Saturday's 'Rocky Horror' party marks film's 40th anniversary
A musical performance, midnight screening and live shadowcast will make up the 40th anniversary Rocky Horror Picture Show event at the Theater of the Living Arts.
GET READY to do the "Time Warp" again.
Today marks the 40th anniversary of the theatrical release of cult-classic movie "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."
Tomorrow night, WXPN DJ Robert Drake is hosting a "Rocky Horror" celebration at the Theater of the Living Arts (334 South St.).
The bash will open with a performance by the All Revved Up Meatloaf Tribute band. A midnight screening of the film and a live show by Transylvanian Nipple Productions (TNP) follows.
And there's no place better than the TLA. The theater began screening "Rocky Horror" in 1976 when the film was revived for midnight showings in American theaters following success in New York City.
The film stars Barry Bostwick and Susan Sarandon as Brad and Janet, the naïve couple who happen upon Tim Curry, as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, the transvestite alien scientist from Transsexual, Transylvania, and his mansion full of characters.
Adapted from a British stage musical, it was initially considered a box-office flop after its Aug. 14, 1975, release in London.
Later American midnight screenings launched the movie to cult status with viewers yelling call-back lines and hurling props at specific points in the film.
Attendees tomorrow can buy prop bags made up by TNP for $2, or bring their own.
Rule of thumb: If it's edible or wet, leave it home.
The TNP cast, locals who perform around the city and frequently at the Ritz at the Bourse, will do a "shadowcast" tomorrow, during which they will re-create scenes from the movie in full costume below the movie screen.
"It's an incredible cast of people. I'm amazed at how dedicated they are," Drake said. "I'm proud that Philly is respected as a home for quality shadowcasting."
Costumes tomorrow are welcome and encouraged since the best will be awarded prizes prior to the movie showing.
Those decked out in sequins or thigh-high fishnets need not worry about feeling out of place beforehand because a free pre-party is happening about a block away at Tattoed Mom, 530 South St., with drink specials such as the "Sweet Transvestite" for $5 and "Franken-furters," veggie or beef, for $2.
Drake, whose love of "Rocky Horror" began when he started watching the film on South Street in the '80s, in recent years hosted successful events featuring midnight showings of the film.
He knew that when the 40th anniversary rolled around it would be the ideal time to make a night of it, he said.
"It sells out and it has such a fascination because it celebrates the freaks inside all of us," Drake said. "This is a chance to let loose, step back in time and do the 'Time Warp' one more time."