Maryville College presents “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”

On Oct. 25, Alpha Psi Omega (APO) and Pride will once again be hosting a shadowcast production of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” For those who may not know, a shadowcast involves actors performing a show while the film is screened. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” has a long-standing reputation for promoting diversity and comfortability in oneself. 

“My favorite thing about ‘Rocky Horror’ is how the show brings people out of their shells,” said junior Grace Mathews, this year’s director of the show. “With a show as wild and weird and out there as ‘Rocky’ is, it’s a great environment for people to express themselves—especially for people who aren’t always involved in the Theatre Department. When the show is over, the cast always becomes so close-knit. It’s the place where I made most of my friends my first year at Maryville.”

This year will be APO’s third year putting on “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” shadowcast, but every production provides a totally different experience. 

“The cast changes every year, so every year the actors bring their own unique spin on the show. It always ends up completely different,” said senior and past years’ director Allison Parton, who will play the role of Eddie this year. “There’s different blocking, different jokes, and different choreography. The only thing that stays the same is the movie that plays behind us.”

Senior Bailee Burleson, who not only plays Columbia but is also the show’s choreographer, said her favorite part of performing is “definitely the energy of our audience! They know the call and repeats, they whoop and holler, and are always so supportive!”

Mathews as well as the rest of the cast and production crew encourage any and every one interested to come see this year’s show. 

“It is a one of a kind show, and it is different every year. Even if you have seen ‘Rocky Horror’ in the past, you haven’t seen thisRocky.’ And if you are new to ‘Rocky,’ don’t go in with any expectations other than being entertained. Go because it’s fun, because you can dress literally anyway you want, and because it’s a chance to see something one-of-a kind and off the wall,” Mathews said. 

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” shadowcast production will take place in Lambert Recital Hall at 10:00 p.m. on Friday Oct. 25. Although this show is free, APO and Pride will be collecting donations at the door for a charity that is still being determined. 

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