If you’re already thinking about kicking off the Halloween festivities, attending a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at The Village East by Angelika is a perfect event to add to your spooky calendar.
The Angelika has been screening the cult classic since 1976 and is the only theater that continues to regularly hold the show with additional stage actors. Occurring on the first and third Saturday of each month, the experience is not to be missed.
The show begins with a pair of big red lips on-screen saying, “You’ve seen all kinds of movies, but you’ve never seen anything like The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” which for many viewers, is probably true. It’s a bit of a tease for what the viewers are about to witness: The show is raunchy, satirical, musical, and darkly hilarious at the same time.
The movie musical follows a newly engaged couple who find themselves at a mansion, which turns out to be the home of a remarkable mad scientist. Without giving too much away, there is a lot more to the production than you’d think. Singing, dancing, costumes, cross-dressing, and anything and everything fabulous — that is The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Not only do the actors interact with the movie as it’s playing, but also with the audience members. They perform in front of the screen in replicas of the costumes worn in the film. They are essentially cosplaying as the characters in the film while following their exact mannerisms and corny characteristics.
It’s captivating to watch the film behind the screen as well as the actors in front of the screen. The actors at the Angelika are beyond talented and enthusiastic. They make the show.
Excitement builds as attendees, decked out in costumes of their own, form a line that wraps around the theater. When doors open at 10 you can purchase a “prop bag” for 5 dollars, which includes a handful of interactive items for audience participation.
When Janet Weiss and Brad Majors — the central couple — get engaged, the audience throws rice at the screen. When Janet is running through the rain with a newspaper as her umbrella, audience members also have a newspaper to put overhead as stage lights flash in the theater simulating the lightning striking on screen. When Frank-N-Furter — the fabulous mad scientist — slaps on their pair of blue gloves, everyone does the same.
Being a highly engaging experience for both the audience and the cast members, there are a few general rules to the show:
- When the name Janet Weiss is said, the audience yells “SLUT” at the screen.
- When the name Brad Majors is said, the audience yells “ASSHOLE” at the screen.
- As one of the cast members mentioned, it’s “strip club rules,” i.e. they can touch you (the audience,) but you cannot touch the actors.
- If you are a “virgin” to the show, meaning a first-timer to Rocky Horror, you have to stand up and declare yourself a virgin to the entire audience — it’s a virgin sacrifice.
- Lastly: If you’re an introvert, do not attend this show, unless you are looking to work on your social skills via exposure therapy.
Whether you’re introverted or extroverted, this experience is one of a kind and something everyone should witness at least once in their lifetime.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show has been around for over 50 years and never fails to keep itself in existence. The experience continues to grow and evolve with new fans and new actors, but of course, the original screening of the 1975 version stays the same.
The adventure and excitement of Rocky Horror at the Angelika is a New York City staple. Being able to see it during October is another thing. It’s the actors’ time to shine and put everyone in the Halloween spirit. But be warned: tickets sell fast.