‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ delivers interactive mayhem to Syracuse
‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ delivers interactive mayhem to Syracuse
Review: 50 years since its theatrical release, Syracuse locals are still eagerly gathering to watch the cult classic film with eccentric costumes, loaded water guns and their best pelvic thrusts.
Quickly hopping out of their red velvet seats, audience members rushed to the stage as the rock anthem “Time Warp” rang from the speakers. The volunteer dancers, mostly in costume, made a jump to the left in unison, then a step to the right. With their hands on their hips and their knees in tight, they did the pelvic thrust. For the next hour and a half, viewers took over the Palace Theatre in an interactive viewing of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
The campy musical returned to the big screen for the Palace Theatre’s annual adults-only interactive screening on Oct. 24. This year marked the film’s 50th anniversary, and if this screening is anything to go by, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” remains iconic.
The Palace Theatre, a historic Syracuse venue, hosted the sold-out show for both Rocky Horror Show virgins (first-time viewers), and long-time fans, making a memorable viewing experience for all attendees.
The film, a cult classic, gained widespread popularity in the late 1970s through midnight showings and interactive screenings.
The film has received immense praise for embracing queer themes like sexual liberation and gender fluidity. Fans around the world now attend screenings dressed as characters from the movie and are given prop bags with items to throw at the screen during specific scenes.
Liverpool resident Morgan Fisher said she has been trying to get a ticket to the show for years, and finally got one this year. This was Fisher’s first time attending an interactive show, and she said she loved the energy inside.
“It brings everybody together to have a good time, get dressed up and be a little crazy,” Fisher said. “I feel like it creates a sense of community.”
Before the film began, burlesque dancers delivered Halloween-themed performances. Performer Gina the Machina dazzled the stage with her performance, “Hannibal Barbie.” Scenes from The Silence of the Lambs played behind her as she twirled inside a large martini glass filled with red liquid.
The audience cheered and whistled as she spun around in the martini glass, pouring a bottle of wine on herself, wearing dazzling hot pink lingerie.
After the burlesque performances, audience members participated in a costume contest. Some moviegoers dressed as characters from the film, while others donned costumes of classic Halloween characters, like Scooby-Doo characters Velma and Daphne.
Audience member Terrence Lawson stunned on stage in a costume inspired by Tim Curry’s character in the film, Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Wearing the iconic pearl necklace, a black corset and fishnet tights, Lawson owned the stage.
The most committed fans brought their own slices of toast to throw when Dr. Frank-N-Furter proposes a toast during the dinner scene.
By the end of the showing, the Palace Theatre’s timeless red carpet was covered in confetti and toilet paper.
Chelsea and Shawn Conley, two Rocky Horror virgins, said the interactive element was a blast.
“It’s a better way to experience a movie when you get to throw rice and toilet paper in the movie theater,” Shawn said. “So, if there’s any way to see for the first time, this is the way to do it.”
At first glance, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is seemingly just a campy film about a strange scientist. But for many, it’s more than a musical with flashy costume design and catchy tunes. The film is a queer cultural phenomenon that creates an inclusive space for anyone feeling alienated.
“I love [Rocky Horror] because it celebrates sexuality and being unique,” Chelsea said. “I’m bisexual myself and so I really identify with that and feel like it allows me to be myself.”
is a contributor for The NewsHouse.
is a contributor for The NewsHouse.