to every good thing said about it.
Until next year, the audience will be left in antici… pation.
Emily Pearce can be reached at [email protected] or on twitter @Emily_A_Pearce