‘Rocky Horror’ invites viewers to play along

Cardinal Stage Company and the Buskirk-Chumley Theater are allowing fans of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” to participate in the “Time Warp” for the sixth year.

“I was about the start Cardinal Stage Company and had to think of a way to raise money for a first show,” Artistic Director for Cardinal Stage Company Randy White said. “We had the idea to show ‘Rocky,’ and it sold out. We turned hundreds of people away.”

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is the 1975 film adaptation of the British musical “The Rocky Horror Show.”

In 1977, the film gained notoriety as a midnight movie once audiences started participating with it in the theaters. Since then, it has become a cult phenomenon.

Guests can purchase bags containing rice, newspaper, toast and other goods that are used at various moments throughout the film. Traditionally, fans take cues for when to quote lines, throw props and sing along.

“This is not the type of movie that you sit down and watch,” White said. “Everyone shouts back to the screen. At appropriate moments, everyone is dancing to the ‘Time Warp.’”

Thirty minutes before the film there will be a “devirginizing” ceremony where participants who have never been to a “Rocky Horror” film screening will be involved in events such as a costume contest.

White said the ceremony is in an effort to relax people and allow them to let their hair down.

Proceeds from the event will benefit Cardinal Stage Company’s educational initiatives, such as the community access ticket initiative, which gives kids who otherwise wouldn’t be able to see the show a free ticket.

Freshman Meara Thombre said she will be attending the Saturday night film screening.

“I saw the movie, and I just loved how charismatic Tim Curry was,” Thombre said. “The raw sensuality of the whole thing is amazing to me.”

Guests are urged to come in costume — tickets are $10 for attendees dressed up and $15 for attendees who are not.

“I would say 90 to 95 percent of the audience dresses up,” White said. “You couldn’t believe the variety of costumes.”

Allison Parman, marketing assistant for the Cardinal Stage Company, said the event is really popular amongst students and said she hopes people come out.

“We call it the wildest fundraiser in town,” she said. “The whole atmosphere is a party.”