Congress has cut federal funding for public media — a $3.4 million loss for LAist. We count on readers like you to protect our nonprofit newsroom. Become a monthly member and sustain local journalism.
This is an archival story that predates current editorial management.
This archival content was written, edited, and published prior to LAist's acquisition by its current owner, Southern California Public Radio ("SCPR"). Content, such as language choice and subject matter, in archival articles therefore may not align with SCPR's current editorial standards. To learn more about those standards and why we make this distinction, please click here.
Doin' the "Time Warp" With a Few Thousand Friends
()
Last night LAist bid adieu to summer with one last evening under the stars at the Hollywood Bowl. But last night wasn't the usual orchestra and picnic basket affair--it was a screening of the midnight movie cult classic Rocky Horror Picture Show, celebrating its 30th anniversary with what amounted to be the biggest ever audience participation crowd in the film's decadent and scantily clad history. The pre-show included a performance by the band Louis XIV, and a costume parade and contest won by a handsome lad in a gold lame pair of panties (dressed as Rocky, naturally). The night was emceed by former Go-Go and currently annoying Jane Weidlin, and the cast of the Art Theatre in Long Beach's Midnight Insanity group did the live show act-along with the film. The audience was a mish-mash of the clueless and some "wild and untamed things"--tons of drag, plenty of bare butt cheeks, and loads of lingerie. Some RHPS "virgins" were subjected to brief humiliation, and as the show went on the audience response shouts represented the dialogue of many generations and many theatres, all of which coin their own special, and frequently obscene, bits to scream at the screen.
Though it had been awhile since we'd last attended a screening, it was like a bit of a "Time Warp" of our own when the ridiculous songs, words, and gestures of the film flooded in like a flashback. We'd spent most Saturday midnight hours of our junior and senior years of high school dressed in lace and lipstick at South Pasadena's Rialto theatre, with the fine but freaky folks from the now-defunct group "Voyeuristic Intention." We know the whole ridiculous sci-fi fantasy cross-dressing musical start to finish, but we're a Janet Weiss("slut!") at heart. Last night we got to stand in the aisles of one of LA's oldest outdoor theatres with a few thousand of our fellow "Rocky Whores" and take that jump to the left and step to the right. We sang, we dodged streams of water from squirt guns, flying rice, toast, confetti, cards, and toilet paper. We realized what a goofy, plot-thin, over-the-top movie The Rocky Horror Picture Show really is, but--underneath all the marabou feathers, garter belts, and errant nipples lurks the films simple message: "Don't dream it, be it." Happy 30th Birthday, Rocky! For us, you don't feel a day over 17.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show screens regularly in Los Angeles at the Nuart Theatre, with live performances by Sins O' the Flesh, and at the Art Theatre in Long Beach with Midnight Insanity.
As Editor-in-Chief of our newsroom, I’m extremely proud of the work our top-notch journalists are doing here at LAist. We’re doing more hard-hitting watchdog journalism than ever before — powerful reporting on the economy, elections, climate and the homelessness crisis that is making a difference in your lives. At the same time, it’s never been more difficult to maintain a paywall-free, independent news source that informs, inspires, and engages everyone.
Simply put, we cannot do this essential work without your help. Federal funding for public media has been clawed back by Congress and that means LAist has lost $3.4 million in federal funding over the next two years. So we’re asking for your help. LAist has been there for you and we’re asking you to be here for us.
We rely on donations from readers like you to stay independent, which keeps our nonprofit newsroom strong and accountable to you.
No matter where you stand on the political spectrum, press freedom is at the core of keeping our nation free and fair. And as the landscape of free press changes, LAist will remain a voice you know and trust, but the amount of reader support we receive will help determine how strong of a newsroom we are going forward to cover the important news from our community.
Please take action today to support your trusted source for local news with a donation that makes sense for your budget.
Thank you for your generous support and believing in independent news.
Chip in now to fund your local journalism
(
LAist
)
Trending on LAist
-
After rising for years, the number of residential installations in the city of Los Angeles began to drop in 2023. The city isn’t subject to recent changes in state incentives, but other factors may be contributing to the decline. -
The L.A. City Council approved the venue change Wednesday, which organizers say will save $12 million in infrastructure costs.
-
Taxes on the sale of some newer apartment buildings would be lowered under a plan by Sacramento lawmakers to partially rein in city Measure ULA.
-
The union representing the restaurant's workers announced Tuesday that The Pantry will welcome back patrons after suddenly shutting down six months ago.
-
If approved, the more than 62-acre project would include 50 housing lots and a marina less than a mile from Jackie and Shadow's famous nest overlooking the lake.
-
The U.S. Supreme Court lifted limits on immigration sweeps in Southern California, overturning a lower court ruling that prohibited agents from stopping people based on their appearance.
Best of LAist