Normal Theater and Community Players Theatre prepare to “do the Time Warp again”

NORMAL, Ill.- The Normal Theater is partnering with the Community Players Theatre for the annual showing of the “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” once again with shows on Oct 24-26.

The production includes a showing of the film, as well as live shadow actors participating by acting out the movie while it plays. The actors prepared for the collaborative show by watching the film and studying the blocking of characters to mimic what they viewed and portray it as it plays alongside them. The actors are a part of the Community Players Theatre, who also provide props and costumes, while the Normal Theater provides the film and the space.

“Last year they did four performances and there was high demand for a fifth. They were turning people away because they sold out,” the show’s director Ashleigh Feger said.

The film has garnered a following of supporters since its release in 1975, and was highly popularized due its ability to discuss topics like sexuality and transgender representation. Nearly 50 years after its release, there is still a high demand for those who want to go see it.

“I think it’s going to allow people who maybe have never gone to the Rocky Horror Shadow Cast to experience something new and maybe not what theatre traditionally is to them,” Feger said. “Then I think it’s going to take those avid Rocky Horror fans and introduce them to live local theater.”

The show combines the worlds of musical theater and cinema by combining the two mediums in front of a live audience. Actors demonstrate their skills completely nonverbally through motions and expressions.

“You’re watching a movie while seeing Brad and Janet right in front of you. So, it’s a little bit more difficult than a traditional show because we are taking a 2D film, and putting actual bodies into it,” Feger said. “Our spaces are different, live theater versus film is very different, so we’re trying to provide as much accuracy to the film while still making it accommodating for the space that we’re in.”

Tickets for the show are available through the Normal Theater website. As a fundraiser, some of the profits will also benefit the Community Players Theatre.