Get Ready to Do the Time Warp Again: The Rocky Horror Picture Show Returns
This year, The Rocky Horror Picture Show celebrates its 50th anniversary. At Maryville College, the tradition of a shadow cast showing of the movie dates back almost a decade. This year’s production aims to bring a special element to the show with one of the largest casts to date.
This large cast features new characters, including a duet for The Lips and the addition of a Ring Master and Showgirl Chorus. Eden Carnes (‘27), director of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and president of Maryville College’s Alpha Psi Omega (APO) Theatre Honors Society, discussed the new roles, as well as some roles that are being taken in a new direction.
The Lips Duet – Grace Seal (‘28) and Soda Cline (‘29) – was previously played by a single actor and was only featured in the opening credits and “Science Fiction Double Feature.” This year, however, the audience should keep a lookout for The Lips, who may be seen wreaking havoc in other scenes as well.
Carnes described the significance that Rocky Horror has for the LGBTQIA+ community and other minority groups.
“This production provides a safe space for students to support each other and create community on campus,” Carnes said.
As with many movies considered “cult classics,” Rocky Horror did not receive such a title until it became known for its midnight screenings, a tradition that MC has upheld – holding an 8 p.m. and midnight showing each year.
Carnes detailed the rehearsals, which were structured to be as efficient as possible for the busy cast members, who are often active in other clubs and organizations as well.
Rehearsals begin with a warm-up, and the cast watches the scene(s) from the original movie that will be the focus for the day. Next, they block the scene, and the director gives notes along the way. This is where the actors can be creative with the performance.
While Carnes is the director of Rocky Horror, she encourages actors to make their own character choices to allow everyone to be a part of the creative process.
“My experience as an MC student has shown me that there is no one right way to do things. Getting other people’s input and working together allows us to see new perspectives and learn from each other.”
Jada Greenlee (‘28), assistant director and co-choreographer, discussed the addition of a featured ensemble to this year’s production, which will be contributing a pre-show performance for the audience.
This is Greenlee’s first year being a part of Rocky Horror, and she recounted her first time watching Maryville College’s production of it last year.
“I loved it. It was so fun to watch my friends, and even people I didn’t know,” Greenlee said. “[It’s a chance for people] to just have a good time and be their true, authentic selves.”
A first-time Rocky Horror performer, Sarah Christy (‘27), who is playing Magenta, said she auditioned to step out of her comfort zone.
“It’s not like any show I’ve ever been in before. I’m excited for the audience to see the new [spin] that we’re putting on it this year,” Christy said. “There’s a little bit that’s different, so it’s going to be super fun, and it’s gonna be new for the people that saw it last year.” Performances of The Rocky Horror Picture Show will be in the Lambert Recital Hall on Sept. 27. The two showings will be at 8 p.m. and midnight.
CoraGrace Williams (’26, Showgirl), Madison Smith (’26, Showgirl), Julius Hobbs (’29, Ring Master), Vanessa Laguerre (’26, Showgirl) and Reagan Holden (’29, Showgirl) rehearse for the 2025 production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Photo courtesy of Eden Carnes.