As part of a long-time tradition at Keene State, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” was back on the big screen at the Putnam Theater.
The event, which was held on October 25, commenced with a costume contest. Attendees began arriving at 6:00 p.m. and the contest began at 6:30 p.m. for those who wanted to participate. Each contestant lined up along the wall and went up one by one to introduce themselves and who they were dressed as.
Sponsors of the Saturday night showing included WKNH, Keene State Media Productions, and KSC Pride; they were also the judges for the contest. Prizes, which were provided by WKNH e-board members, included a Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th anniversary edition blu-ray for third place, a $50 gift card to Bull Moose and a lifetime pass to the Putnam Theater for second place, and the first place winner received a Rocky Horror Picture Show 50th anniversary edition vinyl as well as a 50th anniversary edition Blu-ray.
First-year Alex Humphrey won third place dressed as Columbia, a character from the film. Sophomore Andrew Parker placed second for his Mario costume and his uncanny Mario impression. First place was first-year student Hailey Downie for her “biblically accurate angel” costume.
Following the costume contest was the film screening organized by the Film Society. Senior Mariah Rodriguez-Costa is president of the club and said she ensures that all movie screenings run smoothly. She was excited to screen “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and become part of a long-standing tradition at the Putnam Theater.
“I can’t remember how long we’ve been doing this… been [showing the film] for a while so it’s really awesome to be part of that tradition at the Putnam,” Rodriguez-Costa said. “It’s really nice too because it brings a community together.” There was no charge for tickets for the screening, so anyone was able to attend if they wanted.
The film, starring Tim Curry and Susan Sarandon, did not do so well during the initial daytime screenings. It became a bigger hit once it began doing midnight screenings and has become a cult classic over the years, with audience members bringing props to throw during specific scenes, as well as shouting out callbacks before and after specific lines. First-year Victoria Nalbandian came prepared, bringing a box of props including a party hat which corresponds with a specific scene in the movie. She was told that throwing props and calling out lines is a big part of the Rocky Horror showings.
Andrew Dutton, a junior who attended the showing with his friends, expressed that he found the film interesting after his first watch. He was unsure how to find the words to describe the film, but he described the experience as fun and “definitely energetic.”
Having attended this event at the Putnam Theater for the second time, senior Roxie Lyon described it as a really good time. “It’s always a lot of fun hearing the unhinged things people will yell at the screen,” Lyon said, “so it’s very unique in that way.”
Skylar Tourville can be contacted at
stourville@kscequinox.com
