A ‘Time Warp’ of Sequins and Seductions: Music Box Theatre’s ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’

The only occasion in Chicago to wear lingerie while shouting at a movie screen is at Music Box Theatre’s staging of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” 

The 40-year tradition involves a cast acting-out scenes alongside the movie — known as a shadowcast. Each of the actors are sourced from Midnight Madness, a collective of volunteer performers who meet monthly for productions of “Rocky Horror.” The group is local to Chicago, but shadowcast groups can be found nationwide, according to the “Rocky Horror” fan website.

“Rocky Horror” originally premiered in 1975, but the fanbase has only continued to grow. Marnie Thompson, the cast president of Midnight Madness who also starred as Janet in this year’s production, said the group has seen audiences they’ve “never had before.” Thompson attributes the continued popularity of the film to its legacy.

“Everybody knows every line,” Thompson said. “All of the callback lines that poke fun at it, just the silly stuff and the banter between audience and screen.”

The show follows married couple Brad and Janet, who are left stranded after their car breaks down. Upon seeking shelter in a Transylvanian castle, the couple is whisked into mad scientist Dr. Frank’s spectacle, who reveals his creation of the “perfect man” — Rocky Horror. The couple spends the rest of the evening slowly embracing the fascination of seduction. 

The theater is one of the only in North America to show the movie on 35 millimeter film, according to Thompson. 

Thompson first encountered “Rocky Horror” when she was 17 years old and later joined the Midnight Madness cast 13 years later, in 2018. She said the phenomenon of audience involvement is what hooked her on the show.

“You can come dressed up in your lingerie, you can come dressed up as Shrek, nobody cares,” Thompson said.

Audience engagement deepens as fans honor the film’s presentation of sexuality and acceptance. LGBTQ+ characters are depicted as they explore the facets of their identity, while fans are encouraged to attend in whichever way feels authentic. 

For Thompson, the community aspect of “Rocky Horror” is what keeps people coming back. She described it as the place for “misfits” and “outcasts,” echoing the importance of a tight-knit, welcoming fan base.

“Nobody’s going to turn anybody away,” Thompson said. “Nobody’s going to say, ‘That’s too weird.’”

Alan Macejak, a props and lighting cast member, said the live performance alongside the film elevates the sense of community.

“You’re adding this layer of camaraderie and a layer of interaction that helps bring the audience into the movie,” Macejak said. 

The cast maintains its own sense of camaraderie, with many members taking on recurring roles. Macejak has been a cast member for 12 years and said his years of experience aren’t uncommon across the Midnight Madness cast. He said he estimates 50% of new members stay involved for several years.

While “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is available to stream on Hulu and for purchase on Amazon Prime Video, Music Box Theater’s showing offers interactive aspects that aren’t available through a screen. Each show is different — Macejak described the different feel of each performance as a “fingerprint,” where casts can bring new elements to a decades-old production. Regional jokes and pre-show disclaimers bring different touches to the show.

The community is only one element of “Rocky Horror” — preparation is another.

The cast has a total of four rehearsals a year, despite their monthly showings. Carly Joy, who plays Columbia, said she takes her time getting ready for a show while listening to “‘80s power-rock.”

Joy is not the only cast member with a specific ritual. Thompson also shared the importance of her pre-show process to get in character. 

“The ritual of the steaming and ironing and the hair curling and the makeup and everything like that really helps get me in the mood,” Thompson said.

Macejak played Janet for the Pride show. He said finding the pre-show calm is essential — on the occasion he goes on stage. Despite his experience, he said nerves still get to him.

“But as soon as you start and the crowd goes wild, it all washes away,” Macejak said.

“Rocky Horror” is more than one night of fun. Midnight Madness has created lasting relationships for most of the cast, while bonding members in shared appreciation of the film. Joy credits her platonic and romantic relationships to the show.

“I’ve met all my best friends during the show,” Joy said. “I’ve met my partner during the show.”

Joy said the cast works to keep the show interesting for the regular attendees and new members — known as “virgins” in a nod to the film’s virgin sacrifice scene — through different costumes and themes.

Midnight Madness is meticulous with their depiction of the show, but variations occur for special theme nights, such as the Pride showing in June. 

The “Rocky Horror Picture Show” has monthly shadowcast showings at the Music Box Theater. This month’s shows take place Oct. 27-31, but are currently sold out. 

Featured image by Holden Green / The Phoenix