People around the world have been bombarded with tons of sad news about the passing of so many celebrities this week. But not just celebrities. Stars. Idols. Heroes. The artists who not only changed their art, but changed the world.
Of course it’s always hard when we lose someone. But when the news came that we lost Tim Curry, my heart broke a little different. This one hits in a way I wasn’t anticipating with Tim Curry. And I know I am not alone. Not even skipping a beat, my brain went to the two films that I’ll always cherish him in. Home Alone 2: Lost in New York (I know, I know), and The Rocky Horror Picture Show. So this week, I just want to do a little gushing about this phenomenal work of art.
I was a young girl when I first watched The Rocky Horror Picture Show. My parents absolutely love this movie. I remember them having the VHS, and a vinyl of the soundtrack. Now that VHS are obsolete? They have the Blu-ray! And I bet that record got played this week too.
Not truly understanding the story line as a kid, I always found myself watching this movie with them when they had it on. The music was nothing like I had heard in those Disney musicals. The acting, pure stage magic. To this day you can feel the passion in front and even behind the camera.
Our high school drama department held an annual lip sync competition and I can vividly recall a group perform the “Time Warp.” They had an incredible performance. And the entire crowd sang along.
The film produced a cult following, including a screening of the film with audience participation. A melodrama of our time, and they still are put on today. And if you can’t make it to one, someone out there has assembled an audience participation transcript so that you can put on your own viewing, rice throwing and all!
The Rocky Horror Picture Show brought new light to musicals. And continues to shock, surprise, and capture the hearts of musical fans everywhere. Truly a multi-generational phenomenon.
So while the world lost a few greats this week, including Tim Curry, their legacies will never be forgotten. So why not watch the movie again? Or for the first time! Turn on the soundtrack. Just put on your heels, get ready to sing and dance, to the one, the only, The Rocky Horror Picture Show.
