‘Rocky Horror’ offers creative outlet for film fanatics

What began as a love for the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” and a need for quick money has turned into a Halloween phenomenon at the Buskirk-Chumley for the last six years.

It all started when Randy White, artistic director for the Cardinal Stage Company, wanted to direct “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” live but had few funds to do so. 

“I started asking around why no one ever showed the movie,” White said, and shortly after that he decided to do it himself.

He said the Cardinal Stage Company approached the Buskirk-Chumley with the idea.
The show has the same basic template that it had when it first began.

“It’s a mood. It’s a good excuse for letting your hair down,” White said. “I think the message in ‘Rocky’ is that whatever anyone wants to do, as long as it doesn’t hurt anybody, is OK. Don’t judge. Don’t try to stifle anyone or judge anybody else’s identity.”

Money raised from “Rocky Horror” funds educational endeavors of the Cardinal Stage Company, such as making tickets affordable for under-served students.

“It allows people to be campy, be wild, be sexy,” said Danielle McClelland, executive director for the Buskirk. “It’s been going on for a number of years as a
fundraiser. It’s a great event and we’re glad that it’s here.”

According to McClelland, two full houses mean a lot of work for the staff at the theater. The two shows are at 7:30 and 11:30 p.m.

The later show includes a “devirginzation ritual” for those who have never seen the movie.

There are also contests and prizes. White said the midnight show is better because of all the “hardcore ‘Rocky’ fans” that show up.

“The audience does a lot of participating. You always see crazy costumes,” said Sarah Dresser, graduate assistant at the Cardinal Stage Company.

“You never really know what you’ll see people dressed as.” Dresser said she enjoys the singing along and prop bags, which are sold at the beginning of every show.

Last year, the tickets for the midnight show were sold out, and a majority of them were bought at the door.

This year, discounts are offered through advanced purchasing versus the discounts offered for wearing a costume in years past.

Tickets are on sale now at the Buskirk-Chumley Theater Box Office for $10 in advance and $15 at the door.