 "Photo: Courtesy of Minnesota State Theatre & Dance Department")
What started out as an underground musical phenomena turned cult classic film, will be gracing the Minnesota State Theater this week.
"The Rocky Horror Show", not to be confused with "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" the film, has finally come to MSU with two midnight showings, which that MSU has never done before.
Written by Richard O'Brien, "The Rocky Horror Show," known for its over the top storyline along with its "scantily clad" costumes, began its run on stage in 1973 in London. Within two years of it being on stage it was adapted to screen and over time has become a worldwide cult classic.
During the time that this musical began its run on the stage, the over the top feel at that time would no longer come as a shock to most people which is why director, Jerry Jay Cranford and costume designer Jessica Guthrie have added their own touches in giving this musical the same over the top feeling as the musical did 36 years ago in both the set and the costumes.
"The set is moderately simple, it's a series of platforms that are under lit. My idea for this was that it is a rock concert and we wanted the lights to replicate that. We have a runway that has lights underneath it that gives you a feel of moving lights like a rock concert," Cranford said.
The set will also give the audience the feeling they are a part of the show. This is something that both the original musical and the film wanted to give the audience. This has not changed in the MSU adaptation as the stage is in the round, meaning that it will be in the center of the audience, making the audience feel as though they are in the musical as well.
"People are going to be surprised because the cast will be dancing in the middle of and all around them as apposed to the screen, our cast will be amongst you," Cranford said.
The costumes have also changed slightly. Guthrie explained that her research for costumes began by looking through fetish books and studying punk and gothic clothing.
"I did a lot of my sketches in coffee shops while reading these fetish books hoping that no one was looking over my shoulder, because I felt really naughty being in a public place looking at a fetish book doing these sketches," Guthrie said.
Jessica also explained that as the musical was being cast, those who tried out were warned that they must be comfortable not only with their body, but with people looking at their body something that most college students have issues with.
"To help our actors get used to people seeing their bodies, Jerry had swim suit night, if you are going to wear a bra and underwear you need to wear a bikini. Just to get them used to the idea of people seeing them and seeing more of their body," Guthrie said. "That was a big transition for the actors."
Like the costumes and the set, some of the rules of "The Rocky Horror Show" has changed as well. As many die-hard Rocky Horror fans are aware, at most movie screenings, you are allowed to bring in food items to throw at the screen. This is not the case for this rendition. Both Guthrie and Cranford wanted to make it clear that people should not throw things at the actors or on stage as it may endanger the actors.
Although this has changed, audience members are still encouraged to get dressed up for the show, either as their favorite character or in typical Rocky Horror attire.
"The Rocky Horror Show" opens Dec. 2 and runs until Dec. 5. This includes midnight matinees 4th 5th. Tickets can be purchased by calling 507-389-6661, or at MSUtheatre.com.
Ashley Johansen is a Reporter staff writer
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