What is Rocky Horror?

In the beginning, there were musicals with too many ballgowns and not enough fishnets. Richard O'Brien, composer and actor, said, "Let there be an unconventional, shockingly sexy musical production with a rock 'n' roll score," and behold, there was. And it was good. Damn good. The Rocky Horror Show went on to become The Rocky Horror Picture Show, the most popular cult movie in the world.

The Rocky Horror Show tells the story of a wholesome couple of kids who stumble upon a decidedly unwholesome household. Brad and Janet are on their way to visit an old friend when their car breaks down and they're forced to seek shelter at a nearby castle. All they want to do is use the phone, but the castle's master - a vibrant transvestite named Dr. Frank N. Furter - has other plans. RHPS touches on some controversial subject matter - homosexuality, incest, cross-dressing - while providing a brilliant satire of low budget horror films, musical theatre, and society.

Fans gather at local theatres around the world every weekend to interact with the film by shouting lines and jokes, throwing props, dressing in costume, and sometimes acting out the story onstage. Almost every city has a Rocky Horror cast nearby. This fan response can be described as no less than a phenomenon. It is often difficult for "normals" to understand the appeal RHPS has for so many people. I can explain it only by saying that the Rocky crowd is somehow more free than the majority of society. We are defined by our humor, our tolerance, and our ability to let loose and have fun.

If you're new to Rocky Horror and you're interested in learning more, I suggest paying a visit to Cosmo's Factory, where you will find a plethora of information on the subject, and even a script with audience participation lines so you'll know what to say when you see the film in a theatre.