You know what’s wrong with kids these days? They don’t dress in drag often enough or throw toast in public. Thank goodness that is all about to change. MemphisFreakEngine Productions is bringing The Rocky Horror Picture Show — complete with costume contest and audience participation — to the Evergreen Theatre.
In 1977, when the Evergreen was still a movie house, Playhouse on the Square’s Jackie Nichols partnered with the theater to produce the first regional production of Rocky Horror outside of New York or L.A. Memphis musician Larry Raspberry of Larry Raspberry & the Highsteppers played Dr. Frankenfurter, the sweet transvestite who invites Brad Majors and Janet Weiss to stay for the night. Or maybe a bite.
According to FreakEngine frontman Michael Entman, negotiations are under way with the theater management and the distributor of the film to host The Rocky Horror Picture Show in its more traditional midnight time slot on a monthly basis.
“If we’re able to have regular midnight shows, then I’ll start looking for a cast to perform live shows,” Entman says, allowing that live performance will be the only thing missing from the classic Rocky Horror Picture Show experience. Well, almost the only thing missing. “Rice and toast are going to be the only food allowed,” Entman says. “We don’t want hot dogs ground into the carpet.”
Everyone who has a good time at Rocky Horror on Friday is invited back for improv comedy FreakEngine-style at the Evergreen on Saturday night from 8 to 10 p.m.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” Friday, June 25th, 8 p.m., at Evergreen Theatre. $10.
