After almost two years, live theater finally returned to Shippensburg University on Oct. 28 and 30 with “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
Based on the 1970’s cult classic movie of the same name, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” holds a strong place in queer culture for embracing sexual fluidity and gender transgression. Despite some of its scenes and wordings aging poorly, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” acts as a safe space for LGBTQ+ individuals to be themselves.
The producers of SU’s rendition of “Rocky Horror” took it upon themselves to use this performance as a learning opportunity, featuring an exhibit discussing problematic themes of the show—such as lack of consent in some scenes and the word transvestite. They also included an educational section on the show’s program discussing language in the show. Beyond this, The Women’s Center had a table in Memorial Auditorium’s lobby, handing out internal and external condoms, period products, feminism pins and coloring pages.
The show was co-directed by graduate students Tyler Rock and Fran Forti, who said it came about as the result of a joke. In true “Rocky Horror” fashion, the show was shadow-acted by several Shippensburg University students. Shadow-acting involves miming and lip-syncing the actions and dialogue of the film while the original film plays.
The film follows Brad and Janet, played by students Duncan Frashure and Sadie Walshaw. The recently engaged couple get stranded in the rain and are forced to spend the night as guests of Dr. Frank N. Furter, a “sweet transvestite from Transexual, Transylvania.” Dr. Frank N. Furter was played by Pierce Romey.
Audience members were able to participate with props provided by the show's crew.
Part of the film’s cult tradition is for the audience to be heavily interactive with the show. The performance encouraged shouting expletives at the actors and filling in dialogue, and even using various props such as a kazoo. Props for audience members were provided as they paid for their tickets. Items included bells, newspapers, rubber gloves, kazoos and even mini cards.
Audience participation was encouraged through a QR code on the programs that showed participation queues and a show script. At one point of the show, audience members and cast members alike were dancing in the aisles of the auditorium.
The final showing of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Saturday, Oct. 30 was followed by The Time Warp Halloween Ball sponsored by the Women’s Center, Pride Center and Acitivies Programming Board held in the Ceddia Union Building multipurpose room. Cast, crew and members of the student body donned costumes and enjoyed snacks and music together to celebrate the occasion. And yes, we did dance to the “Time Warp.”
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