AU Players present the 'Rocky Horror Picture Show'

The AU Players present “A Rocky New Year” at the Telfair Peet Theatre on campus with three nights of the Rocky Horror Picture Show at 9 p.m. on Friday, Jan. 9, Saturday, Jan. 10, and Sunday, Jan. 11. Performances include the movie and a live performance on stage. Playing the role of Janet is Shannon Dunlap, Brad is Brian Andress and holding the cross is Jonathan Smith.

By: William White Staff Writer | Opelika Auburn News
Published: January 09, 2009

Scandalous!

Outrageous!

Just a lot of fun!

There has been a run on ladies’ black, fishnet stockings, so to speak, as the AU Players start 2009 with “A Rocky New Year” on the main stage at the Telfair Peet Theatre.

The “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” an AU student tradition, screens the film as live performers act it out on the stage below for three shows this weekend.

“For someone who hasn’t seen this movie before, it will be kind of a shock,” said Heather Rule, who participated in Rocky for two years and is directing this year’s performance.

The fun begins after the movie’s characters and the theatre’s audience come to the “Dead End.”

“It is kinda scandalous and can be shocking for new eyes,” Rule said. “It isn’t about the moral of the story for this show, but is just for fun and entertainment.”

The AU Players present “A Rocky New Year” at the Telfair Peet Theatre on campus with three nights of the Rocky Horror Picture Show at 9 p.m. Friday, Jan. 9; Saturday, Jan. 10; and Sunday, Jan. 11.

The director thinks having a movie as well as actors on stage makes this performance different.

“My favorite part is being able to watch the movie as people act it out on stage.

“Also the interaction with the audience is a big part of this show, and that is always a lot of fun.”

Rule said the AU Players is a community of students with an interest in theatre, and the student produced “Rocky Horror Picture Show” is their annual fund raiser.

With performances on AU’s Telfair Peet Theatre’s main stage, admission for the shows is a mandatory donation of $10 to AU Players with everyone receiving their own throw bag that will be used during the show.

“We hope people will come wearing their own version of the costumes, so you will see a lot of variety,” Rule said.

The movie, narrated by a criminologist, is described as a tale about two innocent young lovers who are forced to seek refuge in the castle of the bizarre Dr. Frank N. Furter, who is having a special gathering. An unforgettable night of music and madness ensues, where, like a circus act, you never know what’s going to come next. By the end of the night, fantasies will be realities, men will be women and everything will be explained.