Celebrate 50 years of ‘Rocky Horror’ at ASU Gammage

Film fans will come together on Tuesday, Oct. 7, at ASU Gammage to celebrate the 50th anniversary of a movie that changed the world.

No, it’s not “Jaws,” although there’s a famous mouth in this one, too.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” had an inauspicious beginning: an unknown cast, bad reviews and low box-office returns. (Newsweek magazine called it “tasteless, plotless and pointless.”)

But the story of a naive young couple who get stranded during a storm and end up at the home of a bunch of horny, pansexual aliens struck a chord with a certain segment of the population, and midnight screenings that included fans dressing up in costume, yelling at the screen and throwing things rescued the film from cultural oblivion.

Today, it’s considered to be the longest-running film in cinematic history, and cast, crew and fans are leaning in hard to the milestone. Plans for the celebration include the release of the film in 4K Ultra HD Blu-ray; an anniversary deluxe edition vinyl release of the soundtrack; the theatrical release of “Strange Journey: The Story of ‘Rocky Horror,’” a documentary by Linus O’Brien, the son of “RHPS” creator Richard O’Brien; and a series of special screenings hosted by a member of the cast.

The Tuesday-night Tempe audience is getting Barry Bostwick for its screening. Bostwick, now 80, already had a Tony nomination under his belt (for originating the role of Danny Zuko in “Grease”) when he took on the part of total square Brad Majors in “RHPS.” He’s also known for portraying New York City Mayor Randall Wilson in the Michael J. Fox sitcom “Spin City.”

Fifty years is a long time. Bostwick says, “You know, people say, ‘50 years, it went by like a minute.’ Well, 50 years, I don’t remember half of it. I don’t even remember much about making the film 50 years ago. What has meant something to me is the ongoing result of making this movie. I hear the stories from people who are changed by it. I hear the stories of people who met their future wives and husbands there, and it was a litmus test of whether or not they wanted to be with that person if they liked ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show.’ I’ve heard that story many times.”

He’ll undoubtedly hear it again at ASU Gammage, where a VIP ticket gets you a preshow meet-and-greet with the actor. (VIP tickets are still available, as are seats in all nearly all sections of the theater.)

What can attendees expect at the show?

“Well, it’s like a whole evening of fun and games and costume contests and general weirdness and rowdiness,” Bostwick says. “And it’s a space to forget your troubles, come on, get happy, as the song says. “I was saying the other day: Disney, who owns the movie now, says that Disneyland is the happiest place on Earth. Well, I disagree. I think the happiest place on Earth is at a ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’ screening.”

Ticketholders are encouraged to dress up like “RHPS” characters, and there will be a costume contest. A local shadow cast will perform the film live in front of the screen. The price of a ticket includes a bag of props to use and throw. And Bostwick and “RHPS” fan club president Larry Viezel will appear onstage.

What does Bostwick expect at the Tempe show?

“As Brad says in the beginning of the movie, ‘It’s just a party, Janet.’ That’s our goal: just to have a party. I hope the cleanup crew is ready at the theater, because there’s going to be a lot of trash. And I don’t mean the people there; I mean the stuff they throw around. And at the end, there’ll be an echo of foul language circulating inside the theater for weeks to come. It’s a naughty movie, and the people who attend it feel no shame in terms of what they want to yell back at us on stage or at the film, which is part of the fun of it.”

A film that remains beloved, influential and screened weekly after 50 years is no small thing, and the anniversary is an opportunity to reflect on why “Rocky Horror Picture Show” continues to resonate with generations of fans.

“What it means to me is that I think we’re still changing lives,” Bostwick says. “And I think we’re still pushing the buttons socially and hopefully, politically in some places.” The movie “lets us celebrate our differences and create a safe place to act up, act out and maybe get closer to who (fans) authentically are.”

“Rocky Horror Picture Show” 50th anniversary screening with Barry Bostwick. 7 p.m. Tuesday, Oct. 7. ASU Gammage, 1200 S. Forest Ave., Tempe. Tickets start at $37.