The night began with an extensive line going down Southport Avenue in front of the Music Box Theater.
Young adults sporting teased hair and an abundance of eye makeup were present, ready for an evening dedicated to the cult driven classic, Rocky Horror Picture Show. Doors opened at 12 a.m., the traditional call time for the monthly event midnight movie event.
Marisa Garnjobst, a freshman studying music composition at Columbia College Chicago, stood at the front of the line.
“I wanted to make sure I got here super early so I would have a seat in the front,” Garnjobst said. “I have been to this show before and it is such a fun and unique experience. Everyone that comes to these shows is so accepting of everyone else.”
Rocky Horror Picture Show is a musical which centers around a transvestite scientist who lives in a mansion with many other extroverted characters. When the movie is shown live in theaters it has become a ritual to watch the film in sync with live performers in front of the screen acting out the scenes. Many audience members and theater staff, yell out ironic and mocking words while the film is rolling. In addition to this, the audience has the choice to buy a kit in which they can throw different objects throughout the theater, such as confetti, toilet paper, and squirt guns to add to the fun.
Allan Macejak, a Music Box Theater board member, said that each show turns out better than the last, and the amount of energy and creativity is what keeps this event strong each month.
“The cool thing is that I get to scream out vulgar things while watching my favorite musical and get paid for it,” he said. “I could not ask for a better job.”
The theater was filled with excitement for the full duration of the film and as the performers were moving on and off stage, thunderous laughter with clapping occupied the room.
At the end, many stuck around talking among each other, sharing their favorite moments of the night.
“This was my first ‘Rocky Horror’ experience and it was a great way to spend time with friends and have a good laug,”said Brookie Natal, a business major at DePaul University. “I felt like I could be goofy and engage with the audience easily, which was really nice – dancing to ‘Time Warp’ was my favorite part.”
If you go:
- Rocky Horror Picture Show
- 12 a.m. , every third Saturday of the month
- Music Box Theater, 3733 N. Southport Ave.
- 777-871-6604