New to 'Rocky Horror Picture Show'? You're in the right place

Oct. 20—Prepare to enter the cult of Rocky Horror.

Those who've already been indoctrinated know what they're getting into with Cheyenne Little Theatre Players' annual Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadow Cast.

The beloved, highly unusual musical-comedy film, which pays homage to the drive-in "B movies" of the '50s and '60s, follows a young couple, Brad and Janet, as they take shelter in a castle during a storm. There, they encounter Dr. Frank-N-Furter and his alien cronies, who hail from planet Transsexual in the galaxy of Transylvania.

Odd events ensue.

It can be overwhelming to enter the production without prior understanding as to what goes on at a screening, but director Jonathan Hedger and the cast of the Shadow Cast are looking to make the event fun for Rocky Horror veterans and "virgins" alike.

"If it is your first time, especially if you've never seen the movie before, don't come expecting fine art or a highbrow experience," Hedger said before rehearsal on Wednesday night. "This is going to be something much more akin to a late-night comedy show. You're coming in here to suspend reality for a little bit and embrace the weird.

"It's not something that is like anything else you've ever seen before — both the movie and the (shadow cast) experience. If you come in here going, 'I don't know about this, I'm not going to enjoy it,' then you won't. Come in with an open mind."

First things first: This is a "shadow cast" performance, meaning that cast members will be performing on stage at the Historic Atlas Theatre in front of a screening of the film. Considering that theatrical aspects are not the core of the show, audience members are encouraged to (respectfully) interact with the cast and utilize the props supplied to them.

The film is an ode to sexual promiscuity, but "rowdy screenings," regardless of where they're held, have become a celebration of sexuality in general. It's an accepting space, but it's also a crass and confrontational experience, and most aspects of the screening are explicit.

CLTP's production is slightly different from others, given that it's held in a protected historic building. Those who have attended Rocky Horror in the past will notice the absence of interactive props like squirt-guns, toast and rice, but the core of the show remains.

One of these iconic aspects to a screening of Rocky Horror are the call-outs. This form of interaction invites the audience to yell out phrases and gags in response to the film, most of which are not printable. The trick for newcomers, however, is taking part in callouts, since these are typically learned through repeat viewings.

"I actually started a collaborative script and shared it with the cast so they can see (the common call-outs) and add some of their own," Hedger said. "Everybody knows one or two that nobody else does. That's a lot of it — you do it a few times, and you start to pick up on those. You find fun ones that you want to do, everybody participates in a third of them, and then (someone else) takes over.

"The burden of education before the show, we leave to the community that's going to be attending."

This performance is a relatively tame rendition of the traditional show, making it a good introduction to those with cold feet. Remember, if cast members are willing to bare it all on stage, the audience will survive some light teasing.

"I'm a bit of a purist personally," Hedger said. "I believe that so much of what is good about the movie and the cast and the audience is being able to find that ground where you are just as much a part of it as we are."

It's impossible to prepare newcomers for the experience, but Hedger still offered some advice for someone going into their first Rocky Horror experience:

— Cut loose. Be open-minded. Have fun with it.

— Follow the "prop guide" in the bag that's given to you. Or, even easier, just be on the lookout for people who know what they're doing.

— Google some call-outs, and see if any catch your eye.

— Do not bring your kids.

Will Carpenter is the Wyoming Tribune Eagle's Arts and Entertainment/Features Reporter. He can be reached by email at wcarpenter@wyomingnews.com or by phone at 307-633-3135. Follow him on Twitter @will_carp_.