Feb

Advice for Rocky Horror virgins

Author // Angel Mack

Photo courtesy of RockyHorror.com.

Years ago, a friend took me to see the Rocky Horror Picture Show. Though she had promised otherwise, she sold me out as a “virgin,” which means I had never seen the show there before. I was then guilted into getting on stage for the pre-show. Cheeks flushed with embarrassment, I bent under a limbo stick in an awkward position with another person – a game called “sexual limbo.” You wouldn't think so, but I've gone back over a dozen times.

On the third Saturday of every month, the 69th Floorshow comes together at Plaza Cinemas in Akron. They are joined by Mohawk-clad punks and men in dresses, as well as straight-laced parents accompanying their teens. One regular audience member brings his “12-inch cock” to each show (that is, his plush chicken).

I'd like give some advice to the virgins. Here are my tips for having fun at Rocky Horror:

Don't go expecting to actually watch a movie. The cast and crowd are both loud and rowdy. There are jokes to poke fun at almost every line in the script and, unfortunately, they are often said loudly over one another. It gets confusing, even when you've been there before.

Dress up. You could dress as a character or for the theme. There is a theme each month and often a costume contest. February 18 was Lingerie/(Anti)Valentine's Night. Men and women alike were dressed in bras and panties.

Get there early. You don't want to miss the pre-show. Being corralled on stage and playing silly games is half the fun.

Most importantly – don't be shy. There is a hairy dude with a back tattoo walking around in his underwear. You shouldn't be too embarrassed to stuff five marshmallows in your mouth and try to say “I'm so sexy.”

The next show is at 11:45 pm, March 17 at Plaza Cinemas on Howe Road. Get your “Kiss me, I'm Irish” shirts ready, because the theme is St. Patrick's Day.