Rocky Horror Blog: Part 3

Not much new to report about the upcoming Rocky Horror screening I'm attending. A few problems here and there, most of which are related to finding a skullet wig to fit my huge head.

In the meantime, enjoy this story from a 1981 issue of Starburst magazine, a publication of Marvel UK. I had seen a few Rocky Horror notices here and there by 1981, but most of that was limited to the movie poster or newspaper ads. It wasn't until this Starburst story that I got my first real look at the film. I was confused, but intrigued. It had the word "horror" in the title, but the photos with the story didn't look like they came from a horror movie. And what was up with that manly looking woman in the doctor's scrubs?

It was a LONG time before I got my answers.

Below is a scan of the four-page Starburst story. It might not be legible after Photobucket gets done "processing" it, but it's worth a look anyway.

Rocky Horror Blog: Part 2

I spent a few minutes last night trying on the various costume components for Riff Raff. The results were decidedly mixed.

The biggest part of the costume — the tuxedo jacket — arrived in the mail yesterday and it impressed upon me the importance of designer clothes: It was a little tight across the back and extremely tight on my arms. Since I'm going to be in the audience (and not part of the main performers on the stage) this isn't a big deal to me.

The skullet cap, on the other hand, might be a serious problem.

I've got a big head, so it wasn't much of a surprise when the wig didn't fit. My (mostly) anonymous partner in crime has two solutions to this problem: the first involves a thin cap that will fit under the skullet wig and hopefully keep the wig in place; the second involves shaving my head. Fortunately for me, solution #2 gets in the way of our Halloween costume plans for later in the year, so my scalp ought to be safe for the time being.

The rest of the costume is pretty much complete. I've got the gloves and shirt, but need a pair of spats to fit over my boots.

Rocky Horror Blog: Part 1

So, I'm going to see The Rocky Horror Picture Show next month ...

As anyone within earshot of my voice during the last two can tell you, I think of Rocky Horror as "Geek Mecca." I feel spiritually obliged to attend an audience participation show at least once in my life, or risk being damned to watch re-runs of Charles in Charge for all eternity. The geek god is a vengeful god.

During the next few weeks I'll be posting occasional thoughts on the experience, including the name of the theater I'll be visiting (assuming any of you freaks want to meet up) and photos from the gig. It's my goal to get my partner in crime for this event to share some thoughts about the trip, as well.

First up: the costume. It wasn't difficult settling on a character. I've spent most of my adult life looking like Meat Loaf, so there wasn't much novelty in dressing as Eddie. He's also the universal "I'm Not Gay!" character to dress as, which is kind of sissy.

Is that a contradiction in terms? I don't think it is. Sometimes it takes a real man to wear fishnets and panties. Unfortunately, I'm not that man.

So I opted for my favorite character from the film: Riff Raff. Arriving in the mail sometime during the next week are the first parts of my costume: a tuxedo jacket and a "skullet" wig. Pictures of both items are embedded. Make-up will still be required, so my masculinity remains unchallenged (if that makes any sense.)

I also have a standing offer from someone willing to shave my head for me. And by "willing" I mean "insistent." At the end of the day, though, I suspect that Richard O'Brien would prefer a full head of hair over a clean scalp, so I doubt he'd be too offended if I kept my flowing locks intact.

Now all that's left is to apply some pressure to "Magenta" to get her to talk about her costuming process. I'll make sure all relevant comments find their way to her e-mail.

- The Creep