by Jonah Barrett for OLY ARTS
“I see you shiver, with antici …”
On July 15, things are bound to get a little spooky (and raunchy) down at the Capitol Theater. The Rocky Horror Picture Show will screen at midnight, featuring The Blue Mouseketeers, a live shadow cast. Audience participation is more than expected — it’s required. “This is not your typical, sit-down-and-watch-a-movie, kind of performance,” said Mouseketeer member Kendra Pedersen. “We are a shadow cast, which means the audience is expected to make a lot of noise and respond to what we are doing. Before every show, our MC goes over rules for the theater, which include an audience-participation rule. We explain to the audience that they are required to participate in the show in the form of calling out jokes, cheering, throwing props and generally expressing how much fun they are having.”
The tradition of audience participation with the film — dressing up as characters, yelling lines back at the screen, throwing various items around — began in New York in 1976, three years after the musical originally debuted in London. Since then the film has attracted a legendary cult following, and Olympians can continue the tradition at OFS. “All across the world, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is one of the most celebrated, recognized and community-driven gatherings in moviegoing history,” said Rob Patrick, OFS’s film programming director. “Films are about excitement, expression and happiness, and this experience is the perfect combination of those very things.”
Patrons are encouraged to engage with the film by dressing up and purchasing prop bags for audience participation. Prop bags will be available at concessions, while outside props are not allowed. “We have had the pleasure of performing in Olympia a few times before, and the staff and audience has always been absolutely wonderful and welcoming,” said Pedersen. “I really enjoy the performance itself and how much fun it is to shadow-cast a cult classic and get the reactions out of the audience. But I also really love the people I am up on stage with. Our cast is a family. We all work very hard to put on the show and have a good time performing together. I know other cast members share in my feelings of family and the inclusion that the cast brings. Part of the culture of Rocky Horror is to get to be who you are and be accepted no matter what.”
If you can’t get enough Rocky Horror, the Blue Mouseketeers and a number of other shadow casts will be performing at Rocky Palooza in Portland this July 28 to 30.
“… pation.”
What: The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Where: Capitol Theater,
206 Fifth Ave. SE, Olympia
When: 11:30 p.m. Saturday, July 15
How much: $7-$10
Learn more: 360-754-6670 | Olympia Film Society