It’s time to do the time warp again at this year’s showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show, a fundraiser for the Powell River Film Festival.
Filled with cross dressing, confetti and toast throwing, screenings of the 1975 cult Halloween hit are typically raucous affairs, according to former film festival chair and city council representative CaroleAnn Leishman, a longtime enthusiast of the film.
Sporting tights and high-kicking moves, a costumed Leishman led festivities at Powell River’s first Rocky Horror showing in 2013.
“It really does rock on the big screen,” said Leishman. “Audiences can expect to participate in the parts of the film that merit audience singing, and yelling and dancing.”
Leishman said she is just being an audience participant this year, but she still recommends viewers come in costume.
“You can participate as much or as little as you want in this cult classic,” said Leishman. “Two years ago when we showed the film, audience-goers who didn’t dress up actually felt completely out of place.”
Organized as a fundraiser for the annual film festival, this year’s Rocky Horror showing also celebrates the film’s 40th anniversary.
“It’s a chance to participate in a cultural phenomenon,” said Michelle Hignell, Powell River Film Festival director.
The film, starring British actor Tim Currie, as well as Susan Sarandon, includes characters such as Dr. Frank N. Furter, a cross-dressing alien scientist from the Planet Transsexual.
Hignell said she missed the first screening of the film two years ago, but is looking forward to her chance to dress up this year.
A warning to would-be teen time warpers, however: because of the film’s sexual content it is rated 18A and organizers will be checking identification at the door, said Hignell.
Doors for Rocky Horror Picture Show, showing at Patricia Theatre, will open at 9:15 pm with a cash bar and the film begins at 10 pm on Friday, October 30, instead of the traditional Halloween showing.
“We didn’t want people to have to choose between this and another event,” said Hignell. “It’s a fun, positive event to gear up for Halloween.”
