“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is the quintessential cult film. The story of Brad Majors and Janet Weiss’ encounter with a sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania, was initially a failure at the box office on its release in 1975, but has lived on through midnight screenings, shadow casts and even its very own convention. Excited Mental State, Toronto’s Rocky Horror shadow cast, has kept the tradition alive at the Bloor Cinema (now Bloor Hot Docs Cinema) for over 20 years. This weekend, they kicked off their Halloween season.
The Bloor Hot Docs Cinema
Avid fans lined up early and in costume to get the best seats in the house. Seeing “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” in a theatre is an experience like no other. It’s offensive, sexy and over the top. That’s what people love about it. You’re not only encouraged to talk through the film but expected to. As the crowd filed in, Excited Mental State sold buttons and prop bags, and collected the names of Rocky Horror virgins (people who haven’t seen the film in a theatre). The cast members are all volunteers and perform because of their love of the show. Sales and donations pay for their costumes and props.
Rocky Horror Virgins ready to be sacrificed
When the lights dimmed, a handful of virgins were called onto the stage to perform the virgin sacrifice (it’s a secret initiation) and the cast explained the basic audience participation (AP) cues to the newcomers. “Bad Majors is an asshole”, “Janet Weiss is a slut”, and “The Criminologist has no neck” are just a few of the call back lines that people can yell at the screen. The audience is also encouraged to make up their own. Each screening is different and the AP reflects what that specific group finds funny. My favourite addition is the chanting of “His name is Robert Paulson,” during the death of Eddie, played by Meat Loaf—a reference to his character in the movie Fight Club.
Excited Mental State’s Eddie starts off the show
The shadow cast took their places on stage and acted alongside the film, lip-syncing the dialogue and songs and making their own innuendos. While other casts recreate the film note for note, Excited Mental State is more focused on giving the audience a good show and isn’t afraid to add to the source material. Saturday’s screening included the zombie-fication of some of the cast to coincide with the Toronto Zombie Walk.
Even zombies love Rocky Horror!
Water was sprayed, toilet paper was thrown (Great Scott!) and men and women danced in heals and corsets. Excited Mental State puts on a show that will make you shiver with antici….well, if you’ve seen the film you know the rest. If you haven’t, you should gather up your bravest friends and take a trip to the Bloor Cinema. Tickets for their Halloween night performances are on sale now. Check the Excited Mental State website for monthly showtimes.
Get great Halloween costumes and decorations at Spirit Halloween Toronto.
