The Rocky Horror Picture Show - Special Presentation

Let’s do the Time Warp… Again!

But for the first time in 2025! Why keep our fans waiting?

There’s no better way to set the tone of survival for whatever madness the new year may throw our way than with the cult classic, rock movie musical and audience favourite, THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW! There’s absolutely no better time to see and experience this pop-culture landmark than the the way it is meant to be seen – on the big screen, in the dark, and with a raucous Rio Theatre audience who are just as into it as you are.

1975 | 14A | United Kingdom, United States of America | Jim Sharman | English | 100 minutes

Event link: https://riotheatre.ca/movie/the-rocky-horror-picture-show-3/

Ticket link: https://riotheatretickets.ca/events/33815-the-rocky-horror-picture-show

Whether you’re a Virgin or a veteran, you’ll have a blast!

Even better? Joyful chaos creature and the Rio’s own legendary host, DANDY, will be on-hand to guide the Virgins (and veterans!) through all the do’s-and-don’ts of this monumentally experiential cinematic phenomenon.

As always, costumes and audience participation are highly encouraged – because costume contest! (In other words: Prizes! Here’s your chance to go all out and let your freak flag fly, people.) The ticket price includes a fun prop bag, too!

Your own props are also very welcome, but please – whatever you do – DO NOT BRING RICE OR CONFETTI!

Friday, January 3
Doors 10:30 pm | Event 11:00 pm *Start time subject to change. Please arrive on time.
Advance tickets HERE

But WAIT, there’s MORE! – Friday Late Night makes it 2 for 1 Creature night as well! –pation!

THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW (Jim Sharman, 1975 | (100 mins, PG) | A newly engaged couple (Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick) have a breakdown in an isolated area and must pay a call to the bizarre residence of Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry).

*Minors OK. Must be 19+ w/ID for bar service.
*Sorry, Rio Theatre Groupons and passes n/a for this event.
*We recommend purchasing your tickets in advance at www.riotheatretickets.ca. If a screening or live event is not sold out, the remaining tickets will be available for in-person purchase at the Rio Theatre’s Box Office prior to showtime (subject to availability).
*Our box office is typically open 30 minutes before showtime. Seating for this event is both assigned (main floor) and general admission (balcony). We have a small lobby – help us avoid bottlenecking! Please arrive 30-45 minutes prior to showtime to ensure time to locate seats, and time for snacks at concession.

*All Rio Theatre tickets are final sale. No transfers, exchanges or rainchecks.

What is the Rocky Horror Picture Show?

If you’re like me, you’ve spent th greater part of your life wondering why this movie is so popular. Why are people bringing rubber gloves and newspapers to the theatres. Why is it so often shown at midnight? And why do people throw toast into the air?

With Hallowe’en fast approaching (only 8 weeks away!) we’ll be seeing many opportunities to view, or take part in, this cult phenomenon at theatres and venues around the city. To get you ready for the experience, here’s some history, facts, and tips.

What is it?

"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" is a 1975 musical comedy horror film that has become a cultural phenomenon. Directed by Jim Sharman and based on the 1973 stage musical "The Rocky Horror Show" by Richard O'Brien, the movie quickly gained a cult following and is considered one of the most enduring midnight movies of all time. Known for its unique blend of camp, audience participation, and transgressive themes, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" is more than just a film—it's an experience.

Here’s the Plot

The story follows Brad Majors and Janet Weiss, a young, innocent couple whose car breaks down during a storm. They seek refuge in a nearby mansion owned by Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a charismatic and flamboyant scientist who is hosting an eccentric gathering. The night turns bizarre as Brad and Janet are introduced to Frank-N-Furter's latest creation, Rocky, a muscular man designed to fulfill his creator’s desires. As the evening unfolds, the couple gets entangled in a world of strange experiments, seduction, and rock and roll.

Cult Following and Audience Participation

What sets "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" apart from other films is its dedicated fanbase and interactive screenings. From the late 1970s onwards, audiences began attending midnight showings dressed as their favorite characters and bringing props like newspapers, toast, and rice to recreate scenes. We’ve provided a list of ‘What to Bring’ at the bottom of this article.

Also, callbacks—scripted or spontaneous lines shouted by the audience—are a way for fans to interact with the movie, adding a layer of engagement rarely seen in cinema. See below for a list of typical Callbacks!

Themes and Legacy

The movie explores themes of self-expression, sexual liberation, and nonconformity, resonating with audiences who felt marginalized by mainstream society. The character of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, portrayed by Tim Curry, embodies this spirit of defiance, embracing his identity with unapologetic confidence. The film's tagline, "Don't dream it, be it," encapsulates the message of embracing one's true self, regardless of societal expectations.

Despite mixed reviews upon release, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" has stood the test of time, becoming a symbol of rebellion and self-expression. It has influenced countless films, TV shows, and theatrical productions, proving that its impact extends far beyond the midnight movie circuit.

The film's success can be attributed to its inclusive and welcoming atmosphere, where fans from all walks of life can gather, dress up, and be part of a community. The audience participation aspect keeps the movie fresh, as no two screenings are ever the same. Whether it’s your first time or your fiftieth, the experience remains engaging and full of surprises.

What to Bring

NOTE RE PROPS: Attending this event at the RIO THEATER Includes a PROPS BAG so you don’t need to bring your own.

Planning to attend a screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show? You’ll want to take along some particular items. But note: Often a theatre will include a Prop Bag as part of the ticket price for their screening. The RIO Theatre on Broadway for example, typically offers this. We’ll be posting the RIO’s upcoming screenings asap.

For those screenings where the is no prop bag included, here’s a list with tips for when to use them:

Rice - DO NOT BRING RICE

Although it has been used in the past during the wedding scene at the beginning of the movie, when the audience throws rice as the characters celebrate - it’s not recommended as the tiny bits are difficult for theatres to clean up and can attract rodents.

Newspaper

When to Use: When Janet covers her head with a newspaper during the rainstorm ("Over at the Frankenstein Place" scene), audience members use their newspapers to mimic the action.

Flashlight or Glow Stick

When to Use: During the song "There's a Light (Over at the Frankenstein Place)," the audience waves flashlights or glow sticks to add to the effect.

Rubber Gloves

When to Use: During Dr. Frank-N-Furter's creation speech, he snaps his rubber gloves three times. Fans often snap their own gloves along with him.

Noisemakers

When to Use: During the celebration of Rocky's birth, audience members use noisemakers when the Transylvanians do.

Toast

When to Use: When Frank-N-Furter proposes a toast at the dinner table, audience members throw toast into the air.

Party Hats

When to Use: Worn during the dinner scene when Frank-N-Furter dons a party hat.

Bell

When to Use: Ring a bell when Frank-N-Furter sings the line, “Did you hear a bell ring?” in the song "Planet Schmanet Janet."

Cards

When to Use: During the song “I'm Going Home,” throw playing cards when Frank-N-Furter sings, “Cards for sorrow, cards for pain.”

Adulting Notes

NO Confetti NO Water Mess: Some venues may not allow messier items like confetti or excessive water due to cleanup concerns. Check with the theater in advance about any restrictions. See note about RICE above.

Be Considerate: Throwing items should be done safely and respectfully, without aiming directly at other audience members or the screen.

Callbacks to Know

Common Callbacks for "The Rocky Horror Picture Show"

✓ Opening Credits:

Screen: "Science Fiction/Double Feature" plays.

Callback: Shout, “Lips! Lips! Lips!” as the lips appear on screen.

✓ When You Hear: “Dammit, Janet!”

Callback: Every time Brad says “Janet,” shout “Slut!” and every time Janet says “Brad,” shout “Asshole!”

✓ During the Wedding Scene:

Callback: When the camera shows the wedding party, yell, “Where's the rice, you cheap bstrds?”

✓ When Brad and Janet’s Car Breaks Down:

Callback: As the car breaks down, yell, “Buy a new car, you cheap bstrd!”

✓ “Over at the Frankenstein Place”:

Callback: When Janet holds the newspaper over her head, shout, “Buy an umbrella, you cheap bstrd!”

✓ Introduction of Dr. Frank-N-Furter:

Screen: Frank-N-Furter sings, “I see you shiver with antici...”

Callback: Shout, “Say it!” as Frank pauses before saying “...pation!”

✓ During “Time Warp”:

Callback: Shout, “Jump to the left!” and then “Step to the right!” along with the lyrics. Many audiences will physically do the dance in the aisles.

✓ Dinner Scene:

Screen: When Frank asks for a toast.

Callback: Throw toast and yell, “A toast!”

✓ When Rocky is Created:

Callback: Shout, “Muscle-bound!” every time Rocky flexes.

✓ When Dr. Scott Arrives:

Screen: Dr. Scott crashes through the wall.

Callback: Yell, “Great Scott!” and throw toilet paper.