A Rocky Horror Show Review

Thoughts | Rebecca Proch

Put on your fishnets and time warp your way down to Hart House Theater to see Jennifer Walls’ production of The Rocky Horror Show... immediately!

If you’re not familiar with Richard O’Brien’s iconic show (and a true staple of the ‘70s sexual liberation movement), it tells the story of a newly engaged and morally upright couple getting caught in a storm and seeking shelter at a nearby house—which just so happens to be the manor of Doctor Frank-n-Furter, a mad scientist building the perfect “tan and blond” man to be his husband à-la-Frankenstein-style. If this sounds absolutely absurd: it is. This ironic musical pokes fun at all the horror movie classics we know and love, as well as hate: the dark and stormy night, the monster, the night alone in a scary castle, and even supernatural beings… all the while being hilarious and entirely inappropriate in the best way possible! Count the number of dildo-shaped props and you will lose your mind, I guarantee it.

The show, all in all, is an experience in itself: from watching the 1975 movie and knowing all of the songs, to going corset and fishnet shopping in thrift shops in order to prepare your D-Day outfit. Indeed, most show-goers transform themselves into the characters they love (all genders alike), but not to worry! While this etiquette exists, you do not need to be a connoisseur to attend. You will quickly get the hang of the callbacks and find yourself participating alongside the rest of the audience after a few “assholes”—which is always a satisfying thing to yell as a group—Rocky Horror or not.

So, I highly urge you, in this Halloween month, book your tickets to something not-so-spooky... the only disadvantage being that you will find yourself humming to “Touch-a Touch-a Touch-a Me” in your lecture halls for the next week and a half.