Ittttt’s back! Where to watch ‘Rocky Horror’ live performances, showings this month

The antici…pation is over! Join local theatergoers for a bizarre, unforgettable evening in a spooky Transylvanian mansion filled with off-the-wall characters.

“The Rocky Horror Show” premiered in London’s West End in 1973 before hopping the pond to Broadway in 1975. Created by Richard O’Brien, the musical pays homage to classic B-grade sci-fi and horror movies. The story follows Brad and Janet, a young couple with a flat tire who seek refuge in the remote home of a scientist, Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Through the night, Dr. Frank-N-Furter reveals his prized creation, a monster with rippling abs named Rocky. 

Adapted for the big screen in 1975, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” initially flopped at box offices but has since evolved into a cult classic by transforming a standard cinema screening into a hyper-interactive experience with iconic singalong tracks, callbacks and props-tossing.

First-timers are initiated with a lighthearted ritualistic ceremony. This year marks emotional significance for fans following the death of the film’s beloved star, Tim Curry, in August at the age of 80. Many theaters will pay special tribute in his honor.

Two local community theaters will perform the original stage musical. Authentic Community Theatre will host early performances at its Black Box Studio every weekend through Oct. 10, with 7 p.m. Friday and Saturday night performances. Later in the month, Chambersburg Community Theatre will present the show at The Capitol Theatre at 8 p.m. on Thursday, Oct. 29, and Friday, Oct. 30, followed by 3 p.m. and 8 p.m. shows on Saturday, Oct. 31.

Several local venues will also hold screenings of the film adaptation. The Waynesboro Theatre will host an interactive showing on Friday, Oct. 16, at 7 p.m., followed by a showing on Saturday, Oct. 17, at 5 p.m. The Maryland Theatre in downtown Hagerstown will start the show at 7 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 30; general and VIP tickets are available, with VIP including premier seating, pre-show party access, props, photo ops, and a costume contest. Then, Warehouse Cinemas in Leitersburg will have 9 p.m. and 10 p.m. showings on Saturday, Oct. 31.

Additionally, the Potomac Playmakers will present the movie with a live shadow cast on Friday, Oct. 30, at 11 p.m. and Saturday, Oct. 31, at 8 p.m., featuring actors in full costume and makeup in front of the big screen, lip-syncing dialogue and songs.

Long-time fan Tim Gress makes the show an annual Halloween tradition. Gress views the experience as a “representation of counterculture” and “a social bonding experience that allows everyone to be their own unique selves without fear of ridicule or prejudice.”

Readers should check individual theater websites to receive specific house rules and guidelines.

Websites & addresses for showings:

-Authentic Community Theatre, Black Box Studio, 43 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown: actforall.org/tickets

-Chambersburg Community Theatre, The Capitol Theatre, 159 S. Main St., Chambersburg: cctonline.org/shows-tickets/

-Potomac Playmakers, 17303 W. Washington St., Hagerstown: potomacplaymakers.org/get-tickets/

-The Maryland Theatre, 21 S. Potomac St., Hagerstown: mdtheatre.org/rocky-horror-2026

-Warehouse Cinemas, 20145 Leitersburg Pike, Hagerstown: leitersburg.warehousecinemas.com/movie/rocky-horror-picture-show/

-Waynesboro Theatre, 75 W. Main St., Waynesboro: waynesborotheatre.org/coming-soon

Editor’s note: This article was prepared by Claire Martin of Waynesboro.