“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” shocked audiences when it was first released in 1975, but ultimately became a cult classic, especially during Halloween.

Grand Valley State University’s Grand River Room, inside the Kirkhof Center, will turn into a horrific holiday scene Oct. 30 as Spotlight Productions and The Film and Conversation Club host an annual showing of the film.

The film follows an alien transvestite, Dr. Frank-N-Furter, and his two assistants, Magenta and Riff Raff, who are working on a scientific experiment when Brad and Janet stumble upon the residence of these aliens. The plot is full of twists and dramatic musical numbers that led it to become a holiday favorite, where audiences dress as their favorite characters and become part of the show.

“People should attend ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ because it is fun and a great way to celebrate Halloween, along with Rocky Horror itself,” said Erika Noth, Spotlight Productions member. “We are showing the movie and it is a participation event, so even if you don’t know what happens at each part, you will catch on quickly.”

Rocky Horror has adapted ways for audiences to interact with the film and live performances, which Noth said students might want to look up at www.rockyhorr.com before attending GVSU’s interactive showing.

“It is just one of those quirky films and everyone wants to be apart of it and people have decided to follow it and make it a cult classic over the past thirty years,” said DeLain Boomer, a member of The Film and Conversation Club. “People can expect a good time, there’ll be a lot of costumes and a lot of interactions with the movie.”

Meranda Figueroa, Spotlight Productions member, said there’s a range of “props” that audience members will be given and told when to use, such as throwing them at each other and the film.
“The props consist of rice, confetti, newspaper, noisemakers, party hats, rubber gloves, toilet paper and cards,” she said.

But that’s not the only way the audience interacts.

“We are also going to be participating by spraying the audience with water when the movie suggests it,” Figueroa said.

Don’t expect to just sit and watch a movie, as Spotlight members encourage dancing and singing along with the film.

In the past, the event has brought in 150-200 people, Noth said, which made it become an annual Spotlight event.

Fitting with the Halloween spirit, Noth said people should dress in costume, especially if they want to compete in the contest. “People are encouraged to dress up like their favorite character from the movie and then there will be a costume contest,” Noth said.

She said Spotlight has been working hard to make sure the event runs smoothly, but they’re still not done.

“We already had the Grand River Room, so we had to get the movie rights so we can show it legally,” Noth said. “Along with that, we had to go shopping for the props and stuffing the bags for the audience. Then setting up the room for the show, which will take some time.”

The show begins at 9 p.m. and is free and open to the public. For more information, email [email protected].
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