1792 Coins

This is the longest running theatrical release in film history.  It is still in limited release over 30 years after its initial release in 1975.  This parody of science fiction and horror films was adapted from the British stage production, The Rocky Horror Show.  I had seen The Rocky Horror Picture Show when I was younger and quite honestly didn't get what all the hype was about.  I didn't gain a full understanding or respect for this piece until I attended my first RHPS party in high school.  Watching the movie at home is one thing, but watching in in a theater with a bunch of other people, and in most cases a live cast as well, that my friends, is an experience that you'll never forget.  It's the only way to truly understand and appreciate this film.

Rocky Horror Picture Show

Without spoiling the experience for all those video virgins out there, let me give a brief overview of what to expect at a RHPS party.  Not every Rocky Party is the same, but there are generally accepted standards.  You can even check with the host of the party for a list of house rules and expectations before you go. If you are a RHPS virgin, be warned, you may be picked for the traditional virgin rituals, of which also vary by venue.  The audience is expected to participate fully in the viewing experience of the film.  This means the audience is almost expected to wear costumes of their favorite character from the film.  Props are also expected, we'll talk more about this in a second.  There are also long pauses between the spoken lines in the film, pauses that need to be filled with comments shouted by the audience.  It's a beautiful thing.

Ok, so you've been warned about the virgin rituals (they are harmless), the costumes, live cast, audience participation lines to be shouted between bits of dialog.  Let's talk props real quick, as this is the most standard form of participation.  Check with your host before you attend, some venues provide a prop pack with the cost of admission, others expect you to bring your own.  Here is the short list and a brief explanation of each prop's use.

• Rice
  When the newlyweds leave the church, at the beginning of the film, you should throw the rice along with the on-screen wedding guests.
• Newspaper
  When Brad and Janet are caught in the storm, Janet covers her head with a newspaper.  At this point, you should do likewise.
• Water pistol
  Everyone in the audience uses these to simulate the rainstorm that Brad and Janet are caught in, hence the need of the aforementioned newspaper.
• Candle, lighter, or flashlight
  When you hear the "There's a light" verse in the "Over at the Frankenstein Place" number, everyone will light up the venue with their candles, lighters, and flashlights.  A side note, be careful with fire, you are, after all, wearing a newspaper on your head.
• Rubber gloves
  These are used during and after the creation speech.  Frank snaps his rubber gloves three times.  Snap your gloves along with him.  You will also do this later in the film when Magenta pulls the gloves off his hands.
• Noisemaker
  Also after the creation speech, mentioned above, the Transylvanians applaud and make a racket with noisemakers. Join in.
• Confetti
  At the end of the reprise of the "Charles Atlas Song," as Frank and Rocky head toward the bedroom, the Transylvanians throw confetti.  Follow suite.
• Scott brand toilet paper roll
  When Dr. Scott enters the lab, Brad hollers "Great Scott!"  That's your cue to hurl the roll into the air, covering the venue.
• Plain toast
  When Frank proposes a toast at dinner, everyone will toss their toast into the air.
• Party hat
  When Frank puts on a party hat, namely at the table, do the same.
• Bell or Keys
  During the song "Planet Schmanet Janet," ring the bell or jingle your keys when Frank sings "Did you hear a bell ring?"
• Playing cards
  During the song "I'm Going Home," Frank sings "Cards for sorrow, cards for pain." That's right, cover the place in cards.

So as my grandpappy used to say, "Get out and get the stink blown off ya!"  Check local college campus boards, movie theaters, and other venues for information on a local RHPS experience near you.  And don't come home until you can do the Time Warp!

If you haven’t been to a RHPS party, let me implore you to do so.  If you must watch it at home, because you're too chicken, or agoraphobic, I’ll even go so far as to provide a hid.im below.

RHPS

As always, feel free to comment or ask questions about any of the ideas shared in this post, and your experiences at a Rocky Party!

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