‘Rocky Horror’ time warps 6 midnights this summer

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” the longest-running theatrical release in film history, debuts at the UltraStar Multi-tainment Center at Ak-Chin Circle Saturday at midnight and theater-goers are invited to dress in full “Rocky” regalia. 

Opening night will include special guests from the Midnight Mayhem Theatrical cast.

UltraStar will host a midnight “Rocky” showing Saturdays through July 27. Tickets are $5 and guests are encouraged to bring their own props – rice, toast, small toy water guns, and toilet paper – to be part of the movie’s tradition.

During the first show, guests will be able to purchase prop kits for $5 that include some of the items used during the show. The cult movie musical will be presented with full audience participation and performance by Midnight Mayhem.

A film adaptation from Richard O’Brien’s British musical horror comedy/rock opera, produced by Lou Adler and Michael White, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” features a performance by Tim Curry (“Clue,” “Home Alone”) as a bizarre and self-proclaimed “sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania,” and Susan Sarandon (“Dead Man Walking,” “Thelma and Louise”) and Barry Bostwick (“Spin City”), as Brad and Janet, a couple who find themselves lost on a cold, rainy night.

The musical pandemonium begins when the couple takes refuge in the castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter as he is about to reveal his greatest creation, as well as have fun with his reluctant guests.

“We are very excited to become the new home of the ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ for the Phoenix Valley,” said Adam Saks, vice president of UltraStar. “I grew up going to the midnight shows and I know how fun it can be and that it is a whole new segment of entertainment.”

Former Maricopa resident and member of Midnight Mayhem Gail Antoinette said, “I’ve been part of ‘Rocky Horror’ for over 12 years, through five theaters, and three different cast names, not even counting road trips to see ‘Rocky’ in other cities and states and ‘Rocky Horror’ conventions.”

“So it means a lot to me to bring something I love to a place where I have some roots,” she said. “As a cast, we couldn’t be happier that UltraStar reached out to us, and gave us this chance to spread the ‘Rocky’ love beyond the borders of the Valley.”