The Rocky Horror Picture Show, a hysterical but truly disturbing comedy cult classic, will be shown for the first time in recent history at Arapahoe Community College on Oct. 22 at 7 p.m. in the Half Moon. Those attending are encouraged to dress up for the free event in accordance with the film style, and gifts and door prizes will be given for the best costumes.

"We try to do fun and entertaining things centered on the Halloween season, so we decided to show this film," said Matt Bowman with ACC Student Activities. "We wanted to have an event with a little more of a light-hearted feel to it this year. The great thing about the Rocky Horror Picture Show is that it is interactive. We encourage guests to dress accordingly, as well as use their own props. We will be providing a limited number of 'goodie-bags' filled with props for the event, so arriving early presents a unique opportunity for guests."

In the mid-1970s, midnight screenings of the Rocky Horror Picture Show began. As word of mouth spread about these showings, the film became popular. In the show, innocent young lovers Brad and Janet are stranded when their car breaks down, so they are forced to seek refuge in the castle of the bizarre Dr. Frankenfurter, who is having a gathering of some kind, according to a synopsis by Ben Lilly.

"What ensues is an unforgettable night of music and madness where, like a circus act, you never know what's going to come next. Adding to the madness is the narration of the soporific Professor, who, in omnipotence, recounts the whole story from the comfort of his genteel study. Of course, there are pre-designed spots for audience participation - from being doused with spray bottles to throwing popcorn at the screen to getting up from your seat and dancing along to the incomparable 'Time Warp.'"

At the midnight showings, not only do patrons dress up, they bring props. The most common include rice thrown at Ralph and Betty's wedding; water pistols for the back row to squirt during the rain scene; newspapers for front and middle rows to shield themselves from rain; flashlights for "There's a Light" verse of "Over at Frankenstein Place"; rubber gloves for the creation speech when Frank snaps his gloves three times; noisemakers; Scotts brand toilet paper for the time Brad yells "Great scott!"; Confetti for the end of the "Charles Atlas" reprise; toast for Frank to propose a toast at dinner; a party hat; a bell; and cards for sorrow and cards for pain.

The film will be shown at 7 p.m. in the Half Moon, Room M1800, in the ACC Main Building at Santa Fe and College drives in Littleton.

Arapahoe Community College has served the south Denver metropolitan area since 1965. One of 13 colleges in the Colorado Community College System, ACC offers more than 100 degree and certificate programs to its 7,500 plus credit students per semester through sites in downtown Littleton and Parker. ACC also offers professional development, customized training
and other non-credit offerings enjoyed by many more lifelong learners.

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