Going to a live production of "The Rocky Horror Show" - what should I expect?

[jackdavinci]

Glad you had a good time! I went a few years back at my local University, but it was the real touring group, not a student production. It was pretty much identical to the midnight film experience, with the exceptions of that throwing things at the stage was not allowed for the actors safety, and I believe certain littering was discouraged as well as lighters for being a fire hazard - but the rest of audience participation was encouraged, enhanced by the actors having fun come backs to many of the standard audience lines, and occasionally using the aisles. While many hard core fans are opposed to the stage show on purist grounds, I enjoyed it even more than the standard experience.

I highly recommend it, and I suspect most productions will have information on their website in advance with regard to which types of participation are encouraged or not allowed - in some cases it may depend less on the touring company, and more on the particular venue. In any case it can’t hurt to come prepared, and especially, to bring along like minded friends.

While RHPS is the king of audience participation, for those looking to broaden their experience, there are other options. In certain areas, REPO The Genetic Opera seems to be making an attempt to be a spiritual successor, but despite a darkly comedic premise and certain excellent casting, as well as a semi canon similar participation experience, I found the pacing to be a bit dreary and the soundtrack to be quite awful, so I can’t recommend it. I’m hoping something a bit better takes its place. I also imagine the less popular semi sequel to Rocky, Shock Treatment, might make an appearance from time to time for some very brave souls

In the meantime, many movie theaters are having sing along showings of popular musicals which can be fun. There also was for awhile a singalong and audience participation version of Once More With Feeling, the musical episode of Buffy, which was quite great and fun. Unfortunately the studio decided not to renew the licensing rights to the official events, but you can catch occasional unofficial ones at some conventions. In either case, it is well worth attending.

Anyone have any other suggestions or similar experiences?

[Smapti]

@jackdavinci

It was pretty much identical to the midnight film experience, with the exceptions of that throwing things at the stage was not allowed for the actors safety, and I believe certain littering was discouraged as well as lighters for being a fire hazard - but the rest of audience participation was encouraged, enhanced by the actors having fun come backs to many of the standard audience lines, and occasionally using the aisles.

For the show I went to, Trixie/Magenta went onstage just before the opening number and laid out the ground rules in a smart-assed fashion. No open flames. No touching the actors (unless they touch you first). Shout if you think of something funny, but don’t interrupt the actors or be abusive or harassing. No throwing props other than the stuff in the bags the ushers are selling. “If you’re in front, throw back; if you’re in back, throw forward; if you’re in the middle, throw up.”