Halloween season is here. Time for us all to have a good scare, have some fun, and maybe dress a little provocatively. All of these things were in full force this past Friday night when we ventured out to The St. George Theater in Staten Island, New York for the annual showing of the Rocky Horror Picture Show.
The eccentric musical comedy horror film is now 41 years old! After dismal critical reviews and a failure at the box office, Rocky Horror has become THE cult classic that all others stand far behind. If you have never been to a midnight showing, it is something that must be experienced.
This particular night at the St George Theater, we were treated to a pre-show concert by Staten Island favorites, The Flesh Junkies. The ‘Zombie Punk Cabaret’ band covers a wide variety of classic punk rock and glam songs to tell their interesting formation tale. The lead of Jack Dabdoub and Rina Sklar are a force to be reckoned with.
After their 2-set performance riles up the growing crowd, The Flesh Junkies lead the Virgin initiation of Rocky Horror newbies to get ready for the all out good time they are about to have. Feelings may be hurt and no one will be spared.
As the film starts the crowd is roaring in anticipation and spirits are high. This beautiful theater, that was built back in the roaring 1920’s, is ready to harbor something quite different from the Big Bad Voodoo Daddy show last month and the Tony Bennett performance coming in November. Prop bags were provided so the audience can participate in the film. The screaming out of certain lines from the film is strongly encouraged and the fun vibe is intoxicating even for the newbies who had no idea it would be this wild.
The laughter continues throughout the full film as water guns squirt, bells are rang, and playing cards are thrown. As someone who has not been to a showing in about 15 years myself, the memories of those good times returned quickly and yes, that was me singing along loudly to “The Time Warp” and “Sweet Transvestite”. Let’s all return next year and make an even bigger spectacle!
Check out the full lineup of events at the beautiful St. George Theater HERE
