The Rocky Horror Show is a cult musical created by Richard O'Brien that debuted in 1973, typically performed in a theatre or on stage. It combines elements of science fiction, horror, and campy humor within a rock and roll context. The show gained immense popularity for its interactive and participatory nature, encouraging audience engagement through its use of call-outs, props, and costumes.
The plot centers around a young and innocent couple, Brad and Janet, who find themselves stranded on a stormy night. Seeking shelter, they stumble upon the castle of Dr. Frank N. Furter, a self-proclaimed "sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania." Throughout the show, the couple is thrown into a whirlwind of sexual awakening and gender exploration as they encounter a motley crew of eccentric characters, including aliens, servants, and even a reanimated creature named Rocky.
The Rocky Horror Show thrives on its audience's active participation, often characterized by shouting out iconic lines, dressing up in costume, and dancing along to the songs. It has become known for its signature tunes such as "Time Warp" and "Sweet Transvestite" which have transcended the show's original context and gained popularity as independent songs.
Due to its theme of sexual liberation and nonconformity, the Rocky Horror Show has been widely embraced by LGBTQ+ communities and is often celebrated during Halloween or at midnight showings known as "shadowcasts." These showings involve actors performing the scenes in front of the film adaptation, with audiences eager to engage in the interactive experience.
