Wolfbane Productions is based in Appomattox, Virginia, but this show was performed in Downtown Lynchburg. Photo by Peyton Saunders. 
Rocky Horror has many traditions that encourage audience participation. Photo by Peyton Saunders. 
Some Rocky Horror ‘virgins’ in the audience at Wolfbane Productions’ Rocky Horror Picture Show. Photo by Peyton Saunders. 
Some decorations referencing the tradition. Photo by Peyton Saunders. 
The show’s narrator, played by Stephen Shelter. Photo by Peyton Saunders. 
Many guests come dressed as characters. This couple was dressed as Columbia and Eddie, two iconic characters from the show. Photo by Peyton Saunders. 
Wolfbane Productions has plans for several more shows this season shown above. Photo by Peyton Saunders.
Wolfbane Productions is putting on a production of The Rocky Horror Picture Show on the weekends leading up to Halloween at The Wolf Den Downtown in Lynchburg.
While previous Wolfbane Productions shows have been fun for audiences of all ages, The Rocky Horror Picture Show is rated R and features heavy adult themes and language, so it is essential to be aware of the mature content and to use trigger warnings before attending.
Rocky Horror was created in 1973 as a stage musical by Richard O’Brien and was later adapted into a film in 1975. The show follows Brad and Janet, a couple who, after car trouble, seek refuge in a mysterious, isolated castle. Inside, they discover the flamboyant and mad scientist, Dr. Frank-N-Furter, and begin to get caught up in the castle’s strange events.
Audience participation was built into the show from the beginning. To honor this tradition, Wolfbane Productions is selling prop bags for audiences with instructions on when to use each prop and how.
The Phantoms, the ensemble’s nickname in this show, have traditions of their own. They may ask you if this is your first time seeing a live performance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and test your knowledge of the show’s callouts. If you have never been to a live Rocky Horror show before, they will draw a red ‘V’ on your forehead for ‘virgin’. Be sure to be honest about it, it’s part of the fun!
The show began even before the lights went down, as the narrator came out and informed the audience that, “If you are in the audience, you are in the show,” adding to the production’s interactivity. The Rocky Horror Picture Show has a more concert-like vibe than your average musical. When the character Brad sang a song not included in the movie, one audience member yelled, “There’s a reason this was cut,” and the show carried on, because interruptions like this are expected and encouraged.
There were many extras added to the show for fans already familiar with the movie or musical. Extra gags, like the character Rocky wearing light-up shoes, and inclusions of songs like “WAP” and “Coconut Mall” from Mario were added to the show, intertwining modern pop culture with this cult classic. Through audience interactions and the inclusion of formerly cut songs and pop culture references, the show is different each time it is performed.
If you are looking for a unique and spooky activity to add to your October calendar, check out Wolfbane Productions’ presentation of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. The remaining performances are on Oct. 17-19 and Oct. 23-25.
For more information about Wolfbane Productions and tickets to this or any of their other upcoming shows, visit https://www.wolfbane.org/
