The 1975 raunchy sci-fi rock-opera comedy The Rocky Horror Picture Show has firmly entrenched itself in cult status over the years, with a hardcore fan base that continues to attract new fans. Recently, the film came to Toronto as a live event to celebrate with fans, rejoicing in all the splendid songs and one-liners, singing, shouting, and having fun all around.
The iconic Roy Thomson Hall in Toronto hosted a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, but it was so much more than simply watching a movie. There was a buzz in the air, an excitement unlike that of other shows that have come through the venue before. While there was no live orchestra for this one, the fans added an extra dimension, giving the show that special flavor and vibe. Whether dressed as their favorite character or simply enjoying the moment, the fans brought a special kind of energy.
The show opened with a Q&A featuring a cast member. Actress Nell Campbell, who plays Columbia/Little Nell in the film, shared behind-the-scenes stories and personal observations about making this very out-of-the-ordinary film. The filming conditions weren’t ideal, and the minuscule budget didn’t help. Still, Campbell noted that the cast threw themselves into their roles and the story, helping everyone involved push through the tougher days.
When the brief but fun interview was over, Campbell hosted and judged the best costumes of the night, inviting many fans onstage to talk about their costumes and characters. After the top five was chosen, the winner was a young woman dressed as Campbell’s character. She had traveled from overseas to see this show and meet Campbell, and it seemed only fitting that she would win.
The film finally started, cueing the shouts, singalongs, and dancing from the now very amped-up crowd. The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a mix of shock, rock, and all-out fun, occasionally pushing boundaries while always making the very odd scenario unfolding before our eyes seem normal and real. It’s not an easy juggling act, and it doesn’t always succeed, but the film and the fans connect on such a high-energy level that it’s simply a wave of songs and fun that easily carries the 100-minute run time.
Events like these also feature a unique twist called a shadowcast show. If you haven’t seen one, it’s quite an experience. Performers on stage act out, dance, and sing along to the film, so you get two shows in one. During this particular performance, it seemed more people than not knew exactly what was happening and cheered the performers along. The performers and crowd even traded call-backs during certain parts of the show. It might sound a little strange, but it embraces yet another oddity in this successful cult film that never really gets old.
While, sadly, Tim Curry, who played the wonderful Dr. Frank-N-Furter, is no longer with us, a film like this is a wonderful way to celebrate his talent and the way he made the character his own. The film’s genre-bending and sexual themes are mostly playful, sometimes edgy, but it never comes off as preaching from a soapbox. It revels in what it has created, and the fans couldn’t be happier.
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“Time Warp” and “Sweet Transvestite” are two standout songs in the film, showcasing manic energy and the campy playfulness Curry instills in his character in every scene.
There can be no denying the impact a film like The Rocky Horror Picture Show has had. One need look no further than the crowd in attendance at this performance. It was a wild, entertaining evening full of laughter, songs, dancing, and a feeling of simply belonging. It’s something we should enjoy more often and that everyone should experience at least once.
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