'Rocky Horror Picture Show' still going strong in Pittsburgh after decades

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” was released almost 50 years ago, but the cult classic film still draws fans in Pittsburgh to interactive late-night showings. One such showing, this Saturday night at Lawrenceville’s Row House Cinema, will feature plenty of yelling at the screen, throwing of toast and playing cards, and a cast of actors performing along to the film.

Released in 1975, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” centers on Brad (Barry Bostwick) and Janet (Susan Sarandon), a young couple who run into car trouble while driving to visit an old teacher. Looking for help, they stumble upon a strange castle and knock on the door. Inside, they find themselves at the mercy of the eccentric Dr. Frank-N-Furter (Tim Curry) and get a lot more than they bargained for, with plenty of dancing and debauchery to boot.

Inspired by mid-century horror and science fiction movies, “Rocky Horror” became a nearly instant cult classic, and showings with live “shadow cast” performers can still be found in most major cities. In Pittsburgh, the Junior Chamber of Commerce Players are the official “Rocky Horror” shadow cast company.

The Junior Chamber of Commerce Players (JCCP), who take their name from a line spoken by Janet in the film, have performed throughout the region for decades. They are doing shows at Row House Cinema in Lawrenceville, along with quarterly shows at The Oaks in Oakmont and occasional performances at other venues.

“We were one of the first cities to start shadow casting,” said Sam Bassett, president of the JCCP.

“JCCP and ‘Rocky Horror’ is a really fun tradition that has a long history in Pittsburgh, and we’re happy to be part of it as a venue,” said Kelsey Zehmisch, marketing director for Row House Cinema. “Our relationship with them has grown stronger, and we’re looking forward to hosting them in Lawrenceville.”

The cast has historically done “Rocky Horror” most often at the Hollywood Theater in Dormont, a venue that was taken over by Row House in October and is undergoing renovations.

“Obviously, there will always be a place for them at The Hollywood,” Zehmisch said.

An international community sprung up around the film, fueled by fans who don’t feel like they belong in other spaces.

“I think it still resonates because there’s always going to be a need for a place for the weirdos,” Bassett said. “‘Rocky Horror’ is the place where you can just be who you want to be.”

And that community has been faithful throughout the years. Bassett noted that ex-shadow cast members from as far back as the 1980s will still attend shows and pass on their memories.

The movie, and the live performances that accompany it, can be campy, over-the-top and very risque. It’s also a safe space for the audience — and the actors — to have fun, be silly and try out new things.

“’Rocky Horror’ is one of the few places where they want you to play with the source material,” Bassett said. “We like that. We like seeing different interpretations of the characters and the lines.”

The community thrives on improvisation and interaction. One of the most important parts of any “Rocky Horror” screening is the “callbacks,” or the responses to certain lines, scenes and characters that audience members yell at the screen throughout the film. Callbacks are outrageous and ever-evolving, and they allow the audience to play off each other and build new traditions.

Prop bags are also available at showings, and they include items like toast, toilet paper, glow sticks and playing cards. These props are deployed at appropriate moments in the film and add another layer to the experience.

As far as what to expect at a JCCP “Rocky Horror” showing? “A wild ride of goofiness,” Bassett said.

Bassett emphasized that no one is forced to participate. The cast’s goal is to make sure everyone is comfortable and having fun.

“This is our moment to let loose and feel like ourselves,” Bassett said.

In addition to Saturday at 10 p.m., Row House Cinema will be showing “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” with the JCCP on April 27, and again on June 1 for a special Pride show, both at their Lawrenceville location at 4115 Butler St.

Tickets are available at rowhousecinemas.com. Both Bassett and Zehmisch warned that tickets can go fast and urged fans to purchase them in advance. Part of each ticket sale goes to the JCCP.