Get ready, Wheeling. Gold shorts and feather boas are coming your way. On June 28 and 29th, 2024, The “Rocky Horror Picture Show” will be playing at Allstate Community Theater of Fredericksburg in celebration of the 49th anniversary of the cult classic film.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is the story of Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon) who find themselves with a flat tire in front of an imposing, gothic castle. Inside is a true cast of characters; Riff Raff (Richard O’Brien, who wrote the script), Columbia (Nell Cambell), Magenta (Patricia Quinn) and a whole slew of Traslvainian party guests. They are all here at the behest of the host, Dr. Frank-N-Furter (a star-making turn by Tim Curry). That’s about all we can talk about without giving too much away, or confusing the heck out of you. Suffice to say, campy chaos ensues.

A longtime fan of Rocky Horror and attended my first shadow cast performance on Long Island in 1982. If you don’t know what a shadow cast is, let me explain. They play the movie and then there are actors, onstage, in front of the screen, who act in tandem with and lip-sync the movie’s actors. That may sound a little strange, but it doesn’t stop there. The audience is encouraged to dress up as well, and even come up on stage and play a role in the event.  

In addition, the theater provides Participation Kits and a Play A Long checklist of events for audience members who want to use props to respond to specific screen events.

Perhaps it’s best to start from the beginning…

“The Rocky Horror Show” started its long life (it is, in fact, the longest continually running movie of all time) in 1973 as a musical on a small stage above London’s Royal Court Theatre. It was a smash, transferring to the West End and then to Los Angeles. It was a clear decision to cash in on the phenomenon and make it into “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” The film version came out in 1975. 

Famed movie reviewer, Roger Ebert, seemed to have some mystical vision of the future when he said “’The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ would be more fun, I suspect, if it weren’t a picture show. It belongs on a stage, with the performers and audience joining in a collective send-up.”

Partake in a collective send-up, they did. “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” was the dawn of a new kind of movie, where the audience is as much a part of the experience as the actors. It may seem a little strange if you don’t know about it, but the thing is, that’s part of the fun! It’s the “cult” of a cult film, the revelry only insiders know.

There is no discussion of “Rocky Horror Picture Show’s” fans without discussing the LGBTQ community. The very nature of the story of “Rocky Horror” plays in the gray of gender and sexuality. By the end of the fifth song, our straight-laced leads, Brad and Janet, have literally shed their clothes. This marks the beginning of the discarding of the ‘normalcy’ they were locked into. As the characters discover and embrace their fluid sexuality and gender, it is absolutely no wonder why queer audiences latched onto the movie. The environment of a midnight showing encourages experimentation with makeup and costumes, to blur the lines of gender expression. 

Over the years, “Rocky Horror” has grown into a global phenomenon. Musical productions have toured every continent, save Antarctica. Live casts sell out every year. 

Oh, and perhaps, for the uninitiated, I should explain a little of what is to be expected at the shadow-cast “Rocky Horror” production, but only a little so I don’t give away all the secrets.

There will be costumes, oh, there will be costumes. There will be calls and responses to the dialogue (most of it will be fitting with the film’s R rating). Some personal favorites are “Sing it, a**hole, it’s a musical!” and “Yay, little morals!”

There will also be dancing. If you don’t already know it, I recommend learning the Time Warp. It’s easy, just a jump to the left, and then a step to the right, put your hands on your hips, and bring your knees in tight. Don’t forget the pelvic thrusts (that really drive you insane). There is also, likely, going to be a virgin ceremony. I won’t go into that too far, just to keep a couple of surprises. Just know that, if it’s your first shadow cast, it’s tradition to mark your forehead with a red lipstick “V”.

So, whether you have had your costume planned for months, or have never experienced this kind of camp-tastic treat, suffice to say attendance at “Rocky Horror Picture Show” will be the hot ticket. See you there!

Stage Door Productions, Inc. has provided theatre opportunities in the Fredericksburg, Virginia community since 1999. Through main stage shows, youth productions, camps, and other educational programming, Stage Door has touched countless individuals in the area who seek the unique experience that is live theatre. Our Stage Door family includes theatre professionals, late-blooming novices, talented amateurs, aspiring youth, enthusiastic supporters, and appreciative audiences.

Our season includes between nine and twelve main stage plays per year, produced by Stage Door or other area production companies under a partnership agreement, as well as an original One Act Play Festival, and two youth performances and multiple workshops for both young and old. We provide performing arts camps for youth and workshops for all ages. Our program also includes Stage Door Stars, a theatre enrichment experience for our special needs' community. As a thriving arts organization, our goal is to continue to grow and develop in new ways, seeking to increase theatre opportunities for all facets of our community. 

Come join us in our new 6,000 square foot facility with both a 44-foot main stage seating up to two-hundred on seven tiered levels and our playhouse theater for smaller productions.  Stage Door continues to stand by it’s core value statement, “THEATER FOR ALL”.

Thank you to Lifetime Corporate Benefactor Manfredi Insurance Group - Allstate of Northern Virginia who generously provided over $250,000 to help build the new Allstate Community Theater of Fredericksburg; and thank you to all the Patrons who donate to help us with daily operating expenses and assisting us in bringing the best most popular shows to our community.

The Mission

Stage Door Productions, Inc. entertains and inspires audiences, provides an outlet for artistic expression and creative passion, educates and enriches area youth, serves children with special needs, and preserves locally the art of live theatre through performances, programming, education, and outreach in our community.

The Vision

Stage Door Productions, Inc. envisions a thriving theatre community in Fredericksburg, Virginia where the theatre arts are celebrated, community members of all ages and backgrounds are engaged in the local theatre scene, and creative collaborations and partnerships are encouraged to foster a greater appreciation for the arts in our area and beyond.

The Core Value

Stage Door Productions believes in Theater For All!

Volunteer Today

Come Break-A-Leg with us – Volunteers of all experience levels are desired and welcomed with open arms.  Whether you want to be a star or stay behind the scenes, we have some great opportunities for you to learn more about the theater and arts.  Join us today.