'The Rocky Horror Picture Show Experience' warps into the Polk Theatre

LAKELAND — It first jumped from the screens, breaking the fourth wall between the actors and the audience around the United States more than four decades ago. It first gained a grip on audiences in Lakeland 13 years ago.

For the 14th consecutive year, Lakeland's Polk Theatre will screen "The Rocky Horror Picture Show," the cult-classic movie that first hit U.S. theaters in 1975 and has had a continual presence in theaters and stages ever since.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show Experience begins at 9 p.m., showcasing a night of costumes, songs, dancing, acting and general participatory partying as beloved characters in the movie become one with the audience before and during the movie's 100 minutes.

For the uninitiated, the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" is about two lovers, "Brad and Janet," who get a flat tire during a storm, leading them to the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank N. Furter, a transvestite scientist. They meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank N. Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named "Rocky." The couple is seduced by the mad scientist and eventually released by servants who take control.

Throughout the movie's run, theater audiences have participated by dressing up, shouting out character lines, bringing props and re-enacting scenes in the theater.

Previously, proceeds from the Rocky Horror Picture Show Experience went to the Polk Theatre for operating and maintenance expenses, and scholarships for Florida Dance Theatre, a professional dance company and training academy. This year, proceeds will go to the Polk Theatre and for  scholarships for the Fredi Dance Project, a pre-professional program for dancers ages 12 and older at Lakeland's Ultimate Dance Center.

At Ultimate Dance Center, Ferdinand "Fredi" DeJesus, Fredi Dance Project founding artistic director, said Rocky Horror at the Polk would include about 40 performers from The Lipstick Players, who auditioned for parts in August. Joining DeJesus was Michelle Vaughan, a professional dancer and choreographer in Los Angeles, who will be choreographing and coordinating the Rocky Horror preshow.

DeJesus will play the Frank N. Furter on Friday, followed by Lakeland's Amy Christine of Dreams Come True Entertainment on Saturday. He said the theater has upgraded the Experience production, which has evolved into "something you could possibly see on TV." He said "Experience" was added to the name of the fundraiser to give audiences a Rocky Horror Picture Show "night to be naughty."

"We're diehard 'Rocky Horror' party freaks and that will help make sure that the audience is having a true 'Rocky Horror Picture Show' experience. The Lipstick Players are very honored to do this and continue the legacy," DeJesus said.

Vaughan, a Lakeland native and 2005 George Jenkins High School graduate, has danced professionally for 18 years, including with singer Nicki Minaj and rapper Flo Rida. She said Orlando dance crew Play would join Lakeland's Moxie Le Femme and Bella Vixen Dance Co. in the preshow, with characters in dance fashion representing all the high school cliques — the nerds, jocks, cheerleaders, athletes, band members and others.

"There aren't many events around here that bring out this many people dressed up in costumes in Polk County," she said. "Whether they've seen it once or never or tons of times, this will be a different experience; this is the first time the preshow is connected to the movie."

Leslie Sikora, Polk Theatre executive director, said 'Rocky Horror' audience prop bags will be available for $5, or guests can bring their own nonperishable props. She said the annual event raises a substantial amount for the the theater's upkeep and for scholarships.

Over the past three years, Sikora said between 900 and 1,100 people have attended per show — 1,800 to 2,200 for the weekend.

"We want the community to realize this is a fun night and great fundraiser. It lends itself to the theater's existence," she said. "The exciting part of the night ... is watching the audience; the audience makes the show."

The night will be emceed by Joshua Vazquez, aka "Joshi Vendetta," and a drag queen superstar who performs as Kathryn Nevets, both of Lakeland. The Rocky Horror Picture Show Experience is recommended for those 17 years old and older.

Paul Catala can be reached at paul.catala@theledger.com or 863-802-7533. He can be reached at Twitter @pcat0226.

This article originally appeared on The Ledger: 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show Experience' warps into the Polk Theatre