The Rocky Horror Show

The Rocky Horror Show is a rock musical parody of the science fiction and horror B movies popular in the 1930s through early 1960s. The cult-classic tells the story of “all-American” sweethearts, Brad and Janet, caught with a flat on a stormy night causing them to seek help at the mansion of a mad, alien scientist from the planet Transvestite. All manner of innocence is eventually lost among the free-wheeling beings thriving on sex, drugs, and rock ‘n’ roll within. Beyond its cult status, The Rocky Horror Show is widely credited as an influence on countercultural and sexual liberation movements that emerged in the 1960s, and was one of the first musicals of any kind to depict fluid sexuality. NBCT agrees by today’s standards some character depictions are arguably insensitive. Conversely, we also acknowledge that for decades (especially before the internet), many individuals found the show an escape into a judgement free zone where sexual identity could be explored. Regardless of its socio-political importance (or lack thereof), the show was and is intentionally crafted as theatrical camp, going out of its way to set up the premise it is a bold fantasy meant to rattle inhibitions within us all done in mad fun.