Rocky Horror remains a spooky Maryville College Theatre tradition
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a movie well known for being a “cult classic.” Every Halloween, people rewatch this film for the wild musical numbers and familiar characters. Because of its popularity, theatre groups worldwide recreate The Rocky Horror Picture Show as a “shadow cast,” with actors doubling the movie in front of a screen. Maryville College’s Theatre program is no stranger to this tradition. The Maryville College Alpha Psi Omega (APO) Theatre Honors Society holds a yearly performance of Rocky Horror, alongside MC’s Pride Club, to welcome the Halloween season, as well as connect the campus with a unique, fun event.
Creativity is one of the most exciting factors of a shadowcast, and translating a movie to the stage is no simple feat. Directors of shadow casts are responsible for enhancing the movie-viewing experience in a variety of ways. Rocky Horror shadow casts often include the use of props, choreography, and audience participation to make the performance as eccentric and memorable as possible.
“A shadow cast shows dedication and respect for the original product by expanding on
what audience members know and love,” said Meredith Wynn (‘26), director of this year’s production. “Live theater is beautifully different as it remains consistently inconsistent. No two performances are exactly alike.”
Maryville College’s tradition of performing Rocky Horror is important to students, both new and returning, as well as staff members, community members, and alumni. Students and staff regularly involved with the production all agree that the show provides a safe, fun, and accepting atmosphere for everyone to unwind and celebrate together for one night. Noah Bowman, director of academic support, believes that this show is both emotionally and socially connecting for campus members.
“I love that our very special College has a Rocky Horror production, now annually. This is a bold, brave move by MC, but more importantly, it’s a fun and student-centered activity that is nonsensically hilarious, oddly cathartic, and intrapersonally rewarding.”
Rocky Horror encourages everyone to celebrate who they are. Uniqueness is a virtue that is celebrated both in the film and onstage.
“Rocky Horror productions give permission to our participating students, whether on or off the stage, to be free, to be vulnerable and expressive, and to practice being comfortable while being uncomfortable,” Bowman added. Students also agree that MC’s Rocky Horror encourages individualism and celebrates diversity.
“It is the ultimate celebration of all things weird, wacky, and fun,” said MC senior and cast member Colin Hood (‘25), who has been involved with MC’s Rocky Horror for all four years of his college career. “It allows people to let loose and it creates a safe space for everyone who walks into those doors, whether they’re in the cast or just in the audience. People are free to dress how they want, act how they want, and be surrounded by people who are doing the same thing.”
Upperclassmen are not the only students within the theatre department who are involved with this production. Rocky Horror eases students into the theatre season, helping the actors and crew grow closer to each other. This sort of bonding can be especially helpful to first-years, who are finding their footing in a new program.
“It’s such a refreshing experience,” said MC first-year and cast member John Lee (‘28). “The entire cast and team are so passionate, and working with them has been an absolutely amazing experience.”
Rocky Horror will be presented in the Lambert Auditorium on Friday, October 11th. There are two showings, one at 8 p.m., and one at midnight. Admission is free, seating is first-come, first-served, and there will be closed-captioning and ASL interpreters.
Noah Bowman gave a few final words of wisdom about the viewing experience: “Dress up for the show, don’t throw anything at the performers or onto the stage, and have fun!”