Rocky Horror comes to The Reel

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” made its October rounds this year, landing a spot at The Reel on Oct. 29. Both the 8 p.m. and 10 p.m. showings rapidly sold out, with students crammed into the Student Center’s movie theater.

The production was sponsored by the Queer Student Union, members of which sold prop bags at the door as a means of fundraising. Viewers were armed with rice and toast to throw during the showing, noisemakers and newspapers to hide beneath.

A live-action performance was put on by Temple students in front of the screening of the 1975 film, as is customary for showings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Dressed in drag, these students utilized small props in the minimal space to bring the production to life.

“I had heard about the show from my parents,” junior theater major Ian Monaco said. “But this was my first time seeing it with the throwing of the rice and the toast – and it was really hysterical. I definitely didn’t expect to enjoy it as much as I did.”

Audience participation was a key element of the show, creating an interactive experience for viewers and performers. First-time audience members, teasingly nicknamed “Rocky Horror virgins,” were marked on the forehead with a lipstick “V”and asked to dance with the performers.