Photo courtesy of Jesse Shipman ’21
Part of the cast of “Rocky Horror Picture Show” poses in front of Chapin Auditorium. The cast includes Mount Holyoke students Jesse Shipman ’21, Jennifer Chatham ’22 and Ranjani Ramanathan ’20, as well as alums of the College and members of the Pioneer Valley Community.
BY GABY BARBER ’23
It should come as no surprise to anyone familiar with the movie that a screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” the weekend before Halloween was sold out. The line to get into South Hadley’s Tower Theaters pushed outside the small space and into the hallway. One person was so desperate for a ticket that they were offering to buy one off of somebody for $50. Before seeing the show, I wasn’t sure why they would offer such a large sum for a ticket that cost $11, but afterward, I understood. It was much more than a movie that was being offered that night. It was an experience.
I knew going into “Rocky Horror” that screenings of the 1975 cult classic are an interactive experience, but I did not understand what I was getting into until one of the people running the event painted a large red “V” on my forehead with lipstick.
During the pre-show, audience members were called to the stage, asked to stand up, make a pledge and dance on stage. Four of the dancers were even selected for participation in the first scene of the live-action interpretation of the film.
The pre-show also informed the audience of some rules: don’t throw things at the expensive movie screen and if you are offended by something another audience member yells, just yell something more offensive back. It also included the performance of a poem.
As the movie played on the big screen, actors brought to life what was happening behind them. The actors were animated and, for the most part, confident in their roles.
Throughout the show, audience members shouted out different jokes and comments about the movie or its characters. Janet was frequently labeled a “sl*t” by the audience, and Brad as an “*ssh*le.” Overall, it was a very spirited and exciting experience.
Actor Jesse Shipman ’21, who hosts the show and plays Brad, Eddie and Doctor Scott, said people should watch the movie, especially with a live shadow cast because, ”there’s really nothing like it. It’s really a space where you can come as you are and be yourself with others doing the same.”
A disclaimer I will make about the performance and movie is that it is very sexual and uses strong language, so if this makes you uncomfortable, it may not be the best choice for your Saturday night. That being said, I found the event to be a great time.
Some audience members dressed up and others didn’t, and some participated actively while others watched. I felt like there was room for everyone to choose the level of involvement they desired without being judged for doing something or not.
“I have been a part of ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ since I was 16, and it has been such a bastion of love, hope and support,” Shipman said. “I try to make it like that for everyone else involved too.” I certainly felt a sense of community while I watched the performance. It felt like everyone was accepted and had a place in the theater.
I definitely recommend this experience to anyone looking for a night of fun. Make a night out of it: get dressed up with your friends, throw on some lipstick and, if you haven’t seen the movie with a live shadow cast, get ready for a great show!
At the Tower Theaters, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” usually plays on the first Saturday of the month at 12 a.m., as well as several 9 p.m. shows around Halloween. Even though I still don’t completely understand the plot after watching the movie for the second time — there’s a lot going on between the singing and fast-paced events — I definitely suggest seeing the performance. It is an exciting and reasonably priced night out. If you’ve already seen it, you already know what a great time it is, and if not, go find out what the red lipstick “V” means.