Northern Michigan University Theatre and Dance will host its production of The Rocky Horror Show Thursday-Saturday, Oct. 23-25, in Forest Roberts Theatre.
The show will be directed by NMU Theatre and Dance alumna Maisie James (‘25) under the mentorship of assistant professor Kaitlyn Frotton.
This cult classic humorously pays homage to B movies from the science fiction and horror genres spanning the 1930s to the early 1960s. The plot follows a newly engaged couple who, after being caught in a storm, find themselves at the mansion of a flamboyant transvestite scientist, Dr. Frank-N-Furter. There, they encounter his latest creation, Rocky—a Frankenstein-like figure who is a fully grown, physically perfect muscle man with blonde hair and a tan.
At The Rocky Horror Show, the rules of traditional theater are meant to be broken. The show features a unique call-and-response theater environment where the audience is expected to be loud and interact with the show and its actors.
“Since it is the 50th anniversary of the show, I wanted to pay homage to the culture that created the callouts and the experience of Rocky that we love today, which ultimately came from the drag ballroom scene in Harlem in the ‘80s,” James said. “I really wanted to lean into the camp aspects and add extra flair to the characters with non traditional casting.”
The show will have various showtimes across the weekend, including a 7:30 p.m. showtime Thursday-Saturday and additional 10:30 p.m. showtimes on Friday and Saturday. There will also be an Opening Night Party following the Thursday show, featuring complimentary food and drinks and the opportunity to meet the cast and crew.
“The energy always ends up like a rock concert, and it's truly incredible to be enveloped in such a safe space where everyone can fully express themselves,” James stated. “Even if you're not much for audience participation, the work these actors have put in is nothing short of spectacular!”
This show is intended for mature audiences. Admission is $25 for the general public, $22 for NMU staff, seniors and military, $15 for youth, and $5 for NMU students. Tickets for this event can be purchased in person or online at nmu.universitytickets.com. This show is a fundraiser and does not accept flex passes or season tickets.