Dress up & get down

Tired of listening to the “Monster Mash” over and over again on the radio or hearing the “Addams Family” theme song on commercials?

If getting out during Halloween is sounding like a better option, local clubs and venues will be offering plenty of other music options on Halloween, from live bands and DJs to a showing of the cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

For those who can’t wait until Oct. 31 to get into the Halloween spirit, Starrynight Productions’ version of “The Rocky Horror Show” – the stage version of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” – premiered last week at the John Waldron Arts Center and will continue until Thursday, Oct. 30.

“It’s a chance – more an excuse – for anybody who can’t normally ... dress up and do outrageous things,” said Russell McGee, the play’s director.

Russell described attending “Rocky Horror” performances as a way for people to explore their darker sides, free of inhibition, in a tolerant environment. Male and female audience members alike show up in outfits that range from just their underwear to outfits that utilize stilettos and fishnets.

“Rocky Horror” was a stage musical before being made into a film, and McGee said the live actors are in large part what make the overall experience. The audience can yell and heckle the performers, and the performers respond back.

Audience members can also purchase props at the door that are prominent in the show, like rice and squirt guns. McGee said, however, that most “Rocky Horror” enthusiasts bring their own props.

The Cardinal Stage Company will present 8 p.m. and midnight Oct. 31 “Rocky Horror Picture Show” screenings at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater for the fourth consecutive year. Michelle Ford, administrative assistant at Cardinal Stage Company, said the mood and the attitude of the movie is perfect for Bloomington’s cultural atmosphere.
The dancing in the aisles, the crazy costumes and the randomness are aspects of the performance that audience members can get involved in and use to become part of the show, she said. 

DJ Flufftronix will spin a free show at 10 p.m. Halloween night at Rachael’s Café. Junior Bethany Morgan, a manager at the cafe, said “Fluffy” creates a relaxed atmosphere by being friendly and approachable.

“He likes to dance, he likes to see people dance, he likes to play good music,” Morgan said. “When you see a DJ smiling and dancing around, it makes you feel better about what you’re doing.”

Rachael’s also provides a good compromise across the drinking-age barrier: People under 21 are allowed in, but they do serve alcohol to those of age.

Over at Jake’s Nightclub, the 21+ crowd can enjoy the spinning skills of DJ Sharf and DJ Nimz.

Jake’s Entertainment Manager Dan Coleman said the event will basically be a big dance party.

“You can always see a tribute band, but there are few chances where you can cut lose and dance in this town.”

He added that there will be a costume contest, judged by the crowd.

“It’s Halloween; it’s basically come dressed as slutty as you can.”

Coleman said that stipulation is only for the females, however; guys should aim to be more creative, he said.

StudentCity Travel will give away spring-break packages as prizes for the costume contest.

Bluebird Nightclub owner Dave Kubiak said the nightclub will give away $1,000 in cash and prizes for its costume contest, and Red Hot Chili Peppers cover band Funky Monks are scheduled to perform.

Rhino’s All-Ages Club will present its Tri-BOO!-te Terror show, featuring The Bradleys, Micefights and Ted Kennedys, cover bands for Operation Ivy, Misfits and Dead Kennedys, respectively. The show begins at 8 p.m.

“All our shows are early, so the 21-and-over crowd can come and still go out after,” said assistant director Tim Pritchett. “If you’re over 21 or under 21, it’s going to be a great show.”

Meanwhile, Uncle Elizabeth’s, Bloomington’s only specifically “gay” bar, will feature DJ Elo and a costume contest with cash prizes.

But owner Steve Keith said the night will not be just for the gay crowd.

“We get a lot of straight people, and that’s fine. We just ask that people respect each other,” said owner Steve Keith, adding that their mixed crowd includes those who are straight, gay, bi, transgender and cross-dressers. “We get everything; that’s what makes it fun.”

Because it has a notably different atmosphere from a typical college bar, Keith said many students come to Uncle E’s for a break from bars like Nick’s and Kilroy’s.
The Department of Computer Science will have its 13th annual Mad Scientist Ball starting at 8 p.m. Saturday, Nov. 1.  Costumes will be judged at 11 p.m., with prizes for scariest, sexiest and most creative attire. Live music will be provided by “Dr. Frankenstein’s Merry Minstrels.”

Students can also check out parties at the dorms leading up to Oct. 31.
Collins Living-Learning Center’s Board of Programmers will present their annual Halloween Dance from 8 p.m. to midnight Friday, Oct. 25, with junior Amber Hansen as DJ for the evening; this year’s theme is “Grim Fairy Tales.” 

The Residence Hall Association’s Halloween Masquerade will take place from 8 to 11 p.m. Thursday, Oct. 30 in the Willkie Auditorium.

Both events are free and open to the public.