‘Rocky Horror’ does time warp again

With Halloween right around the corner, students are looking for any way possible to release their inner freak — and things are about to be out of this world.

This year, the UNC Pauper Players have teamed up with the ArtsCenter in Carrboro to bring back the longest-running midnight movie of all time: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

Listed as No. 1 on “The 25 Best Cult Movies of All Time” in Rolling Stone magazine, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” follows the adventure of the hapless, newly engaged Brad and Janet as they become entrapped in the kinky world of their transsexual host Dr. Frank-N-Furter; his boy-toy creation Rocky; hunchbacked butler Riff Raff; and many more unique personas.

The ArtsCenter has screened the film in the past, but never quite like this.

Pauper Players will be performing alongside the movie, in full costume and complete with interactive props. Unlike traditional midnight screenings, the actors will be singing every song.

In 2012, Pauper Players put on a full-scale musical version of “The Rocky Horror Show,” and decided over the summer to revamp it this Halloween.

Not only will the Pauper cast be performing live with the movie, audience interaction is also a must. Prop bags will be provided to guests at the door, and costumes, singing and dancing are all encouraged.

According to the ArtsCenter event page, the audience should be warned to be prepared for anything and everything.

Senior Mariah Barksdale, the executive director of publicity for Pauper Players, said it’s a great way for people to get a taste of theater — even if they have no prior experience.

“It’s a way to let your hair down and have fun without the pressure of thinking, ‘Oh, I have to audition for a show,’” Barksdale said. “Everyone is a star when you come see ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show.’”

Jackson Cooper, a senior theater and business major at UNC-Greensboro, teamed up with the Pauper Players to direct the performances, which features a cast of more than 20 actors. Cooper believes “Rocky Horror,” on its 40th anniversary, remains popular because it has retained, and possibly even strengthened, its relevance.

“When you think about it, the movie is 40 years old — it came out in 1975,” he said. “But it’s still funny, still relevant, and was very ahead of its time with what it says about gender roles and gender fluidity.”

On sale now, tickets are $5 for UNC students and $12 at the door. The first showing is tonight at midnight.

UNC junior Arielle Loftis bought her ticket in the Pit yesterday, and says she can’t wait to see it.

“I’ve heard it’s a fantastic show, and I’ve never been able to see it.”

arts@dailytarheel.com