When most bands take the stage, the only response they want from the audience is dancing, clapping and whistling. To those bands, cascading streamers of toilet paper and handfuls of rice could be a turnoff.
When local rockers The Scarlet Love Conspiracy kick off a rendition of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” tonight, Oct. 30, however, they’ll be disappointed if the audience at Rhythm & Brews doesn’t toss a lot more at them than applause.
“I hope I’m dodging toast while people are screaming along during the crowd-participation lines,” says bassist/vocalist Travis Kilgore. “I hope it’s the full … Monty.”
Since its debut in 1975, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” has developed an enormous cult following and established itself as more of a participatory experience than a musical film.
Through decades of regular midnight screenings around the country, fans of “Rocky Horror” have developed a rich script of behavior to help audience members feel more involved in the experience. These range from shouting interjections and covering their heads with newspapers to waving lighters and rhythmically snapping rubber gloves.