The Rocky Horror Show at Pennsylvania Theatre of Performing Arts

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The Rocky Horror Picture Show, both a stage musical and a cult classic film, is the brainchild of Richard O'Brien. He wrote the music, lyrics, and book for this wild ride, which pays loving homage to the cheesy B-movie sci-fi and horror films of the past. Debuting in 1973 as The Rocky Horror Show at London's Royal Court Theatre, it quickly gained a devoted following for its outrageous humor and audience participation.

The story follows the innocent couple Brad and Janet on a stormy night. Their flat tire leads them to the strange doorstep of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a flamboyant mad scientist with a penchant for transvestism. Frank unveils his latest creation: Rocky, a muscular man built in a lab. Through rock and roll songs and wacky characters like the hunchbacked butler Riff Raff and the biker Eddie, the show explores themes of sexuality, gender identity, and the allure of transgression.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show holds a unique place in pop culture history. The 1975 film adaptation became a phenomenon, famous for its interactive screenings where audience members yell back at the screen, sing along, and even throw props. This interactive tradition and the show's enduringly catchy music solidify The Rocky Horror Picture Show as a one-of-a-kind musical experience.

Authors

• Richard O'Brien

Tony Awards and Nominations for The Rocky Horror Show