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In Review

Trick or Treat Yourself to the  Immortal “Rocky Horror Picture Show”

Forestburgh Playhouse

Bill Moloney
Posted 10/12/21

How in the world did it happen that the Forrestburgh Playhouse has been staging the Rocky Horror Picture Show for a multitude of years and this past Friday night was the first time I have seen it? …

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In Review

Trick or Treat Yourself to the  Immortal “Rocky Horror Picture Show”

Forestburgh Playhouse

Posted

How in the world did it happen that the Forrestburgh Playhouse has been staging the Rocky Horror Picture Show for a multitude of years and this past Friday night was the first time I have seen it? How is this possible? Oh, it’s definitely my fault. The summer season would end and I’d be off to other projects. My own daughter has hounded me for years to go, but alas, I was always doing something else. Well, that has been my loss! Because going to this show isn’t your normal “Let’s go see a show” event. It starts at home. “Carol, why are you bringing a raincoat?” “Um Bill, don’t you know what goes on at these shows?” “Yeah, I’ve heard about the---” “I’m bringing an umbrella too!” “Now you’re getting a little crazy.” “Oh, am I?” And so it begins. We arrived early at the Forestburgh Tavern for dinner and drinks. Members of the cast greet you and offer you the opportunity to buy a “participation bag”. Yes, this production is performed with lots and lots of audience participation. How many of you remember the late night showings of RHPS way back in the day? (They still show them!) The film came out in 1975 and quickly became a cult obsession. Those late night showings had audience members in full regalia as Magenta, Riff-Raff, Janet, Brad, Rocky and even the master himself Frank-n-Furter. In their hands were clutched bags of props that would be hurled, spewed or sprayed throughout the theater. Audience members yelled out hilarious responses at the on screen characters. I do remember those nights and every showing was somewhat different. However, I had never attended a live performance of Rocky Horror. What was I thinking not getting to this spectacle sooner? Right here in Forestburgh! As the Tavern filled, there was an obvious contagious anticipation amongst the audience members as they sorted through their bags of props, laid them out, and then took turns filling their water guns in the rest rooms. Yes, the battle was about to begin. And then, Forestburgh Playhouse Director Franklin Trapp took the Tavern stage to do his usual pre-show introduction, but wait, this was not your typical Franklin Trapp intro. This was a Franklin Trapp you’ve never seen or heard before, and boy does he get you ready for what’s to come! The Rocky Horror Picture Show has been described as a musical parody tribute to the sci-fi and horror B grade movies of the 50’s and 60’s. But it is so much more. It is a true cult classic; the very definition of cult classic. Running limited screenings since 1975, it is the longest-running theatrical release in film history. At this point, there may be a few of you out there astonishingly asking, “Hey Bill, what’s it about?” Are you kidding me? Where have you been? It is the craziest, wackiest musical storyline that transcends space, logic, morals, and yes, common decency and it is a BLAST! The ensemble cast is out of this galaxy fantastic, and I have no idea how they hold it together amongst the rampant bedlam. The Tavern is a much more aptly suited venue than most theaters with tables for props and room for the actors to roam and create havoc. Unlike the summer series, the Rocky Horror Picture show is presented every Friday and Saturday night throughout the month of October. The show starts at 8 p.m., but the doors open at 6 p.m. for dinner and drinks. Food service ends at 7:30 p.m. Drinks are available up to show time and at intermission. For more info, go to fbplayhouse.org or call the box office at (845) 794-1194. Treat yourself to a wild night of total irreverence and reckless abandon. You don’t go to “see” the Rocky Horror Picture Show. You “experience” it! I will be going back this month, this time with my adult daughter (definitely not for children!). And here’s an added indulgence for you: When you arrive, tell them you’ve never seen the movie or show. It’ll be worth it!

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