This week, the world said goodbye to Tim Curry, the iconic actor celebrated for his role in “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” Known for his portrayal of the flamboyant Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Curry’s influence on the cult classic has resonated with fans for decades, ensuring the film’s continued success and cult status.
Despite Curry’s passing, his legacy lives on. Fans in Arizona can look forward to numerous screenings and stage adaptations of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” in the coming weeks. These events often feature a live shadow cast, audience participation with singing, dancing, and shouting callback lines, keeping the spirit of the original alive.
The Majestic Theatre in Tempe has already sold out its upcoming screening, though additional tickets are available for a later showing in September. Tucson’s The Loft will also host the film next month and continue to show it on the third Saturday of every month. For those in Tempe and Flagstaff, ASU Gammage and the Orpheum Theater will hold screenings in October, with a special meet and greet at Gammage featuring original cast members Barry Bostwick and Patricia Quinn.
In addition to movie showings, stage productions are planned for October at the Historic Yuma Theater and the Marroney Theatre at the University of Arizona. Meanwhile, the AZ D.R.A.G. Theatre Troupe will host a “Rocky Horror” drag show at Kobalt Bar in Phoenix on November 14. Drag performer Trey DeGroot describes it as a “tribute style concert drag show” that combines elements of shadow casting with interactive audience participation.
“Tim Curry has made an impact on queer culture and community that can never be understated,” DeGroot noted. “‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ has been a long-standing tradition of bringing people together, and now more than ever it is important to cultivate and nurture our queer community safe spaces.”
Kathy Smith, leader of Heavy Petting, the shadow cast at The Loft in Tucson, remembers her first encounter with the show. She went on to join the cast at 18 and has since played every role, though Frank-N-Furter remains her favorite. “The movie itself came out at a time when gender bending, when outcasts were not accepted,” Smith said. “What Tim [Curry] did with this movie is he created that [safe space].”
Smith emphasized how the film and Curry’s portrayal opened doors for many to express themselves freely. “He opened up the door and let all of us weirdos, freaks, and ridiculous humans come through and be ourselves unequivocally,” she stated, highlighting the community and sense of belonging the “Rocky” experience fosters.
See ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’ around Arizona
Sept. 19, The Loft Cinema in Tucson. Movie/shadow cast version. Tickets:
https://loftcinema.org/film/the-rocky-horror-picture-show/
Sept. 26, Majestic Tempe 7 in Tempe. Movie/shadow cast version. Tickets: https://www.majesticphx.com/movie/MajesticTempe7/THE-ROCKY-HORROR-PICTURE-SHOW
Oct. 9, ASU Gammage, Tempe. Movie/shadow cast version. Tickets: https://www.asugammage.com/ROCKY
Oct. 11-25, Marroney Theatre in Tucson. Rock musical version. Tickets: https://theatre.arizona.edu/show/the-rocky-horror-show/
Oct. 17, Majestic Tempe 7 in Tempe. Movie/shadow cast version. Tickets: https://www.majesticphx.com/movie/MajesticTempe7/THE-ROCKY-HORROR-PICTURE-SHOW
Oct. 23-24, Historic Yuma Theatre in Yuma. Rock musical version. Tickets:
https://www.yumaaz.gov/government/parks-recreation/park-recreation-locations/yuma-art-center-historic-yuma-theatre/rocky-horror-picture-show
Oct. 24, Orpheum Theater in Flagstaff. Movie/shadow cast version. Tickets: orpheumflagstaff.com
Nov. 14, Kobalt Bar in Phoenix, Drag show event. Tickets: https://www.instagram.com/p/Dcje5csHZR-/?img_index=1
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