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Most of us have done the Time Warp at some point in our lives, whether it was in a selected theater for the late-night double feature back in 1975 or, in my case, a couple of years ago, after one of my favorite podcasts, Stuff You Should Know, covered The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
What a twist of fate it was.
The rock ‘n’ roll and power ballads, a young Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon), the debut of the late Meatloaf, and Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry) in leather, pearls, and fishnets. Fifty years later, it’s hard to overstate the film’s cult legacy. It holds the record for the longest continuously running film in cinema history, according to media scholar Jeffery Weinstock.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show first premiered as a London musical in 1973. Richard O’Brien, the film’s director, wrote the script for the film adaptation. Commercially, the movie was a flop.
The sci-fi-meets-horror-meets-musical plot is not always sensible: Recently-engaged Brad and Janet are stuck with a flat tire (well, how about that) during a storm and discover the lair of Dr. Frank-N-Furter while looking for help.
This sweet transvestite scientist leaves them forever changed. Needless to say, the film didn’t win any Oscars, but its fans are dyed-in-the-wool veterans with a love for the film, music, and live shows. More importantly, it gave people confused about their body and attractions a new light of acceptance. Look no further than the lyric: “Don’t dream it, be it.”
Since then, the soundtrack has lived in my head rent-free — and led to a lovely chat with Bostwick two years ago. As he told New Times in 2023, “To me, it’s a real period piece, and now it stands up on its own as a piece of film, but what it really is now is an alternate way to spend your time. I don’t think people are going to it to take away the message of inclusion or self-exploration or any of that kind of stuff. I think it’s just going to hit people in their hearts.”
As we begin to dip towards Halloween, theaters and auditoriums play Rocky Horror (though not a true Halloween movie), indulging in nights of ribald shouting and live performances for veterans and virgins alike. So put on fishnets and garters, and see what’s on the slab: The golden jubilee of the one and only Rocky Horror Picture Show.
Pinecrest Gardens photo
Pinecrest Gardens
No need to travel to Transexual, Transylvania, when you can enjoy Rocky Horror in the lush Pinecrest Gardens. The venue kicks off the film’s anniversary on Friday, October 3, with a live shadow cast performance — featuring Magenta, Brad, Janet, and Dr. Frank-N-Furter — accompanying a screening of the movie.
Costumes are highly encouraged: Pinecrest Gardens will host a contest with a $100 reward for the winner. Regular admission costs $15, and if you’re fresh from the junior chambers of commerce, VIP tickets are available for $45. That includes a meet-and-greet with the shadow cast, one signature drink, popcorn, and preferred seating in the Banyan Bowl. 7 p.m. Friday, October 3, at Pinecrest Gardens, 11000 Red Rd., Pinecrest; 305-669-6990. Tickets cost $15 via pinecrestgardens.org.
Kravis Center
Rocky Horror‘s reach spans all corners of this nation, including West Palm Beach, which is pulling out all the stops for the anniversary. The Kravis Center will host the original cast members, including Barry Bostwick, Nell Campbell (Columbia), and Patricia Quinn (Magenta), for a screening of the unedited film. The event also features a live shadow cast, a costume contest, and a memorabilia display showcasing props and wardrobe from the movie. A VIP package offers prime viewing, a VIP laminate, a meet-and-greet with the actors, photos, and autographs. 7:30 p.m. Saturday, October 11, at Kravis Center, 701 Okeechobee Blvd., West Palm Beach; 561-832-7469. Tickets cost $45 to $309 via kravis.org.
Gables Cinema
It should come as no surprise that an independent theater in Coral Gables would celebrate the film’s anniversary with double showings. The screening includes a live shadow cast performance by “The Faithful Handymen,” the longest-running shadow cast in South Florida, and a prop bag to use during the show, because if you’re not throwing confetti, toast, cards, and noisemakers during pivotal scenes, is this truly a Rocky Horror screening? 7 p.m. and 11:59 p.m. Saturday, October 25, at Coral Gables Art Cinema, 1260 Aragon Ave., Coral Gables; 786-472-2249. Tickets cost $25 via gablescinema.com.
O Cinema
O Cinema is headed to the Miami Beach Bandshell for the thirteenth edition of its Rocky Horror spectacular. According to the theater, “Singing, hooting, hollering, and quoting along are not only allowed, but encouraged!” Early arrivers will receive an “Exclusive Virgin Kit Prop Bag,” followed by a costume parade and a “virgin sacrifice” (the age-old tradition where the audience inaugurates a newcomer to the show). 7 p.m. Saturday, October 27, at the Miami Beach Bandshell, 7275 Collins Ave., Miami Beach; 786-453-2897; o-cinema.org. Tickets cost $27 via dice.fm.
The Broward Center for the Performing Arts
Our Fort Lauderdale friends will have the opportunity to do the Time Warp on Halloween. The Broward Center for the Performing Arts staff warmly encourages costumes and will be conveniently selling prop bags in the lobby. 8 p.m. Friday, October 31, at the Broward Center for the Performing Arts, 201 SW Fifth Ave., Fort Lauderdale; 954-462-0222; browardcenter.org. Tickets cost $29.50 via ticketmaster.com.
Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center
Like the Broward Center above, the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center will follow suit with a Halloween screening of the film. Feel free to dress up and purchase a prop bag from the lobby. 8 p.m. Friday, October 31, at the Rose & Alfred Miniaci Performing Arts Center, 3051 Ray Ferrero Junior Blvd., Davie; 954-262-5480; miniacipac.com. Tickets cost $29.50 via ticketmaster.com.
Did we miss your event? Email editorial@miaminewtimes.com.
