Great Scott! It’s time once again for the cult-classic musical film The Rocky Horror Picture Show to pop up at theaters all over the country. Put on your red lipstick and lace up your corset, because the antici…pation is higher than ever. The beloved film turns 50 on September 26.
What started as a stage musical turned film in 1975 has come to define what it means to be a “cult classic.” Following a fan shouting out a response to a line said during the film, what was once a typical quiet theater experience transformed into a completely immersive event. Fans shout phrases back at the screen; bring props such as toast, rice, and newspapers; and dress up in their finest fishnets and heels.
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Whether you have seen the film hundreds of times or are a Rocky Horror virgin, every shadow cast experience is unique. Here’s a list of spots where you can do the “Time Warp” again this spooky season.
Head to the Chase Park Plaza Cinema this weekend to step into the lab and experience The Rocky Horror Picture Show during its 50th anniversary weekend. The hotel movie theater will host screenings featuring a live shadow cast from Erotic Nightmares at 9 p.m. on September 26 & 27 and 6 p.m. on September 28. Fans are encouraged to bring their own toast. Tickets are $15. September 26-28. Chase Park Plaza Cinema, 212 Kingshighway.
If you are looking to ease yourself into the glitz and glam of Dr. Frank n’ Furter’s lair, Ronnie’s Cinema is showing the film on the big screen. The film runs September 27 through October 2 for those looking for a more traditional movie-viewing experience. The film is rated R and children under 17 are not permitted to attend unless accompanied by a parent or guardian 25 years or older. Tickets are $13.50. September 27–October 2. Ronnie’s Cinema, 5320 S. Lindbergh.
Want to know more about the history of Rocky Horror? Catch The Hi-Pointe Theatre’s triple feature film series tribute. They have three films lined up, starting with Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror, a documentary examining the film’s history and impact on pop culture. Following the film there will be a live Q&A with the director, Linus O’Brien, son of Richard O’Brien, who wrote the original Rocky Horror Picture Show. Two additional films will be shown, Shock Treatment, the not-quite-sequel to Rocky Horror, and Phantom of the Paradise, a film usually shown in tandem with Rocky Horror back in the ‘70s. Tickets are $50. October 4. Hi-Pointe Theatre, 1005 McCausland.
Erotic Nightmares will take over the Galleria 6 on October 4 & 5 for two evening shadow cast screenings featuring a small cast of talented performers. The three-year-old shadow cast group even created specialty merch for its 50th anniversary events, including hats, tees, prop bags, and more. October 4 & 5. Galleria 6 Cinemas, 30 St. Louis Galleria.
Support your local Rocky Horror shadow cast troupe Flustered Mustard this fall. The group will be touring around different venues in Missouri and Illinois for the month of October, so there’s no excuse to miss checking out a performance. The troupe’s stops include Six Flags St. Louis, Senate Theatre, The Orpheum Theater, East Central College, City Museum, Celedonia Cinema 3, and Miner’s Theater. The full list of dates can be found online Ticket prices vary. October 5–November 1. Various locations.
Test your knowledge at The Rocky Horror Picture Show Trivia at Frankie Martin’s Garden. This free-to-play event will test your knowledge on Frank, Janet, and Brad and offer the opportunity to win free drinks. All ages are welcome to attend, and dressing up is encouraged. The event is held outside on the garden’s Whiskey House Terrace. Lawn chairs or blankets are encouraged in case seating fills up. October 16. Frankie Martin’s Garden, 5372 St. Charles, Cottleville.
Catch The Rocky Horror Picture Show on the City Museum Rooftop with a live shadow cast performance by local Rocky Horror group Flustered Mustard. Dressing up for the occasion is highly encouraged. The film begins at 8:30 p.m., but guests can arrive starting at 7 p.m. to enjoy the rooftop space and the pre-show virgin sacrifice at 8 p.m. Tickets are $30 and include a prop bag. Outside prop bags will not be allowed. This is an 18+ event. October 25. City Museum, 750 N. 16th.
Across the river in Alton, Illinois, the Alton Little Theater is staging a live production of The Rocky Horror Show, including a midnight performance on Halloween. Grab a ticket to participate in the original show in all its rollicking, raunchy glory. October 25–November 2. Alton Little Theater, 2450 N. Henry, Alton, IL.
READ MORE: Film screenings to catch this month
