This Halloween, Alpha Psi Omega will perform a shadow production of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” in the Curris Center Ballroom. The interactive production is a fun-filled seasonal activity students can enjoy while supporting their on-campus organizations.
Alpha Psi Omega is Murray’s on-campus theatre honors society. The fraternity is home to many theatre arts majors, as well as those with a general passion for theatrical production.
For the past few years, the organization’s ability to put on events has been hindered by COVID-19. However, after a large induction last semester, APO felt ready to bring back this campus tradition.
The Student Government Association reached out to APO about the performance. The Rocky Horror Shadow Show was last performed in 2019 by Sock and Buskin, another on-campus theater organization.
“We were very excited to accept the opportunity, as we knew that we had the resources to pull off an absolutely phenomenal shadow show,” Zacharie Lamb, APO treasurer and director of the production, said.
In a shadow production, the performers act alongside the film version of the show. The performers mimic on-screen action and dialogue as the film is projected. APO President Olivia Beach explained it as “an ode to a puppet show.”
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” has a long history with shadow theater. The engaging and entertaining nature of this Halloween classic makes it perfect for this distinctive theater tradition.
“‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ has a long history of bringing people together in an environment that celebrates individuality and personal uniqueness,” Lamb said. “In my conversations with our shadow actors, I try to remind them that this show is not a normal piece of theatre literature, and—as [such]—it’s not going to be performed like normal theatre.”
Audience involvement is a big part of the “Rocky Horror Shadow Show.” “The Virgin Games” is a “Rocky” tradition played before the production with audience members who have never seen the theatrical rendition of the show before. The audience is encouraged to come in costume and participate when prompted during the performance.
“The Rocky Horror Shadow Show” will open its doors at 7 p.m. on Tuesday, Oct. 31. There is no entrance fee, but participatory gift bags will be available for $5 before the show begins.
