Telluride Theatre/Palm: Rocky Horror Picture Show

16 Oct Telluride Theatre/Palm: Rocky Horror Picture Show

The Rocky Horror Picture Show movies LIVE theatrics by Telluride Theatre at the Palm, 10/24

The film, released in 1975, tanked at first. But by 1976, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” was on its way to becoming a cult classic, playing to packed houses at midnight shows across the country. Audiences came dressed up like the characters, acted out segments, yelled rude comments to the stage or screen, threw rice at the wedding, put newspapers over their heads against the rain.

Several incarnations (and decades later), folk, many much older now, still tramp back into the theatre, wearing rain gear, armed with stale pieces of toast and water pistols.

Friday, October 24, 9 p.m, Telluride Theatre hosts its second coming of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” And in keeping with the long tradition of this B-movie phenomenon, the evening includes a shadow cast, who perform with costumes, lights, dancing and more in concert with the film.

“We really try to come at this with our theatrical expertise and make it a feast for the senses for the audience. Watching ‘Rocky Horror’ is an immersive experience, one like you have never seen before. And the Palm Theatre is the perfect venue for the happening, because while the movie plays on the big screen we have tons of extra space to do the re-creation. And we encourage the audience to fully participate: say lines, yell at the screen, throw rice. We are after the full Rocky Horror awesomeness and then some,” said Sasha Sullivan, artistic director, Telluride Theatre and director of the show.

The book is ludicrous. A young couple stumbles into a castle inhabited by weirdos from the planet Transylvania including Dr. Frank N. Furter, a transvestite Frankenstein in rhinestone heels. The music of this sci-fi satire is unforgettable. Tunes such as “Time Warp,” “Dammit Janet,” “Toucha Toucha Touch Me,” “Over at Frankenstein’s Place,” “Sweet Transvestite” are addictive.

Beware.

Or be in tune.

A “Horror” virgin?

Here’s the scoop.

The “Rocky Horror Show” moves through celluloid darkly. The movie is an homage to cheesy 1950s B-flicks. Think Ed Wood on a bad hair day. Now set it to music. “Goodness Gracious Great Balls of Fire.” (And hit the anatomical reference hard.)

With me so far?

Like many cult classics, “Rocky Horror Show” is anything but mainstream. In fact, it is the mother of twisted entertainment, a sexual anthology set to song and dance, written by stage actor-turned-first-time playwright Richard O’Brien.

The musical upon which the movie is based, opened in 1973 and was hailed by prominent London critics as the “Best Musical of 1973.” No big surprise. Brits are notoriously kinky. The rock ’n roll science fiction horror satire of same, written and directed by Jim Sharman, came out in 1975 and starred Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, and Meatloaf.

The marvelous musical spoof urges, “Give yourself over to absolute pleasure.”

And why not?….

“Rocky Horror” is a warm up to Halloween.

Costumes highly encouraged.

Cash bar: beer, wine and other awesome drinks.

Only 19+ will be admitted.

Tickets, $15 pre-sale and $18 at the door. ($150 VIP tables also available).

Want more information?  Call Sasha at 970-708-3934.

AND

To get in the mood for lewd, watch this trailer.