Midnight Screenings Of 'Rocky Horror Picture Show' At The Tivoli Theatre

UNIVERSITY CITY, MO —The Tivoli Theatre in University City will hold screenings of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at midnight over the next two weekends, Oct. 20-21 and Oct. 27-28.

The 1975 cult comedy-horror film, based on an eponymous stage production, stars Tim Curry as a self-professed alien transvestite from “Transsexual Transylvania,” and has become a Halloween favorite in college towns across the country.

The showings at the Tivoli will feature The Samurai Electricians, a “shadow cast,” who will perform scenes from the movie live during the show.

Kenneth Kincade, the Samurai Electricians' director, says the presence of a live element makes screenings of "Rocky Horror Picture Show" much more personal than an ordinary film. The shadow cast's goal is to enrich the experience of movie-goers by singing, dancing, and encouraging audience participation. "In many ways, it is a play in front of a movie," he explained.

Ultimately, the film is so meaningful to many people because it hides serious life lessons behind the song, dance and slapstick. "At its core, it is the tale of loss of innocence and accepting people who are different than you," Kincade said. "Rocky holds a special place in our hearts and we want to share the experience with new people."

The Tivoli allows audience members to come in costume, one of the film’s many traditions, but asks that they leave outside props at home. The theater will sell “essential prop bags” for $3 that include glow sticks, noisemakers, confetti and other items.

"Dressing up is highly encouraged," the theater said on Facebook. "Rocky Horror isn't Rocky Horror without the corsets and lipstick."

Tickets are $10 and shows are expected to sell out.

Photos by Jeff Higgins, courtesy of The Samurai Electricians