“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” hits LU this weekend

Olivia Hendricks

While they may be too old for trick-or-treating, Lawrence students have another alternative this Halloween weekend, as Artistic Masturbation Theatre sponsors the 1975 cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Admission is free and the show will take place in the new Warch Campus Center Cinema, with performances Friday, Oct. 30 at 8 p.m. and midnight, and Saturday, Oct. 31 at 9 p.m.
The original “Rocky Horror Picture Show” film, directed by Jim Sharman, is a musical parody of science fiction and horror films. In recognition of the cultural significance of the film, in 2005 the Library of Congress added it to the U.S. National Film Registry. In fact, even those who are not familiar with the film may know one of the film’s signature numbers: “Time Warp.”
This year, the show is being directed by Erin Moore, who is also doubling in the role of Rocky for the 8 p.m. performance. Michael Russel is starring as Dr. Frank N. Furter, the mad scientist and transvestite from the galaxy of Transylvania who is responsible for the creation of the Frankenstein-like monster, Rocky Horror, being played by Moore and Chris Grathwol.
“‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ is actually a pretty mediocre movie,” said Moore. “However, it’s not boring – it’s wonderfully bad. What makes the live show so much better is two things; one, a cast acts out the movie in front of the screen while it plays behind them. Different casts do different gags to make the characters their own and make the movie even more funny. Secondly, people within the audience shout out ‘call lines.'”
Megan Doherty will be playing Janet – originally played by Susan Sarandon in the 1975 version – and Andrew Knoedler will star as Brad. Brad and Janet have the misfortune of being the poor couple of earthlings who find themselves caught up in the madness and seductions of Frank N. Furter after the unfortunate event of a flat tire.
“The show is a really fun and surreal experience, which is why we do it on Halloween,” said Knoedler. “It’s more than just a movie or a play. There’s this whole weird culture surrounding it, and it’s really great to be a part of it.