News – Sheridan Media
In 1973, out-of-work actor Richard O’Brien wrote The Rocky Horror Show, a campy rock musical inspired by sci-fi B-movies, horror flicks and 1950s rock ’n’ roll. Directed by Jim Sharman, the show debuted at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs, a small 60-seat venue, and quickly became an underground hit. It soon moved to larger theaters in London’s West End and toured internationally.
Rocky Horror moved to the big screen in 1975, under 20th Century Fox and directed by Sharman with much of the original stage cast. Tim Curry reprised his role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, with Susan Sarandon (Janet) and Barry Bostwick (Brad) joining the cast. Reviews were mixed to negative, and box office returns were weak. However, Rocky found life in midnight screenings beginning in New York City at the Waverly Theater in 1976.
It didn’t take long for fans to begin dressing as characters, shout callbacks at the screen, and act out scenes with props and costumes. It was during this time the cultural phenomena was born as audience participation, the use of toast, rice, water guns, newspapers became the film’s signature. By the late ’70s and ’80s, it had become the ultimate midnight movie, with screenings spreading worldwide.
WYO Performing Arts and Education Center Executive Director Erin Butler said it remains a show and performance like nothing else.
E. Butler
The Rocky Horror Picture Show is now credited as the longest-running theatrical release in film history, with some theaters still showing it regularly nearly 50 years later.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show will run for one night only Oct. 30, at the WYO Theater. More details will be released as they are announced.
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Last modified: October 4, 2025