When the annual Rocky Horror Picture Show Halloween Bash hits the Palace Theatre this weekend, there are only a few rules: only one Ziploc sandwich bag of rice per person this year and “ABSOLUTELY” no prunes or oversized water guns are allowed. But, water guns of 7 inches or smaller are acceptable.  

The party, slated for Oct. 25 at 9 p.m., will include a dance party, costume contest and a showing of the 1975 cult classic — for those 18 years old and up.   

“Rocky Horror to me is about craziness and music,” said Maurice Love of disco band Fondu, which will play at the dance party, along with DJ Kane. “It’s a night where you can escape and everyone’s there to have a good time.” 

A costume contest after the dance party will hosted by local lifestyle vlogger Jamie Ann Owens, also known as Society Gurl on YouTube, along with the Salt City Burlesque and the retro-inspired social group, the Salt City Belles & Beaus. The best costume wins a cash prize. 

Owens said she is honored to be back and loves seeing the creative costumes that people design and wear. She described the experience as a chance to be free and creative and have a good time.  

With everyone dressed in costume, people can be whomever they want to be for an evening, she said.  

The activities will lead to the main event: the showing of Rocky Horror Picture Show, which stars Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and Barry Bostwick.  

After couple Brad and Janet lose control of their car and are stuck with a flat tire, they seek refuge from the rain in a mansion owned by Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Throughout the night, the two find the tenants of the mansion strange and immoral, and soon follow suit. 

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Each scene of the cues the audience to throw items and shout phrases in the theater. For example, people throw rice during the wedding scene. 

“Our tech manager has to cover everything in the theatre with plastic, so nothing gets wet,” said director of theater programming Gia Palermo, laughing. 

The “no talking during the movie” rule does not apply here. Viewers typically chant at the screen in response to the dialogue.  

Rocky Horror Picture Show showings are brought to life by performers who stand in front of the screen and reenact out the scenes of the film. The songs, including the classic “Time Warp,” draw audience members out of their seats and into the aisles to dance along with the film. 

As for the plot of the movie, Harlow Holiday, founder and co-director of Salt City Burlesque, said it represents sexual revolution and freedom of expression.  

She said burlesque bares similarity to the Rocky Horror Picture Show, as they both are thrilling reflections of pop culture and also destigmatize acceptable social standards.  

“Halloween is one night where anyone can be anything,” said Owens. “And Syracuse needs that. We’re so used to the hustle and bustle of building this great city and for this one night. Whether you’re 3 or 300 years old, you can be anything you want.” 

Published on October 21, 2019 at 12:09 am