By: Addie Lawrence and Elaine Best, Editors
E: There is a strange tradition that accompanies the cult classic film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” The movie, while ridiculous enough on its own, becomes a wild experience for those who dare to venture out to a live viewing of the film. These viewing parties take audience participation to the next level. Curious to see what the fuss was all about, Addie and I tested our sanity and ventured out to The Orange Peel in Asheville, N.C. to experience our first live viewing of Rocky Horror.
A: Our journey to Asheville was shrouded in rain. We could hardly make out the road in the downpour. Somehow, we managed to find a parking garage, and we scurried into the venue at the last minute. Fishnet tights, sequined corsets, eyeliner as thick and dark as coal – the attendees adorned these accessories, causing Elaine and I to look terribly normal and out of place.
E: Once the movie began, chaos ensued. Actors performed parts of the movie on stage while the film played in the background, adlibbing their own lines. Audience members shouted at the screen strange things like “elbow sex.” Every time Rocky was mentioned, everyone would yell, “Bullwinkle!” There seemed to be no rhyme or reason to the participation. At one point, the Time Warp came on and everyone stood up and started dancing. We joyously joined the crowd, though I must say, there are few things more horrifying than watching Addie dance.
A: If you’ve ever wondered what the editors look like pelvic thrusting, please don’t. The movie went on, the jokes becoming more crude and the audience growing rowdier. At one point, we were hit with flying toilet paper from the back of the crowd. At another point, a lady next to us shrieked with maniacal laughter and tossed playing cards at Elaine. My favorite cue of them all corresponded to a scene where the main characters held newspapers over their heads during a rainstorm. The crowd followed suit, and we were surrounded by journalism.
E: A single tear may have fallen from my eye. After the viewing party, Addie and I went on a hunt to track down the cast members so we could get our photos taken with them, which is why we now have an uncomfortable photo album on our phones consisting of Addie and I posed with strangers in their underwear.
A: We left a few copies of the Old Gold and Black behind as well, so that someone else can use our lovely publication for obscenity and debauchery.
Moral of the story:
E: It’s all about the anticip…
A: Pation
