Van Wezel Performing Arts Center in Sarasota Kicks Off Halloween with the Rocky Horror Picture Show
Sarasota came out in their best Rocky Horror costumes for the 48th Anniversary Spectacular tour of the 1975 film! Starting things off was a VIP Meet and Greet with the movie’s lead and veteran actor, Barry Bostwick. Bostwick played “Brad Majors” engaged to Susan Sarandon’s “Janet Weiss” in the movie’s storyline. Barry signed memorabilia and took photos with fans who paid for a chance to meet with him in person. A fun time for these Rocky Horror veterans to meet “Brad.”
Pre-movie festivities started off with host Larry Viezel warning this was an adult show with adult language! Hilarious banter and a costume contest ensued with the audience members. The audience who had never seen the movie were asked to stand up and are called “Virgins” for seeing the film for the first time. Barry Bostwick appeared on the stage as “Brad” in glasses and a jacket. He answered a couple of questions from the host and thanked the audience for supporting the movie for the last 48 years and for keeping it going. One of the highlights of the movie is the tune and dance of the “Time Warp,” the audience were up on their feet having a blast.
Hell on Heels – The Tampa Bay Rocky Horror Live Cast enacted the movie on the stage in synchronicity as the film ran on the big screen. They were entertaining to watch, and their props were comical. They do an excellent job of playing the iconic characters of Dr. Frank N Furter, Riff Raff, Dr. Scott, Eddie, Magenta, Columbia, Dr. Everett V. Scott, The Criminologist, Ralph Hapschatt, Rocky Horror, Betty, and of course, Brad & Janet. The Sarasota crowd knew the lines, yelled out comments, turned on their phone flashlights, and threw cards, which is all part of the ritual of crowd participation in the movie.
After the movie was over, the entire cast of Hell on Heels appeared in the lobby for photos with audience members. Such a fun, campy time of a Halloween ritual for Rocky Horror fans. I heard a movie goer say, “What a fun time, this is so great that Van Wezel put this on!” Rocky Horror is not for everyone but for those who have been going for years, this was spectacular! The tour is traveling the U.S. throughout the month; check out Scott Stander for information.
Vicky Sullivan Photos