'The Rocky Horror Picture Show' Podcast Discussion | The Cosmic Curtain

[00:00:01] Speaker A: Welcome back to the Bright Lights of Broadway. This is the Cosmic Curtain, the official podcast of Cosmic Circus Broadway. I'm Brian Kitson, head writer over at the Cosmic Circus and Cosmic Circus Broadway. And joining me today as co host and fellow boxy babe is RJ Miller Zelinko. But today we have somebody else joining us. Should I do the honors, rj, or do you want to introduce her? [00:00:24] Speaker B: Oh, no, you go on right ahead. You're in a flow. [00:00:29] Speaker A: So joining us, we have Kylie Wend. Yes, there we go. I had to correct myself because my phone is British for those who don't know. So welcome, Kylie. Thank you so much for being here today. [00:00:41] Speaker C: Thank you for having me. [00:00:44] Speaker A: We are so excited to have you on. This is the first time we've had a guest on the Cosmic Curtain and we are going to be talking about the Rocky Horror Picture Show 49th Anniversary Spectacular Tour. Try saying that five times fast. [00:00:59] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:01:02] Speaker A: So we're just going to jump in, obviously. Spoiler warning. If you haven't seen this film in the past 49 years, I do not know what to tell you. But if you're listening, congratulations. You're about to be spoiled. All right, so before we get started into what happened the day of, because there's so much that happened the day of, I just want to know where everyone's been with this show. Prior and Kylie, I am going to start with you. What is Rocky Horror's presence in your life been like? [00:01:32] Speaker C: So I've actually been in it before. Like, I did it in a production, so I think that was like my second experience. I saw it in high school for the first time. So it's always kind of been like in my life a little bit. But seeing this was way different. [00:01:55] Speaker A: So let me ask you this. What is it like being in it comparing to just seeing it? Because I feel like that is, like, I think that we're gonna have some thoughts. [00:02:04] Speaker C: Yeah. So also, when I did it, it was not a shadow cast. It was like, we did it. So you obviously have way more work, but I feel like you have a little bit more freedom almost because you're not exactly following the movie. You don't have to follow every single line, every single moment. So I think I like that aspect a little bit more that you get to have a little bit more freedom with it. I had a great time. I loved it. [00:02:39] Speaker A: I mean, I think. I think that's. Granted, I've never acted before. I have two actors here joining me. But, like, I think acting always gives you a little more of that. That wiggle room to be the character and to live it slightly differently. [00:02:54] Speaker C: Yeah, I agree. [00:02:57] Speaker A: All right, rj, where, like, what is your relationship with Rocky Horror? [00:03:03] Speaker B: I don't have one zero, zilch. I knew it existed and that is the extent of my relationship with the show. [00:03:19] Speaker A: So you. Did you know what this was going into it at all? I mean, it's hard to know what this film is before going into it at all. [00:03:26] Speaker B: But, like, I mean, I. Because of its dynamic and because of its. Because of what it is, I knew in general that it was kind of, if I can use the word exotic, character wise. But outside of. Did I truly have any idea what it was like? Actually, no. Like, I just had seen the album cover or the, you know, the movie, the title cover. And that was. [00:04:02] Speaker A: That was it just the big old lips. I think Frank N. Furter's on it. [00:04:08] Speaker B: But it's pretty much. [00:04:11] Speaker A: Yeah. I mean, so it's interesting because I'm pretty much smack dab in the middle of the two of you. I had some experience with Rocky Horror prior to seeing this 49th anniversary spectacular, but it began with Glee. As all things should in life. Saw Glee was like, this music is fantastic. I gotta see the film. And I decided I was gonna watch it with my mom not knowing anything about the show. She knew nothing about the show, which is shocking because she also, like, grew up in the time, like, granted, she would have been like 20 when this film came out. But like, this was. Well, she been in her teens, actually. But this was during the time that it would have been known and she knew nothing about it. And so being 19 and not out of the closet yet and watching this film with my mom was just like, it's a core memory. It's a core memory. You don't ever forget that. You don't forget your first time, unfortunately. And I guess whenever it's with your mom, you're just screwed. But we're gonna go ahead then and we're gonna jump into the film. I think. I think it's easier to talk about the film and then the experience because they are. Even though they're together, they're very different. Like, you can see this film and then you can experience whatever the hell we experienced that night. So general thoughts on the film. General thoughts on Rocky Horror. Like, Kylie, I feel like because you've had such an extensive, like, life with this film. [00:05:42] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:05:43] Speaker A: With a story, you're probably a little more open to it. [00:05:48] Speaker C: So like I said, the first time I saw. I was in high school, which Was a crazy experience to sit there and watch that in my high school auditorium. [00:05:59] Speaker A: Wait, in your high school or auditorium? [00:06:02] Speaker C: Yes, yes. [00:06:04] Speaker A: What high school did you go to? [00:06:05] Speaker C: Do I even one in Colorado? [00:06:09] Speaker A: Say no more. [00:06:11] Speaker C: No, no, I love them. I really like the film, honestly. I think it's so corny, but not in, like, a cringy way. Almost like, you know how some of it is just super. Just like, oh, that's, like, funny, but it shouldn't be funny. I. Yeah, I like the film. I think it's great. [00:06:37] Speaker A: So before I move on to us two, do you think your relationship would have been different if you would have been an adult watching this for the first time instead of, like, a formative kid at high school? [00:06:49] Speaker C: Sure, I. I think so. For sure. Having. Going into it, like, I did that show the second I moved here. So 2018, barely an adult, and now I'm in this show, doing this show, reliving it. So, yeah, I definitely think I would have had a different experience. [00:07:15] Speaker A: Fair enough. I mean, I feel, again, formative years, experiences. And I am going to address this a little bit later because I was talking with somebody who grew up with this film and gave a very interesting perspective. Being a trans individual. They had a different experience than some other things. But I'm gonna. I'm gonna first go to rj, because you are the newbie here, and I'm sure that this was not a film that you by all means correct. This is a film. [00:07:51] Speaker B: I. It is a film. And I. It is entirely. Once it started, it was entirely obvious to me as to why it took me as long as it did to see it. [00:08:06] Speaker A: Yeah. Do you know, I actually had this thought. I had this thought prior to the show, and I was just like, oh, RJ's never seen this. I don't know what. I don't know. I did not know how you were going to handle it now that you couldn't handle it. But, like, I was like, this is going to be interesting because you're 30 years old and you've never seen this film. [00:08:28] Speaker B: Yeah. And I mean, to be fair, I knew that it was going to be an experience. Not even just our whole experience, but the movie itself. I knew it was an experience. I knew it was different. I knew it was out there. I think what I was hoping to capture by seeing it was why, like, why is it such a big thing? It has a clear, like, mass following. It has surpassed the decades of time in which it's been created. And honestly, after seeing it, I still do not have answers to any of my questions, which is why it's so interesting to hear Kylie's perspective. Because. And I'm curious, Kylie, how did you hear about the film to watch it? Like, did you just stumble in and your. You and your friends were like, let's see this film. [00:09:29] Speaker C: So some of my friends have seen it and they're like, oh, we should watch this. And I was like, okay. Like, I don't know what this is about. Literally, I have no clue. No clue. I didn't know what I was walking into. And they were just like, yeah, let's watch it. And I said, okay. And of course, I'm a teenager, so I don't know what I'm talking about or what I'm doing. And so I thought it was funny. And I like to sing. And it had all the cool songs, all the cool harmonies. And so I think that's the part that drew me in. [00:10:08] Speaker B: Kind of that, like, theatrical. Theatrical spin on a movie, which, like, looking back honestly there, I feel like in recent years, there are plenty of those. Right. But we don't see too many theatrical. Musical. [00:10:25] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:10:25] Speaker B: Movies from that time period. So in that sense, it does make sense to me why it became a staple. Because you did, like, you didn't hear about a ton of musical because you didn't. You don't have, like, the technology back then to do the sound mixing and do, like, everything had to be either live or whatever they were doing back then. I'm not even quite sure. But that's an interesting. Interesting to know. But I could see, like, it makes the demographic of folk that are interested or have been interested. It does make sense to me. I don't know how to explain that, but it does. [00:11:22] Speaker C: Yeah. I think another part of it is, like, I grew up with a very creative father. He literally, like, would make vehicles. He had a hearse. I'm so serious. We had hearsecon every year. [00:11:42] Speaker A: My worst nightmare. [00:11:44] Speaker C: So I think I just got very used to feeling outside of the norm a little bit. And that's what that movie is to me. [00:11:57] Speaker A: You know, it's something that crossed my mind about this film too, is that not only for all those reasons that you both mentioned, which, by the way, I did not realize until today that they sung all of Wicked live on State, like, the stage as they were filming the film today, they did a little behind the scenes thing. And that's crazy to me that we're just, you know, you're mentioning that, like, this is something that used to happen and we don't do it anymore. Now we're maybe going back to that. So, first off, love that. But I think what's interesting is that it also was. And probably why it's still a cult classic, is that it was a musical that was for people who didn't necessarily love musicals. Like, it was like, this is for kind of like the people who were. That felt like the outcast in the underbelly. And, like, I feel like that has to be the reason why this develops such a cult following, is that it has spectacular music, but it's just this story for people who want to be a little weird. I mean, I don't know how else to describe. That's something that I really stood out when I was just like. Not that they're weird, but, like, they're just. You're kind of embracing your differences. You're kind of embracing what makes it happen. And again, I bet you a lot of these people grew up on it. Like I said, I was talking with somebody and they mentioned that, like, it was formative in them experiencing their gender. And they're like, I know it sounds weird, but it's because there was nothing else that I had to express that until I saw that film. And I was like, that's interesting, because I didn't ever. Never thought of that film being that way. But then again, saw it as an adult, you know, came into it with a different perspective. [00:13:30] Speaker C: Agreed. [00:13:33] Speaker A: So, speaking of the story, though, Kylie, explain it to us. I don't know. Like, I love if you can see the sheet. I just love. Is there a story? Can someone explain it? Aliens. Like, this is just all. These are my general thoughts as I'm typing out, like, well, I. I feel. [00:13:49] Speaker C: Like it's so simple until we get to the aliens. Like Brad Majors. What's her name? [00:14:01] Speaker A: Janet. You. We scream her name how many times and you forgot who she was. I know, actually. Anyway, we don't scream her name. We scream something else, but correct. [00:14:11] Speaker C: Brad and Janet, they go on this drive. I'm skipping the beginning because that doesn't matter. Anyways, they go on this drive, they get stuck, their car breaks down. They go to this castle, they go in, and it's just a different world. And it's. I mean, truly. It's like you're stepping into a different world because they kind of are foreshadowing anyways. [00:14:38] Speaker A: Yeah. [00:14:39] Speaker C: And they go on this wild experience with these wild people who are nothing like them. And then, yeah, there's aliens at the end because they're from a different world. It's it's very interesting. [00:14:57] Speaker A: Archie, where did. Where did you. Where did it. Where did I lose it for you? Was it the aliens? Was it the part where we got to the aliens and you're just like, you know what? We took a left and I don't know where we went anymore. You're like, no, it's the opening scene where they're throwing the rice and I was done. [00:15:10] Speaker B: I feel so bad because I. It's not like I'm trying to shit on the show or movie at all. It is truly from the get. I was like, what the f is happening? Like, the whole time? Like, I first the opening scene, which Kylie, even you just said, like, doesn't matter, right? But I think that immediately threw me because I was like, why are we here? And then, yeah, then we jump into the car. So really okay, that the movie starts and I'm like, okay, so now I feel like we're doing Scooby Doo vibes. And then it became like. I mean, you could even say Scooby Doo or like Dracula. Like, then we pull up to the castle, right? Then I'm feeling like, Dracula or Frankenstein. Which of course, like, I'm sure that is. There's some inspiration there for that whole sequence of being at the mansion castle. And then, I mean, obviously we talk about aliens. It was alluding to aliens. When we finally get there and that whole final sequence happens and I'm just like, does any of this make sense together? Is it supposed to make sense together? I get probably not. Like, that's just the way the movie is. And that's what makes it exactly what it is. But my brain was so. For it being the first time that I saw it, I was like, first of all, I can't understand anything that anyone is saying. I really struggled with the language, which it's in English. But honestly, you couldn't have told me that because I literally was like, are they speaking English? I'm not sure. Just because it was so, like, neurotic in a good way. Just as someone who once again had seen a porous. Like, there's so much happening. Is there a plot? I can't find the plot. Who are these characters? Who's getting into bed with who? Who's cross dressing as what? Oh, gay. O Alien. And that was over. [00:17:21] Speaker A: What. What does that mean? It's just like, pick a plot point. And you're just like sitting there. You're just like, pick it. [00:17:26] Speaker C: Pick a lot. [00:17:26] Speaker A: Pick a plot point and go with it. What's funny about that, though, is that you guys all said that the opening scene doesn't matter. And I think that's the most important scene in the entire film. You looked at me like I was crazy. [00:17:40] Speaker B: Why? [00:17:42] Speaker A: Okay, so the thing is that it all hinges on the two aliens who are dressed up like that old photo that is supposed to be, like, quintessential American. And you're setting up the scene that these people are basically puritans in their thought process. And what it is, it's. The film is a metaphor of sexual exploration through Brad and Janet, who are like the growing up on a prairie farm and getting married. And then you end up breaking down at a place you're not supposed to be and finding a side of yourself that you didn't know that you had shoved so far down that without that first scene, the movie means nothing. [00:18:23] Speaker B: Okay, okay, Mr. Psychoanalytical, when you say it like that. [00:18:33] Speaker C: I get what you're saying, but I just don't think it needed to be there. I don't think it added. I think we could have there. It could have been a different way to do it. Like, they could have restarted in the car. [00:18:47] Speaker A: But would you have understood exactly who they were if you did not have damage, Janet? Like, would you have understood it now? Yes. Yes. But I thought when you guys were talking about the opening scene, I thought you were talking about Science, Picture, Feature show, the song. And I was like, that's the best part of this film. Why are we cutting this out? [00:19:10] Speaker C: No, no, no, no. It should have gone right into that. Right into them in the car. [00:19:17] Speaker A: I do wonder if this is a Lost in Translation thing, because I did not know that this was a stage show until we saw it, until Patricia Quinn was talking about it being a play, a musical, in West End. And I was like, maybe this has got lost in translation somewhere. [00:19:33] Speaker C: I mean, in the stage version, you still get that whole, like, wedding going on the car ride. Like, damn it, Janet. You still get all of that? I don't know. In the movie, it doesn't make as much sense as it does in the stage version. [00:19:55] Speaker A: Okay, why does it make more sense in the stage version? Give it to me, girl. [00:19:59] Speaker C: Because I feel like you can follow the plot easier. It's literally the same thing, but in my brain, it's like, this is easier to follow. [00:20:13] Speaker A: I'm. I think my best explanation is probably the best here then. [00:20:19] Speaker C: Okay. [00:20:21] Speaker A: Okay. But, like, let's be honest. It hangs a complete laugh at the aliens. Like, you could. You could have a complete film up until that moment, and then you're like, why? [00:20:32] Speaker C: Yeah, yeah. Going back to Transylvania. [00:20:38] Speaker A: Which you never. You never get in the film. You never get the idea that that's where they're actually going until I think you explain it to me. And I was like, oh, that's actually a planet they're going to. [00:20:46] Speaker C: I think they say that, like, debatable. [00:20:50] Speaker A: They do. [00:20:51] Speaker C: I was like, look at the lyrics. [00:20:55] Speaker A: Which song? There's so many of them. Please limit it down one at the end, at the point, but that we don't care. No, I'm just kidding. So then I guess, why does this film stand the test of time? Like, we could have other films that could. You could not make this film today. I would just say that you could not get away with making this in Hollywood today. Why does it stand the test of time? [00:21:18] Speaker C: I think it goes back to what you said. Like, it's a film for, like, the underdogs and people who don't, quote, unquote, fit in. It's a way for people to express themselves still. And I think that's why it's just stood through all this time, because it's a way for people to express themselves without having to do it in society's standards. [00:21:50] Speaker A: Do you agree, rj? [00:21:52] Speaker B: I mean, I. Yes. And I think that we probably have those films now that decades from now they will be like, why was this film popular? Especially because of the growth around, I'll just say queer art, queer filmmaking. We know that there can be some pretty interesting storylines and musical numbers and, you know, like, so there are for sure shows out there that we've probably all seen and been like, this is great. And we all follow it. I mean, easily, right? Like, I mean, sure, we were just talking about Wicked, right? Which, sure, we stand Wicked. Like, the test of time. Nobody's questioning Wicked. But could there be a day someday where someone was like, why are we freaking out about the Land of Oz with a green witch and a lady in a pink bubble? You know, like, it's just. And I can say that now about this film. Like, why are we freaking out about a car ride to a castle that aliens. You know, like, at Aliens. [00:23:25] Speaker A: That's becoming a sound bit. I hope you know that. But you're right. I mean, I feel like there is. There's always gonna be movies. I think there's even movies from when we were, like, children that I'm just like. I watch back, and I'm like, ooh, that didn't age as well as maybe they thought it was going to. Or, like, they didn't Care about it. Aging, you know, it didn't matter at the time because society didn't care about it the way that they care about it today. So you're right. Like, we could. We're never going to hate Wicked. First off, that was the meanest thing you could say. [00:23:55] Speaker B: But I directly said we wouldn't hate it. We wouldn't hate it. [00:24:02] Speaker A: But, like, I think that using where my jumping off point for Rocky Horror was Glee is a perfect example. If you watch that and that whole show is nothing but like, like questionable decisions. Like, they even make a joke about it in the Rocky Horror episode where the teacher is playing Rocky and like seducing children and they're like, this doesn't seem like this is a good idea. And there he's like, it's fine. It's just like, can't let my balls fall out of my. My pants. And it's just like, you know, like, you watch that and you're just like, that would never have. That would not fly in 2024, but it flew, apparently in 2010. I don't know. What about the comedy? What about the comedy of this film? Rj, I'm going to start with you because you are not always a comedy person. I love you, but you don't always like comedy. And this is probably your worst fear when it comes to comedy. I can see it now. [00:24:53] Speaker B: Correct. [00:24:56] Speaker A: Was there any of it that worked? [00:24:58] Speaker B: It's just. It's so hard to say. I mean, straight up, no. And I only say that because I was so focused on just trying to figure out what the heck was going on, period, that much of the comedy I either was completely lost on. And this, this is where I'm having a hard time separating the film from the experience, because, as we know, there was so much other. So many other things happening that it contributed to my ability to focus literally, as to the comedy or any given. [00:25:38] Speaker A: Aspect of the film, actually just jump into it. Let's talk about the experience as well, because you're right, it is kind of tied to it and we've covered pretty good basis of the show. It was very overwhelming. And again, I'm going to start with rj, because again, you and I were. We had to do the oath. We were the virgins here. Like, it was super overwhelming. And I'm sitting next to Kylie, who knows exactly what to chant, what to chant and when to chant it, and I have no idea what's going on. I feel like I'm the newbie at a cult. I don't know, like the true. [00:26:14] Speaker B: I mean, as a theater person, I appreciated the immersive experience. I appreciated what they were trying to do. I understood coming in. I understood the assignment. I knew that there would be back and forth, that there would be. Like, I had seen videos of the experience before, and shocker. Like, I am not the most outgoing person. And so you have to stand up and do the oath and do the things and be interactive was already very much outside of my comfort zone. But I did it to jump on in with both to eat. [00:27:03] Speaker C: I mean. [00:27:05] Speaker B: But yeah, but it does make you. Everything is just. The senses are a little bit heightened because you're, like, hyper fixated on doing what everyone is telling you to do, but also picking up what everyone else is laying down and all the while figuring out just basic level what's happening. [00:27:24] Speaker A: I do want to stop for a moment, Kylie, before I jump to you, because I just have to tell, like, the sort of story that happened with the Oath, because, Archie, you're in front of us, you know, like, but you're not seeing what's happening back behind us. And as soon as they said goodie bags, I was like, okay, I'm gonna go buy us goodie bags. And I come back, it's a few minutes later, you know, and I'm just like, I bring the goodie bag, and I'm like, kylie, what? What's going on? She's like, you're doing the oath, so you got to put your hand over your heart and grab your crotch. And I was just like, okay, like, I don't know what I'm doing, but we're doing it. Like, it was just like, full embrace of just like, I'm here. I'm here for the experience. I don't know what this experience is, but you're telling me I have to do this thing. I guess I have to do it. [00:28:03] Speaker C: I do think I see what you're saying, though, rj, about, like, it's hard when everyone is literally not screaming at you, but around you. I definitely see how you could lose the comedy a little bit. Even the first time I watched it, we weren't screaming like that, but it was still hard for me to follow. I think I really understood it once I was able to, like, dig into the script and see, like, oh, like, those parts are funny, or like, oh, those call outs are funny. But it has to be planned. And it's hard when there's not everyone is on the same page. So I understand how you could lose the comedy of it. [00:28:56] Speaker A: I don't think I Would have caught on to half the things if I didn't have you telling me what to say. I'm pretty sure, Graham, this was a few weeks ago, but I leaned over and was just like, what are we saying? And you're like, oh, we're calling her a slut. And I was like, oh, okay, cool. Like, that's. That sounds bad. Like, preface that. Like, I would never do that unless it was at the time. But I think that you get lost in that. Sorry, rj. Go ahead. [00:29:18] Speaker B: No, you're good. I. I'm curious. Since we have a resident expert here, I'm curious. As we know, the audience participation is a massive part of this experience. And obviously there were kind of preordained commentary and actions. And I was curious, is that scripted and. Or how did that come to be? Do you know? If you happen to know. [00:29:51] Speaker C: So I don't think most of it was scripted. I think it just kind of came to be like Brad Majors, a hole. Like that just came to be because it was. So it was done over and over and over again. But you did notice how there was some times where people were saying things that no one else was saying. [00:30:17] Speaker A: Yes. [00:30:19] Speaker C: So people are like, putting their own spins on it. So I think over time, it's become like, this is what we normally say. But also times change and people think new things are funny, and so they'll just add them in. [00:30:35] Speaker A: So it kind of becomes like a collective experience of like, this is what we hand down, but this is also how to make it your own. [00:30:41] Speaker C: Yes. [00:30:43] Speaker B: And like, we had a happen with just the film, or does it typically happen at live full productions? [00:30:53] Speaker A: But you wouldn't know unless you've gone there and experienced that. [00:30:56] Speaker C: Right. [00:30:58] Speaker A: I feel like there should have been a handbook to this show. [00:31:02] Speaker C: That's why it's really hard, like, for your first time to see it around that many other people. Also in a place like that, it's different if you were like, Wayne State did it a year ago or something. And even that was a completely different experience because a lot of those people are going to see the actors in that show and they're supporting their friends and their family. This was at the Fisher. So I think that's a completely different experience. [00:31:40] Speaker A: And not only was it at the Fisher, but, like, these weren't cheap tickets as well. Like, some of these people were paying very good money to be there for that experience, which does change it a little bit because it's like you don't go to your favorite concert and get front row tickets. Unless you're gonna. You're gonna be engaged, you're gonna sing along, you're gonna make the T shirt, make the poster. Like, people are not paying $1,000 to go see Beyonce or Taylor Swift without being there for Beyonce and Taylor Swift. [00:32:08] Speaker C: Exactly. [00:32:11] Speaker A: I have a question. Do you think it would have been different if we would have been in the balcony with the seats that we had originally? [00:32:16] Speaker C: Yes. [00:32:17] Speaker A: Okay. That now would have been as active up there? [00:32:21] Speaker C: No, I don't think so. [00:32:25] Speaker A: Okay. [00:32:26] Speaker C: Because even you could see where we were. There were people walking up and down the aisles taking videos of himself during the. During the film. Like, I think it would have been a much different experience if we were in maybe not as expensive seats. [00:32:45] Speaker A: Sure. That makes sense. And I definitely think there's an aspect of the alcohol that was involved because people were drinking. They were having a great time. [00:32:54] Speaker C: Yeah, for sure. [00:32:58] Speaker A: What about the props? So now, rj, you didn't do the props, but Kylie and I did the props. I guess from an outward perspective. No. Let's start with Kylie. Talk me through the props. Talk me through the props, baby. [00:33:11] Speaker C: Props are probably my favorite part of the entire thing. [00:33:18] Speaker A: Okay. Why? [00:33:19] Speaker C: Because I love to ring that little bell. I love to have the noise maker. I think that's, like. It's just so much fun to be, like, participating in that way. Other than just, like, screaming things, I guess, like, some places you can throw popcorn and, like, all sorts of other things, but obviously they didn't allow that. That's a fisher. So that's why people had confetti. [00:33:53] Speaker A: Except we didn't have confetti. And you were very upset about it. [00:33:56] Speaker C: I know everyone else did. [00:34:00] Speaker A: You just wanted confetti so bad. [00:34:02] Speaker C: I know people have rice. Like, they'll throw rice, so rice will get everywhere. [00:34:09] Speaker A: I think. Like, I knew that. Okay. So again, not having ever gone to this. I've heard of these things, and I always. I think I avoided it because, first off, when someone says the word hazing, you're just like, as a geek in high school, Val. One of valedictorians, you don't want to go and get hazed for free. Like. Like, you don't want to put yourself up for that. But you've also heard about, like, the rice, and, like, you get involved and stuff like that. And I don't think in my head, I thought it was going to be as fun as it was, and I was like a child with that. With that goodie bag, I was thriving. [00:34:39] Speaker C: Toilet paper. So much fun. [00:34:42] Speaker A: So much fun. The party hat I. Guys, I have a confession. I still have the party hat in my car. It's sitting in my middle console just in case I ever need to pop it out. [00:34:51] Speaker C: It was so fun. [00:34:53] Speaker A: It's so fun. But, rj, you didn't do it. You didn't do the goodie bags. At first off, I need to know why, but also, I need to know what was your experience then of not having said goodie bags to engage the process? [00:35:07] Speaker B: Oh, how else do you say I'm a cheapskate? I don't know. No, I knew that. I knew that it was part of the experience, but I also knew that, like, literally every other person around us had a goodie bag. And I knew enough about the experience that gets thrown. Thrown backwards. And if I really wanted to throw something, something was probably gonna end up in my lap. So. [00:35:38] Speaker A: Did it. [00:35:39] Speaker B: We did it. Did it. Did, like, literally almost every single. Obviously the. The individual things, you know, the bell. [00:35:47] Speaker A: And the. [00:35:49] Speaker B: Neon, like, some things, the newspaper we didn't have. Right. But anything that was in the air, I did have, but also just. [00:36:05] Speaker A: Was. [00:36:05] Speaker B: Not entirely aware or it wasn't my forethought to be like, oh, I need to purchase a goodie bag before I go inside. And then, honestly, by the time that they were talking about goody bags, we were, as, you know, kind of centrally located to the row, and I was like, I do not want to climb over 15 people to go get a goodie bag. So it was a little of both things. But I thought. I mean, we still very much experienced the items without paling. [00:36:41] Speaker A: I do just want to throw this out here, that I not only clamored over Kylie, but I totally caught my foot and tripped to get out of my row to go and get those damn goodie bags. So dedication, rj, Dedication. [00:36:58] Speaker B: The difference between you and I, as we know. [00:37:00] Speaker C: But I also see, like, how that could have added, like, another layer for you of, like, could you have enjoyed it more or you could have. It could have made it even worse because you also don't know when to do those things. [00:37:17] Speaker B: Yeah, And I will say, like, they. They had those cue cards. [00:37:23] Speaker C: They were not lit up. [00:37:24] Speaker B: That poor girl. [00:37:25] Speaker A: The. [00:37:26] Speaker B: The lighting, I will just say, was very poor. And so most of the time, even when she was holding up a sign to kind of cue folks to engage, you couldn't see the sign and. Or people were doing it at completely different times. Like, they weren't always following that, so. Totally agree, Kylie. I. I think it almost was. It did ride that line of, like, I'm getting hit in the face with a toilet paper roll. And I don't know why. Like, I don't know. Like, I. What does this have to do? Like, I think that I did struggle with some of the things made sense, but some of the things I was like, what is the symbolism? I. I wasn't always 100% on that either. [00:38:12] Speaker A: I mean, that's fair because I don't. Like, they don't tell you what the toilet paper. Like, is there actually toilet paper in the film? I don't think there is. Right. [00:38:19] Speaker C: No, not in the film. But it's some line. I don't remember the line. But all of them are based off lines like the ace of cards. Like, do you hear the bells ringing? Like they're all lines. [00:38:33] Speaker A: Got you. [00:38:34] Speaker B: It's so literal. [00:38:37] Speaker A: I guess this would be a question for both of you having been in there. So the people running the lights, those were obviously somebody that was from the Rocky Horror. Like, like the foundation that like keeps Rocky Horror alive. Like they're the ones that are doing that, correct? [00:38:52] Speaker C: Yes, I believe so. [00:38:55] Speaker B: Yeah. I mean, I would struggle to say yes or no, depending on. Because sometimes shows will bring. They'll just hire like it was clearly a spotlight. Like they didn't have specialty lighting. It was like stage lights, spotlight. And I think they were running the movie literally from a laptop on the table in the back of the theater. So, you know, like. But that is exactly. That was what I would expect from something that is a non profit that has people who are literally just volunteering their time. They probably didn't have any type of rehearsal. They just showed up in this theater and they just did it. [00:39:34] Speaker C: I actually said that they probably had at least a few rehearsals, but it was definitely all volunteer. [00:39:44] Speaker B: Yeah. [00:39:45] Speaker A: I mean, not only that though, they. As we were walking out and I've seen this on Instagram and stuff like that. This group still does State Wayne every other Friday. Like two Fridays a month. [00:39:56] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:39:57] Speaker A: So like they're probably not used to a theater quite like the Fisher and bringing it Alive. But that spotlight again. And I think once, like when we talk about the Shadow cast, which I want to get into that as well, it does become very overwhelming in that like you're trying to watch the movie, you're watching the Shadow Cast, you're watching for the cue cards. Then there's, you know, there's the Dr. Everett or the one guy over here. Yeah. There's like a lot of moving pieces that again, my first time I was like, what do I look at what am I supposed to be doing? And most of the time, I think, Kylie, I was looking at you for guidance because, again, I was like, I don't know what I'm supposed to be doing here. Or I was looking at the ringleader that was on the other aisle who knew that he could do it with his eyes shut. Like, he knew exactly what to do and when to do it. What do you think? Like, were all the pieces overwhelming? Like, when you factor in the shadow cast and everything? [00:40:54] Speaker C: I think even for me, like, there were points where I was overwhelmed just because I truly, I was like, I don't know who to look at. And I want to give the attention to the shadow cast because they're doing the work, they're putting it in, but I also want to see what's going on in the movie. I knew when to, like, pull things out. So, like, that. I don't think that was overwhelming for me, but it was definitely where, like, oh, gosh, I don't know who I'm looking at, or am I spending too much time looking at this. Am I not giving them the attention or love that they deserve? But I think that was the most overwhelming part. [00:41:37] Speaker A: How about for you, rj? [00:41:39] Speaker B: Yeah, I would agree. There is just a lot. There's a lot happening. Often. I was, once again, as a person who does live theater, I wanted to pay attention to those that were acting because I know the time and the effort that goes into putting a show on. And once again, but obviously, like, they aren't. They weren't miced and they weren't speaking. And so you were trying to follow the pantomime that was happening with. And probably why it didn't sound like English to me, truly, because I was so focused on the cast that the. Also not the best sound or a lot of bass in the sound where I was like, what are they saying? What are they doing? And then, yeah, you had the two kind of, you know, cue card and narrator on the very ends of the stage, on a bigger stage where your focus is just kind of going all over the place. But I appreciated what they were trying. I. I understood what they were trying to do, and I think they accomplished what they were looking to do. It just is a lot. It is a lot. [00:42:56] Speaker A: I think it stays a lot until you probably are very indoctrinated into it. Like, obviously, there's a lot of moving pieces and there's a lot happening. And like, you said the pantomime and stuff like that. And, like, sometimes they went over a board to Try to sell it. You know, Dr. Frankenfoeter and Brad in the bed scene, like, was definitely one of those moments. And you're like, okay, they're really going for it, and they're really trying to do it because they're trying to get their own reaction. Not just reaction of the. Of the movie, but, like, they're trying to, like, they're also actors trying to. To get the energy that they require that they want from their performances. And they did a great job with that. But I think, like, as that newbie, you're just like, whose focus do I. Do I give this. Like, who do I give my focus to? And it's a little bit different, but I'm going to use this as an example. But RJ being in Sweeney Todd, there are scenes that are. There's so much going on. But, like, you. You, like. You know who to pay attention to. You know what I mean? Like, I'm thinking of, like. Like the scene with Pirelli's magical elixir, and there's. Everybody's on stage. Or like, the ones where, like, there's the. There's the story of what happened to Sweeney Todd's wife. That. And you're like, you know, in this one, there was. There was a clear picture of what you're supposed to focus on. But then when. If you don't know that, like, oh, I'm supposed to throw the race now, that's where that confusion kind of happens, you know? Or, like, where do I pull out the bell and I tinkle it, you know? Kylie, do not. [00:44:27] Speaker C: I'm just a child, but you know. [00:44:30] Speaker A: What I mean, right? Like, I think that, like, with a lot of shows, when there's a lot going on, they direct you to where you're supposed to look. And this one, there wasn't as much direction to focus on. [00:44:39] Speaker C: I think I would really. Sorry. I think I would really like to see them in a space that they're more comfortable with. I think this big of a stage was a lot, and so I think they were really trying to fill it. So I would like to see them in their own space where maybe it's a bit smaller or they're more comfortable with it. Yes, I think they would thrive there, and that's probably why they have been thriving for so many years. [00:45:18] Speaker A: Do you think it was confusing? I'm gonna start with you, Archie. Do you think it was confusing that they switched out some of the cast halfway through? [00:45:25] Speaker B: I think the first, like, one or two folks. Yes. Just because the costuming. If I Recall correctly, was a bit different. So you had to just be able to follow essentially the movie and then in align it with what was happening on stage. But after, like, the first or second person, I was like, oh, like, they're flipping. They're actively flipping the cast right now. Which I did at the end. Appreciate, because you saw. Honestly, I felt like the characterizations were substantially different, which is just. I mean, it's another cool part of theater because you see what different actors and actresses bring. [00:46:12] Speaker A: So how about you, Kylie? [00:46:16] Speaker C: I agree. It was very easy for me to follow it just because I knew what was going on. I knew what these characters would dress like, what they would walk like, what they would act like. But for rj, for someone who's never seen it, I do understand how it's hard to align that even for someone who maybe doesn't do theater. Like, okay, how are they supposed to know that they have to align the character in the movie and this and that? Like, I think that adds a lot of layers. But I did appreciate it because it brought a lot more to the table. [00:46:57] Speaker A: And it kind of allowed everybody to have a moment. You know, like, as an actor, everybody deserves a moment. Everybody wants a moment. And that was such a big stage that they got to do that on. That's probably not something that they're very used to and that they got to. Everybody wanted to be a part of that and showcase their love for this piece of art, at least I would think so. Before we. Before we, you know, completely move on to Ms. Patricia Quinn, who was there for us, we got to talk about the music. Obviously, the music is a big deal here. I will never not be a fan of Touch A Touch A Touch to Touch Me, because that is such a classic. But what song stood out to you? Kylie, let me start with you. What songs are always catch your attention? [00:47:41] Speaker C: I love Eddie's song. Ooh, Wor He Comes out of the Freezer. That is probably my favorite song of the entire show. [00:47:55] Speaker A: It's a great one. [00:47:56] Speaker C: Yeah. I also think I just hold love in it because when I did it, like, years ago, one of my favorite people was Eddie. And so I'm just like, oh, I love that song, and I love that person, and I love the memory that it brings for me. [00:48:11] Speaker A: I mean, that's such a great song, though, too. Like, that's like a. That's a hype song. Like, there's a lot of hype songs in the show, and that's a great one. [00:48:17] Speaker C: And he's coming out of the freezer On a motorcycle. Are you kidding me? That's so cool. [00:48:23] Speaker A: And stealing The Thunder of Dr. Frank N. Furter, who is pissed off. [00:48:26] Speaker C: Oh, piss. It's so good. [00:48:30] Speaker A: Rj, what song was just like. That's the song I'm going to sing at karaoke from here until I die. [00:48:38] Speaker B: Oh, I don't know that I would go that far, actually. Shockingly, I think we might have the same Kylie because that song, it felt different than the rest of them. I don't. And maybe it's just because I liked the character. Like, I just. He felt the most normal out of everyone, and maybe that's why I was drawn to him. And I was also like, okay, baddie and some type of normalcy, even though it's clearly not normal, but compared to everything else, in that moment, it kind of felt normal. And so I think we're also always kind of drawn to the things that. Or songs that feel closest to us or most real. And so, I mean, out of everyone in that cast, like, that is the character that I feel like if I were to be in the show, that's what I would go for. So. Yeah. Yep. I mean, but, I mean, you can always say every. Everybody knows and loves Time Warp like that. I just, like. It's just the. It is the staple. So I can. I can appreciate that song, but I can't say that it's like my favorite, but I appreciate it. [00:49:59] Speaker A: I just. We're gonna have to go back for a second because you said you picked the song that's closest to you. What are you saying about me? Like, in touch. A touch of. Touch me here, sir. [00:50:08] Speaker B: Hey, I'm not saying anything about you. [00:50:11] Speaker A: I think you might. I think you might be. It's okay. Science double picture. Science feature. Picture show. That. That is obviously the best song ever. Like, that's. What a way to start the show. It's. It's the best. I think, like, it just sets the tone so well. But also, yeah, Meatloafs. Whatever happened on a Saturday night is fantastic. Like, that is. That is quintessential. Just like, that's a rock song. It's just in the middle of all this Broadway show, you have this rock song with meatloaf. Like, who. Who wouldn't love that? [00:50:44] Speaker C: I think it's such, like, a turn for a lot of people. I. Yeah, I just think it's a lot a turn because some people's, like, love interests are coming back, but then they're killed again. Or like this first invention. I don't know if he was his first invention or not either. [00:51:08] Speaker A: Wasn't he just a local boy? He was like a local man. Like a human man. I'm pretty sure I could be wrong. You're an expert here. [00:51:17] Speaker C: I thought he was one of his inventions and that's why he put him in the freezer. But I could be wrong. [00:51:26] Speaker A: I mean, that probably. That probably works. I mean. I mean, that makes sense. [00:51:30] Speaker C: But you get to see this, like, anger and, like, oh, he's pissed. He needs to go. And by, like, oh, my gosh, she's my love. And everyone else is just happy to have a good time. [00:51:42] Speaker A: Yeah, it does change the show. I mean, that's the turning point for Frank N. Furter, where people just really start to like. And then by the time he's carving them up, it's over, you know? [00:51:52] Speaker C: Yeah. [00:51:55] Speaker A: RJ has this look on his face like, I was trying to. [00:51:58] Speaker B: I was trying to do some research. Just trying to do some research. Because I'm serious. [00:52:04] Speaker A: I mean, I think that that's a good point. Like, even if he wasn't the first experience, maybe he was someone. Thing he was going to use for a future experiment. Because you have them on ice, Literally. And of course, the. Probably the biggest draw for so many people was that the original Magenta, Patricia Quinn, had joined us on stage. And not only was she from the movie, she was also from the stage show. And learning that she did the Lips for the opening song and how they held their head in was actually something really cool that I did not know. So, Kylie, I'm gonna start again with you because, like, this, again, I think, is, like, that was. That was something that draws somebody who loves Rocky Horror to come to the show. Is that a selling point for somebody like you who's lived it, breathed it, saw it way too young? [00:52:57] Speaker C: Um, I. For me, personally, no, I think it's cool, but I don't think it added any, like, specialness for me. I don't know if that makes any sense. I was like, oh, that's cool. And I loved hearing her talk. And, like, I honestly want. I could talk to her for hours. I just wanted her to tell me stories all day long. [00:53:31] Speaker A: Mm. [00:53:32] Speaker C: But I don't know if it, like, really added anything for me. Yeah. [00:53:39] Speaker A: Which is fair. Did you learn anything from there that you didn't expect? [00:53:45] Speaker C: Yeah, I didn't know that she was the Lips. I didn't know how they held her in and did all that. I. That was cool. [00:53:51] Speaker A: Mm. Slightly tortured device. Ish. [00:53:56] Speaker C: We'll move past that. So, yeah, it was Cool. But I don't know that it added anything thing for me. [00:54:04] Speaker A: Archie, do you think that that was probably the draw like for you? I know for you and I probably wasn't, but like for others that probably was what like sucked them in? [00:54:15] Speaker B: Yeah, well, it's, it's such a, it has such a following that I feel like if someone's going to come see Rocky Horror, they're going to come see Rocky Horror. But for sure, the fact that you're bringing in, in OG to speak is, is a massive bonus. Right? Especially if you particularly, I'll say those that grew up with her maybe or, and, or are around her age currently because I think we all, once again we identify with those like that we can relate the most to. And even though we can't all relate to, you know, stars, she, she was younger obviously when she did this movie and there were for sure people in the audience that I do think were probably close to her in age and that was probably a meant even more to them. But I think that she was super well received. I think everyone loved hearing those stories. Like you both mentioned the unique perspective and bringing up of course the fact that it was a stage show prior to being a movie and how that all came to be. We don't hear those stories anymore because really if you want to know them, you have to look for them. So it was cool that when I was looking at the promo, I thought that they were just gonna have her maybe sitting at a table out front or something like that, like a meet and greet. And so I did find it very interesting that it was actually a quote unquote fireside chat type style before the show even began. But also a cool way to ensure that people did see her and did hear her speak. Because all too often when you have those folks maybe just sitting out front or you know, like an author signing books out front, they don't really get the attention that, that they deserve. [00:56:31] Speaker A: I was going to say I've seen this a lot with like book signings lately where they always have like a chat first and like you have like an hour chat about the book, chat about what's coming up next. Chat like what? I went to Ann Arbor recently for one and so when I saw that I was like, this is cool because it gives you that like humanizing moment with this larger than life person. Like for people who have been watching this for 40 years, this was a larger than life individual. And you get this moment where you're just like, sit down and have a drink with me. Let's talk stories. Let's swap your experiences. And, like, so I do think it was cool. I think it was like getting this slice of history that is unfortunately soon probably going to be gone. Like, these actors are getting older. We don't get this for much longer before it's just a film. It's just a stage show. Time for our favorite question. Rj, you know what's coming up? What is it? What is the rewatch ability of this? And I specifically ask this question in this way. Would you go to this experience again? Because I think that, again, you could watch this movie again at home. Probably not. Maybe. But would you go, now that you've done it once, would you go again to this experience? Rj, I'm gonna start with you. Go ahead. Would you go again? [00:57:47] Speaker B: Oh, we all already know my answer to this. It pains me to say, but no, probably not. It's just not my cup of tea. And I'm totally okay. I'm totally okay with the fact that it is totally some people's cup of tea. It's just not mine. But I can appreciate. I can appreciate it from afar. [00:58:18] Speaker A: Fair enough. Kylie, would you go again? [00:58:22] Speaker C: Yeah, I'll probably go at least once every few years. It's just. It's just like a fun experience for me, but that's because I've been around it so much, so I'm very used to it. I don't know if I would go to that specific, like, at the Fisher again, but of course I would see it again. [00:58:53] Speaker A: So I have to say that this is also probably a no for me, but with the caveat of, I am so glad I got to experience this once. I feel like this is one of those things that, like, you have to see it at least once to say that you did. Like, like, there's some things in life you have to experience, and if you don't experience it, you're kind of missing out. And for that, I'm really grateful that I got to see it. Would I see this again maybe somewhere else and getting a different experience? Yeah. Because I've heard of, like, the Redford Theater. They've done it before, and it's been a big thing. And, you know, State. State Wayne would probably be really cool. I had mentioned to RJ about there is a live show that was going on that I would have seen. We don't have to talk about the reasons why, but there was reasons why I would go see that live stage show, but it unfortunately wrapped up. I am glad I got to see it. I probably would not seek this out again, unfortunately. [00:59:54] Speaker C: I think you should see it on the stage version because Shadowcast is very, very, very, very different. [01:00:06] Speaker A: The one I would have saw live just ended. So next year we'll see what the next year brings. And who knows, you know? But thank you for listening to another episode of the Cosmic Curtain, the official podcast of Cosmic Circus Broadway. Don't forget to like follow and subscribe to us at Boxseat Babes or Cosmic Circus. If you are interested in finding us outside of our box seats, please check us out at. You can find me. It's in 301 RJ. Can the people find you? [01:00:44] Speaker B: Journey through the past with underscores after each of those words. [01:00:49] Speaker A: Perfect. And Kylie, you are always doing something. You're always in a show. You are in Beauty and the Beast. We talked about you on our podcast. Where can people find you? Because they're going to want to follow a star in the making. [01:01:02] Speaker C: It's Tylee Kmusic, simple and sweet. [01:01:08] Speaker A: So thank you so much again everybody, until our next curtain call.