The "Horror" or Humor
Megan Oyster
Issue date: 3/2/10 Section: Entertainment
What do corsets, dancing, and murder have in common? The answer is they can all be found in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show". This theater classic was recently put on by the students and held at Kettering University, and having never heard of it before, I ventured to the last showing. When I got there, I found that the musical was nothing like I expected, and from beginning to end, the show tested my ability to step outside my comfort zone yet still enjoy the humor throughout it.
As I said, the show was nothing like I expected. When I think musicals, I think of an elaborate stage with characters singing and dancing around. This was not the case with "The Rocky Horror Picture Show". The main reason was because the show was not really a stand-alone play, but it consisted of the movie playing on a screen while character doubles acted out their respective parts on stage. I had never seen plays that used this technique, and since there was always so much going on, I found it hard to concentrate on both the screen and the actors. In addition, the songs and dances performed had the expected themes of love and self-expression, but the way these were presented was unanticipated. For example, in "I Can Make You a Man," Frank praised his creation and love interest Rocky while simultaneously chasing him around the auditorium. Another example is "Rose Tint My World," where several characters describe how they feel about the preceding events while being stuck in position and dressed in women's clothing. Although I had expected an independent play with songs similar to my past experiences, I was presented with a musical completely different and unanticipated.
When at the play, I found my personal boundaries and acceptance threatened. First, anyone who had never seen the show before, like me, was marked with a red V. Then, we were brought on stage in front of the rest of the audience to perform "virgin" games, which included passing cards and candy hearts with our mouths to other Rocky "virgins." Also, personal boundaries were tested when the members of the cast, wearing very little clothing, ran through the audience and touched those present. For example, when Frank first appeared wearing women's lingerie, he walked down the aisle and leaned on those that sat on the ends, and when he chased Rocky, they ran in between the seats of the auditorium, presenting an up close view for the audience. Also, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" tested my acceptance of certain aspects of life. For example, Frank was dressed in drag throughout the entire play and had sexual relationships with the other main characters, two of which were men. The blatant display unnerved me, although I normally considered myself an open-minded person when it comes to personal life. In addition, I found my acceptance tested when Frank pursued another relationship within minutes of leaving one character, which seemed harsh and inconsiderate to me. While watching from the audience, I found myself reevaluating my personal boundaries and what I viewed as acceptable behavior.
As I said, the show was nothing like I expected. When I think musicals, I think of an elaborate stage with characters singing and dancing around. This was not the case with "The Rocky Horror Picture Show". The main reason was because the show was not really a stand-alone play, but it consisted of the movie playing on a screen while character doubles acted out their respective parts on stage. I had never seen plays that used this technique, and since there was always so much going on, I found it hard to concentrate on both the screen and the actors. In addition, the songs and dances performed had the expected themes of love and self-expression, but the way these were presented was unanticipated. For example, in "I Can Make You a Man," Frank praised his creation and love interest Rocky while simultaneously chasing him around the auditorium. Another example is "Rose Tint My World," where several characters describe how they feel about the preceding events while being stuck in position and dressed in women's clothing. Although I had expected an independent play with songs similar to my past experiences, I was presented with a musical completely different and unanticipated.
When at the play, I found my personal boundaries and acceptance threatened. First, anyone who had never seen the show before, like me, was marked with a red V. Then, we were brought on stage in front of the rest of the audience to perform "virgin" games, which included passing cards and candy hearts with our mouths to other Rocky "virgins." Also, personal boundaries were tested when the members of the cast, wearing very little clothing, ran through the audience and touched those present. For example, when Frank first appeared wearing women's lingerie, he walked down the aisle and leaned on those that sat on the ends, and when he chased Rocky, they ran in between the seats of the auditorium, presenting an up close view for the audience. Also, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" tested my acceptance of certain aspects of life. For example, Frank was dressed in drag throughout the entire play and had sexual relationships with the other main characters, two of which were men. The blatant display unnerved me, although I normally considered myself an open-minded person when it comes to personal life. In addition, I found my acceptance tested when Frank pursued another relationship within minutes of leaving one character, which seemed harsh and inconsiderate to me. While watching from the audience, I found myself reevaluating my personal boundaries and what I viewed as acceptable behavior.
Be the first to comment on this story