The brothers of Sigma Epsilon Chi kicked off the vibrant festivities of Pride Week with their screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in the Quad on Thursday night. The fraternity transformed the Quad into an enchanting outdoor theater fit for glam-filled fun, with luxurious red and black silk sheets and pillows for the moviegoers, complemented by a small fridge brimming with sodas and energy drinks. An abundance of snacks ensured no guest went hungry as everyone settled in for a musical delight.
Released in 1975, the film follows a newly engaged couple, Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon), who find themselves stranded with a flat tire on a stormy night. Seeking a phone, they stumble upon the eerie mansion of the flamboyant Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), a self-proclaimed “sweet transvestite” from Transsexual, Transylvania, who is unveiling his latest creation, a perfect male named Rocky (Peter Hinwood).
Erotic escapades ensue: Frank-N-Furter disguises himself as Janet and seduces Brad. Though initially shocked, Brad consents, underscoring the film’s themes of sexual exploration and liberation. Janet is then seduced by Frank-N-Furter, who is disguised as Brad, highlighting the fluidity of desire and the breaking of conventional norms. Finally, after discovering Brad’s dalliance with Frank-N-Furter, Janet seduces Rocky in the doctor’s lab. This encounter furthers the film’s broader exploration of breaking societal norms and embracing one’s desires.
The chaos heightens with the arrival of Brad and Janet’s former science teacher, Dr. Everett Scott (Jonathan Adams), searching for his missing nephew, Eddie (Meat Loaf). However, Frank-N-Furter had partially cannibalized Eddie, his former lover, to create Rocky. Tensions soar as the plot takes an unexpected campy twist on science fiction. Ultimately, the caretaker Riff Raff (Richard O’Brien) and his sister Magenta (Patricia McQuinn) reveal they are aliens from the planet Transexual in the galaxy of Transylvania. The castle then prepares to return to its distant galaxy, leaving Brad, Janet, and Dr. Scott bewildered.
Rocky Horror is more than a movie; it’s a rite of passage into a realm where the unconventional reigns. The film’s soundtrack, a fusion of rock ‘n’ roll, glam rock, and musical theatre, enhances its eclectic and energetic atmosphere. Iconic songs like “Time Warp” and “Sweet Transvestite” have become anthems for fans. Rocky Horror has grossed a total of $115.67 million worldwide, with its enduring popularity and cult status fueled by midnight screenings and special events contributing significantly to its financial success over the decades.
SEX orchestrated a perfect movie night for Pride Week, once again demonstrating that embracing the unconventional and breaking societal norms have a cherished place at Woodcrest. The university and town celebrate, rather than challenge, diversity, welcoming and honoring the rich tapestry of our community.
Editor’s Note: This event took place on Thursday, June 27, 2024.