Earlier this year, the legendary cult rock musical, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” turned 50 years old. The film follows a couple, Brad (Brad Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon), whose car breaks down on the side of the road, forcing them to exit the storm. They enter the castle of Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry), and the couple embark on bizarre experiences, resulting in a display of fun set pieces, great musical numbers, and take-no-prisoners fun.
Since the 1980s, the movie has been the subject of midnight screenings, and it has ingrained itself in pop culture, with the screenings certainly being a blast. Can you even find a midnight screening near us in the Cedar Valley? Have you wanted to dress up? Throw items at the screen? Thanks to Alpha Psi Omega, you can.
Since 2021, APO has held a midnight screening of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” at Strayer-Wood Theatre, with this year’s event on Oct. 25. UNI’s APO president, Lucia Kuehn, said she hopes attendees enjoy themselves. “This is for everyone, theater majors, non-theatre majors, minors, people who have seen theatre before. I want people to come and have fun, learn about other events, and get into the spirit of Halloween.”
Kuehn also detailed different aspects of the pre-screening. The house will open at 11 p.m., and there will be opportunities to purchase items before the costume contest. Concessions will be provided by UNITT (UNI Theatre Technicians). There will be an opportunity to obtain grab bags containing multiple items to create an interactive experience with the movie. To receive a bag, visitors could either provide $3 or 3 canned goods for Panther Pantry. Attendees will be asked if they have experience with Rocky Horror at a midnight screening; if not, they will have a “V” drawn anywhere on their hand or anywhere to fit their boundaries, signifying they are a Rocky Horror virgin.
At 11:30, the host will begin the costume contest. There will be different categories that each person wearing a costume can compete in, including goriest. Following the contest, the winners will receive a small trophy. Following that will be a betting scenario, and then the screening will begin at midnight.
The screening, according to Kuehn, will have a “very warming environment.” This is an interactive screening with many things that could make some people uncomfortable. “This is an 18+ event” and very “LGBTQ+ friendly,” Kuehn added, as there will be some risqué costumes and sensitive language to be shared before, during, and after the screening. Those with questions, contact Lucia Kuehn at [email protected], and more upcoming information about costumes and more will be available on APO’s Instagram page (apo_uni).
Founded in 1925, Alpha Psi Omega (APO) is a nationwide organization that, according to the mission and constitution, pushes to “reward and honor those students who have gone above and beyond in their pursuit of Theatre Arts at the University of Northern Iowa. It is also the mission of Alpha Psi Omega to foster growth within members artistically, professionally, and interpersonally; to advocate Theatre Arts on campus and within the community.”
APO has been affiliated with UNI since 2010 and has contributed to multiple events throughout its history at UNI, including Theatre trivia at Urban Pie, Storytime with TFYC, and volunteering at Pack the Dome! The current APO board is comprised of Lucia Kuehn (President), Audrey Ruff (Vice President), Skylar Zimmerman (Community Engagement Chair), Natalie Clark (Treasurer), and Megan Schwartz (Creative Chair)
