On Valentine’s Day, Coastal Carolina University held a shadow cast of the viewing of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
The show was put on by Upstage Company, a student organization with the goal of uplifting and shining a light on the LGBQT+ community through today’s political climate.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is a tale of an average couple stumbling upon an extravagant party where they meet a transsexual alien who brings to life the perfect man for him. The story is a mix of musical, comedy and horror genres.
The movie musical became a cult classic for the LGBQT+ community, where everyone was allowed to shine, be weird and as bold as one pleases.
Sanaa Chambers, majoring in physical theatre, was the director of the play and the one who brought the revival of the play to the CCU.
“All kinds of people from age-appropriate young people to old people love it. It’s for everyone,” Chambers said. “It’s so ridiculous, and it’s known for its fun and queerness.”
The show is a known safe place for the queer community where people dress up, sing and dance along with the show.
“My goal was to make this a safe space for queer people,” Chambers said.
The production was a shadow cast. A shadow cast is when performers act out the movie while the movie is projected behind them. The theatre students at CCU acted out the movie in full makeup and costumes.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is an interactive experience where the audience is just as much a part of the show as the performers. The audience is expected to yell, dance, heckle and act as the scenes play. The show was a success with the entire audience laughing, singing and dancing along.
Avery Hunnings, majoring in stage management, said the Upstage Community wanted to put on “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” to continue its tradition.
“It used to be a tradition to put it on for Halloween. It was canceled my freshman year and last semester was the organization’s first year back,” Hunnings said.
N’diyah Miller, majoring in theatre acting, went to the show with her friends to have fun and support the theater and queer community. Miller, who has seen the show before, describes what the show’s community is.
“It’s a queer cult classic,” Miller said.
PHOTO GALLERY BY KELLER GOLDSTEIN, PHOTOGRAPHER:
