Backstage for the Rocky Horror Picture Show production was just as campy as onstage when Bradford Little Theatre actors held dress rehearsal Tuesday at Togi’s Playhouse in Bradford.
The shadow cast for the 1975 cult classic film will hit the Bradford Main Street Movie House stage Saturday from 11:30 p.m. to 2 a.m. in front of a full-screen showing of the movie.
Director Tiffany Mager said the cast will act out the entire film in front of the movie through pantomiming, lip syncing and dancing on the movie screen stage. She said the cast will hold its first rehearsal at the Movie House today.
“Being in the actual venue is going to make it really nice” for rehearsal, Mager said.
She said the show is guaranteed to provide an evening of entertainment for the audience.
“It’s eclectic — it’s not for the faint of heart,” Mager said of the show.
A synopsis of the low-budget movie with catchy songs describes it as” the misadventures of Brad Majors and Janet Weiss inside a strange mansion that they come across on a rainy night.”
The wholesome pair then meet a whole array of freaky characters who include a ghoulish butler, partygoers, a transvestite clad in lingerie and a biker, among others.
“The cast is having a great time — I have a fantastic cast,” Mager said of performers who hail from Bradford and Ridgway, as well as Olean and Little Valley in New York state.
One of the cast members, veteran actor David Merwine added, “Oh this show is infamous in the theater community … this show is a cross between a drag show and a black and white horror movie rolled into a Broadway musical.”
Mager said she and co-director Jessica Ann Coder volunteered to produce the show because both have seen and enjoyed the movie. Both directors said they also put a lot of research into the production.
“It’s one of my favorite shows,” Coder said, while noting she is also in the production. “I’ve seen a shadow cast (performance of the show) in Hornell (N.Y.)”
Mager said the movie also has a cult following outside of theater, with some people following performances from community to community. She expects a number of these fans to visit the upcoming show.
“When they come to these types of shows they will dress in character and are from all over” the region, she remarked.
The directors said the show has presented challenges with the costumes as well as lighting at the Movie House. Mager said Movie House owners, Todd and Tammy Hennard, have been supportive of the production by renting the film, conducting sales of tickets and advertising the event.
“They’re always willing to help us out,” she said of the Hennards.
On a related note, Mager said the audience will be encouraged to dress in character and interact with the cast members during the show. Audience members can also purchase $3 prop bags in the lobby of the theater. The bags will contain bubbles, newspapers, squirt guns, flashlights, rubber gloves, noisemakers, toilet paper, party hats, a bell and playing cards. Rice and toast, however, are not allowed in the theater and those found throwing the items will be asked to leave.
“The props and audience participation are a big thing with the Rocky Horror shows,” Mager commented. “The cast has had a great time getting prepared for this and I’m excited to see how the audience will participate with them.”
Tickets are $10 each and are available at Graham Florist and Togi’s Family Restaurant, as well as at the Movie House. Attendees must be 18 years of age or older with a valid ID to enter the theater, regardless of the ticket purchase.
Doors to the theater will open at 11 p.m., with the pre-show and virgin sacrifice beginning at 11:30 p.m. The movie will begin at midnight.
Proceeds from the show will benefit the nonprofit theater group and the upkeep of Togi’s Playhouse.
