The Rocky Horror Picture Show is rather well-known; whether famous or infamous depends on the point of view. Still, it cannot be denied that the quirky 1975 cult classic has a cult following. One aspect of this is seen right here in the eccentric, fun town of Charleston. Every month, BackRow Productions presents a shadow cast--wherein a group of actors perform the film while it is being shown behind them on a movie screen-- of The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Mount Pleasant Cinebarre. They provide an entertaining way to spend a Friday night, and tempt guests to bring out their wild sides for some good old-fashioned fun.

TJ Carter, who plays Eddie, is also the emcee/host But do not think the actors are the only ones involved and the audience sits idly in their seats. While the cast is acting in front of house, various members walk through the audience and interact with the patrons. And shadow casts are famous for their ad-libbed call-backs at the film, or lines shouted at the screen after events happen or lines are said. These are often much more entertaining than the movie itself. There are also scenes where audience participation is required, such as the famous Time Warp dance sequence.

Guests are allowed (and encouraged!) to come in costume. People of all types are seen at the Rocky Horror shadowcasts: women in short skirts, men in corsets--you name it, it has been seen. The writer herself attended her first show dressed as Janet from the film, in her modest underwear. It is recommended to not wear something extremely nice or expensive, however, because there are scenes where water is squirted on the audience and there is a good chance of getting wet.

The cast recieve no money from the theater, so there is no pretense. Donations are accepted, or guests can buy something called a 'survival kit' ($5) before the show. This kit includes various props to be used throughout the film: a piece of toast, a newspaper, and cards, for example. It is a fun addition to make guests feel more involved, and it has the added bonus of helping keep the show running through the proceeds. 

While first-timers are always welcome, it is recommended that guests have seen The Rocky Horror Picture Show before attending their first shadow cast. This is because it is nearly impossible to truly follow along and take in a new film when people are yelling at the screen over the spoken dialogue. Having never seen the film means the guest cannot participate very well in regards to jokes or audience participation. That said, however, anyone willing to give it a shot is more than welcome, and if the show ends up being something they enjoy, attending the shadow cast is even more fun subsequent times.
Casey Cowden, understudy for Janet

No part of the show is family friendly; things are quite often lewd before the theater is even seated. This should not come as a surprise, however, as the film is rated R. Those easily offended or staunchly politically correct would do well to avoid the events at all cost. Those easily embarrassed should also steer clear, because the show opens every month with something called the 'sacrifice'; people who have never attended the shadow cast before are singled out and some are called up on stage to preform acts or other deeds. But if raunchy jokes and racy comments are no problem, the show is amazing amounts of fun. 

The show is on the first Friday of every month. Tickets are $6.66, and the show is 18 and older. Seating starts at or around 11:30pm, and the show begins promptly at midnight; expect to stay close to two hours to get the whole package. For more information, contact BackRow Productions on Facebook or the Mount Pleasant Cinebarre.

For more information about the author, City Guru, please visit my Google+ page.