The granddaddy of interactive film, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” returns to Images Cinema in Williamstown at midnight tonight as part of the Williams College Queer Film Festival. Audiences come armed with props and dressed in costumes from the film, and are encouraged to yell out dialogue and respond to the movie’s over-the-top acting and musical numbers.
Not sure what to do? Don’t worry, the Come Again Players will lead the way. They’ve got plenty of experience – they’ve been acting out this film every week for the past five years at Towers Theater in South Hadley.
Robert Adam, one of the group’s three directors and owner of the two-screen movie house, said the cast of friends got together one Halloween to do it for fun “and never stopped.” The labor of love is funded through admission prices so the cast can buy new props and costumes. As for props, there’s a list of suggestions here and proper etiquette for their use, but Images has some restrictions. Rice is a no-no, said manager Janet Curran, and so’s water pistols, confetti and lighters. Newspapers, noisemakers, gloves, hats and toilet paper are OK.
Hot dogs and prunes? Mmmm, no, she said. In other words, bring fun stuff but be respectful of the newly renovated theater.
Adam said participants should also be prepared to be “devirginized,” a ritual at every showing for two lucky first-timers. It’s fun, he assured us, so don’t be too scared. The cost is $10, or $5 for Williams students with ID. The film starts at midnight but the troupe will entertain the audience with some skits to warm them up. With the frigid cold that’s descended on the Berkshires, they’ll need some warming up.
If you can’t make it to midnight, stop by the Spring Street theater for an open house beginning at 5:30 to check out the new lobby and theater, and an exhibit of local artists “In the Flesh.” You can also catch the first film in the Queer Film Festival, “The Edge of Heaven,” at 8 p.m.
