Let’s do the time warp again as ‘Rocky Horror’ returns to rock Connecticut

Christopher Arnott, Hartford Courant
Updated ·4 min read
  • Oops!
    Something went wrong.
    Please try again later.

The cult theater hit “The Rocky Horror Show,” and the cult movie it spawned, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” open with the clean-cut couple Brad and Janet leaving their friends’ sunny yet blustery wedding ceremonies on a “late November evening.” Yet the comedy thriller has become deeply connected to the month before, and to Halloween in particular.

Partly a tribute to classic movie monsters of the 1930s and ‘40s, partly an affirmative view of alternative lifestyles and LGBTQ+ consciousness and partly a crazed rock opera, “The Rocky Horror Show” is as big a late-October institution as pumpkins and eyehole-cut bedsheets.

Seven years ago, the Atlantic Monthly magazine eloquently pointed out that “After 40 Years, Rocky Horror Has Become Mainstream.” Certainly it is ubiquitous, with screenings of the film, performances of the stage show and various hybrids of both happening throughout the country this time of year. Connecticut’s horrific offerings this year run the gamut from cinema screenings to an appearance by one of the original film’s stars.

The 1975 movie version can be easily found on Hulu or rented on Amazon Prime but should not be watched alone — not because it’s so scary (though the ending has a haunting arthouse horror vibe that can mess with your dreams) but because “Rocky Horror” has, since its stage beginnings, meant to be a shared experience.

Audience responses have been codified into a long list of puns (”A toast!”), and critical commentary on the awkward pacing (”Say it!”) and random observations (”You have no neck!”). Dancing ensues. It’s hard not to scream, whether in terror, joy or in sync with Janet’s orgasmic “Touch Me” song.

Most “Rocky Horror” events involve a screening of the 1975 movie plus a “floor show” or “shadow cast,” where actors dressed as the movie characters: Riff Raff, Magenta, Columbia, Eddie, Dr. Scott, the criminologist narrator, Brad, Janet and of course the sweet transvestite Frank N. Furter and the monster he creates, Rocky Horror himself.

Sometimes you don’t know how elaborate (or ordinary) these screenings will be until you show up.

Here are some Connecticut manifestations of “Rocky Horror” you can roll into this week.

  • The biggest shadow show this year is the “Rocky Horror Picture 47th Anniversary Spectacular Tour” at the Shubert, 247 College St., New Haven, on Oct. 27 at 8 p.m., hosted by the original movie Brad, Barry Bostwick, and performed (alongside the film) by The Denton Company. The troupe is named for the city in which Brad proposes to Janet. $39-$69. shubert.com.

  • Pantochino Productions had a sold-out hit with its staging of “The Rocky Horror Show” last year, so it’s returned, running through Oct. 30 at Milford Arts Council, 40 Railroad Ave., Milford. The company warns that “‘The Rocky Horror Show’ is for adult audiences. For the safety of the live actors, throwing props and other items at the stage or in the audiences is not permitted.” The remaining performances are Friday through Sunday at 7:30 p.m. $30. pantochino.com.

  • Another full-cast live performance is at the Bradley Playhouse, 30 Front St., Putnam, Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m. and Oct. 29 at 7:30 p.m. and midnight. $25. thebradleyplayhouse.org.

  • A lively LGBTQ+ community cabaret-style shadow rendition is at the nightclub Trevi Lounge, 548 Kings Hwy Cutoff, Fairfield on Oct. 28 at 7:30 p.m., presented by Fairfield Center Stage $20-$40; props available for $5. trevilounge.com.

  • Town Players of New Canaan do a shadow show in the Powerhouse Theater at Waveny Park, 679 South Ave, New Canaan from Oct. 27-29. The Friday (8 p.m.) and Saturday (8 and 11:59 p.m.) shows are sold out, so a Thursday, Oct. 27 performance has been added. $30, $25 students and seniors. tpnc.org.

  • Trinity-on-Main, 69 Main St., New Britain, has done all sizes of “Rocky Horror” events. This year it’s a single afternoon screening with prop bags available, Oct. 30 at 4:30 p.m. $10 ($15 per couple), $14 with prop bag ($20 per couple). trinityonmain.org.

  • The Avon Theatre Film Center is screening the film on Oct. 27 at 9 p.m. at 272 Bedford St, Stamford. $14.50, $9 Avon Theatre members. avontheatre.org.

  • The Palace at 165 Main St. in Danbury screens it on Oct. 29 at 4 p.m. $21. thepalacedanbury.com.

As Frank N. Furter sings: “Don’t dream it. Be it.”

Reach reporter Christopher Arnott at carnott@courant.com.