By Matthew Sotlar / The Jambar
Penguin City Brewing Co. hosted its fourth annual showing of the horror and musical film “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Oct. 25.
The showing was held as a benefit for Rebel Rescue Ranch, an animal sanctuary located in Berlin Center. Penguin City Co-Owner Aspasia Lyras said the showing was interactive and encouraged audience participation.
“We show the music, and we do audience participation,” Lyras said. “We have the prompts on the screen and it’s interactive. We’ll have people in the audience that will be interacting with the movie and helping with the props when it’s time to throw a deck of cards or throw toast — everything they do throughout the movie.”
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” a 1975 musical film featuring Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon, attained a massive cult following for its over-the-top costumes and musical numbers.
Lyras said the choice of film for the benefit came from her and Rebel Rescue Ranch Owner Amy Rigby’s affinity for the film.
“Rigby is a friend of mine and we’ve done projects throughout the years, and once I got our building here, we talked about doing a big Halloween fundraiser every year,” Lyras said. “We both love the movie, so we just tied all that in and made it just like a big celebration once a year.”
In addition to the film, Lyras said The Zou, an Athens, Georgia-based rock band, performed select songs from the film.
“We’re also going to have members from The Zou that are going to be doing a couple of songs from Rocky Horror, and they are going to be doing a Halloween show at Westside Bowl, so that is kind of a little teaser of what you’re going to see at the Halloween show,” Lyras said.
A costume contest was also held along with photo-ops. Lyras encouraged attendees to wear Halloween or “Rocky Horror” themed costumes.
Lyras said attendance is usually over 250 people of varying ages, due to the film’s cult — classic status.
“Last year we had about 300, so it’s a very good turnout,” Lyras said. “There are a lot of people — it’s a cult classic. There are fans throughout all generations … We’ve had kids that come — teens, college kids, Millennials, Generation X — everybody across the board can enjoy this movie. It’s something for everybody.”
Admittance to the film was $5. Lyras said party favors were available for an additional $5, all of which was donated directly to Rebel Rescue Ranch.
“It’s only $5 to get in and see the movie, which is definitely a deal,” Lyras said. “Additional add-ons, if you want an audience participation bag that will come with party favors and directions on when to pull out things for the movie, are $5, and all of that 100% goes to Rebel Rescue.”
Doors opened at 7 p.m. for the event, and the film began at 8 p.m. Another benefit for Rebel Rescue will be held at Penguin City in the spring.