A cult classic is bringing folks to Okotoks in their most outrageous get-ups, bright-red lipstick and plenty of eye shadow as they get their freak on before Halloween.
The screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show returns to the Rotary Performing Arts Centre Oct. 28 at 8:30 p.m. The annual event has participants singing, dancing and getting involved with the action on screen.
The 1975 flick tells the story about the misadventures of Brad Majors (Barry Bostwick) and Janet Weiss (Susan Sarandon) who, after their car breaks down during a rainy night, end up at a strange mansion filled with unusual characters from the eccentric scientist Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry) to the Transylvanians.
“It’s a cult classic that keeps growing every year,” said Andrea Spiers, the Town’s visitor services specialist. “We’ve got people from all over coming to the show. It’s pretty much sold out every year.”
The audience really gets into it, dressing the part and singing along, Spiers said.
“There’s lots of energy,” she said. “Everybody is hooting and hollering and throwing things. It’s so much fun to watch.”
According to Spiers, it’s not a typical night out at the movies.
“It’s not a sit down and be quiet kind of movie – it’s singing, it’s dancing, it’s throwing things,” she said. “That’s the fun part of it. You don’t do that at a movie theatre or any other kind of show.”
Okotoks’ flamboyant Jared McCollum is returning as the host of the event.
“During the show I sing all of Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s songs along with the movie and strut around,” he said. “I think The Rocky Horror Picture Show is an excuse to be a little bit crazy and outrageous and just let go. It’s just to pretend to be silly and be around other people that don’t mind being a little silly.”
McCollum said people love to dress up, particularly around Halloween.
“If you are not going to a Halloween party or if you are and you want to dress up in more than one costume or you want another reason to dress up this is a great way to do it,” he said. “One thing that always blows me away every year is there is always four or five groups of six to 10 women. The whole office will dress up and come or a whole group of girlfriends from a book club or something. They all go wild.”
The Rocky Horror Picture Show also draws its share of men who let loose and dress in drag for the occasion, said McCollum.
Those less ambitious attendees are welcome to come as they are or put on a party hat and sunglasses, he said.
“Part of the event is just getting everyone loosened up and excited about it,” he said. “Even if you’re a people watcher, just come to watch people be silly. Bring a friend because you’re going to be talking about it for a long time.”
A costume contest with prizes will take place during intermission, McCollum said.
“People go all out,” he said. “There are people that come every year and have the most amazing costumes. Some people really get excited about it.”
Tickets to attend the Rocky Horror Picture Show cost $20 and can be bought at the Okotoks Art Gallery or by calling 403-938-3204.
