Culture
LFC Presents 16th Annual Performance of ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’
By: Natalie Colarossi
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The Lost Flamingo Company (LFC) will be presenting its 16th annual performance and screening of the 1970’s cult-classic film, The Rocky Horror Picture Show Oct. 19 through Oct. 21 at The Union.
The LFC, Ohio University’s only student-run theater company, has made Rocky Horror a routine event shown around Halloween each year.
The event consists of a screening of the film on a large projector, accompanied by live acting on a stage. The stage actors will be mimicking the characters in the film with everything from dress, to make-up, to belting out the exact lines. Meanwhile, audience members will be singing, shouting, and throwing one-liners back at them.
“It’s going to be really loud,” said director Darragh Liaskos.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show began as a comedy/musical theater production written by Richard O’Brien in 1973. It was first shown in London, England, and shortly after began its NYC Broadway debut in 1975.
That same year, Director Jim Sharman, alongside 20th Century Fox, adapted the production to film.
The movie chronicles the experience of a young engaged couple, Brad Majors and Janet Weiss, whose car breaks down outside of a home occupied by strange characters. They find the house to be run by mad scientist Dr. Frank-n-Furter and have wild experiences with sex, seduction, and singing.
“There’s really no plot to it… but everyone loves it. There’s a lot of drag, gay sex, kissing, screaming and just a lot of fun,” said Liaskos.
As the film and various productions continued to be shown around the United States, fans developed a cult-following, and increasingly started participating in the action. Audience members became as important to the film as the actors on screen.
Among the most notable audience participation includes screaming call-backs, or responses to the characters lines. The most famous call-backs have been evolving with audiences since the ’70s.
“When you’re on stage everyone just sings along and does all the call-backs with you and it’s just such a thrill,” said Logan Amon, a senior child/family studies major playing Dr. Frank-n-Furter.
In addition, each year before the show begins The LFC presents what is called “The Virgin Sacrifices,” calling to the stage any first-time audience members. First time audience members always leave with interesting memories about their first experiences with the show, kicking off with this unique pre-show ritual.
“They sort of get the audience ready for the sexual deviance that’s about to happen on stage,” said Liaskos.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is performed each year in theaters around the world. It has solidified its own sort of culture throughout the years, and has become a much awaited event for audience members globally.
The LFC production of the show kicks off Thursday, Oct. 19. Admission each night is $5 and doors will open at 9 p.m. every night.