How to celebrate 50 years of ‘Rocky Horror Picture Show’

Raise a toast to cannibalism because Rocky Horror Picture Show celebrates its 50th anniversary this year. In honor of spooky season and the cult classic’s preeminence as the longest running theatrical release in the U.S., many San Diego theaters are getting in on the fun with call backs, shadow casts, props and costumes.

Shiver with anticipation for these Rocky Horror events.

Crazed Imaginations

San Diego’s local shadow cast has kept the Rocky Horror Picture Show magic alive since the early 1980s. The inclusive team of volunteers acts out scenes from the movie beneath the screen while audiences shout, throw things and dance the “Timewarp,” creating a tight-knit community of outsiders and weirdos. The cast performs two to three shows per month but is putting on extra performances this October.

Crazed Imaginations has special welcome games for virgins – as vets call those who have never seen Rocky Horror before. With 40 years of continuous performances, this is the most traditional way to celebrate Rocky Horror season in San Diego.

Box office tickets are $20, cash only. Advance tickets available with a fee; 10:30 p.m. on Fridays in October except on Halloween, Oct. 31, when there will be a 9 p.m. screening and midnight screening at La Paloma Theatre, 471 South Coast Highway 101, in Encinitas.

“Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror”

Despite successful runs of the musical in London and New York, the movie adaptation of Rocky Horror Picture Show initially flopped. It wasn’t until midnight showings began to incorporate audience participation and shadow casts that the film found its audience. And that audience has remained so loyal, it’s astounding.

The new documentary Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror tracks the inception of the cultural juggernaut through the eyes of creator Richard O’Brien’s son Linus O’Brien, who directs the documentary. It features interviews with original cast members Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon and more.

General admission tickets $13. Showtimes at 4:45 and 7 p.m. on Friday; 7:30 p.m. on Sunday; 4:45 p.m. on Monday; 9:15 p.m. on Tuesday, and 4:45 p.m. on Oct. 15-16 at Digital Gym Cinema, 1100 Market St. in East Village.

Nell Campbell and the 50th Anniversary Spectacular Tour

Join the original ‘Columbia,’ actor Nell Campbell, for a screening of the unedited “Rocky Horror Picture Show” with live actors from the Happy to be Here Club. Take part in a costume contest, audience participation and more.

All guests will be provided with a bag of Rocky Props since outside food and beverages, like toast and rice, are prohibited in Balboa Theatre. All weapons, including water guns, are barred at the venue.

Regular tickets start at $58. For a chance to meet Campbell, get an autograph and personal photo, VIP meet & greet tickets begin at $200. Screening at 8 p.m. on Oct. 25 at Balboa Theatre, 868 Fourth Ave. in the Gaslamp.

Lambda Archives’ “Rocky Horror” 50th Anniversary Screening

“Rocky Horror Picture Show” has become a touchstone in queer cultural history so what better way to celebrate than with Lambda Archives of San Diego, the keepers of local queer history. This fundraiser, with the tagline “Don’t dream it, fund it,” benefits the archives, which has experienced federal grant cuts this year.

An intro before the screening will explain the history and relevance of the phenomenon, which was an early example of queer representation and gender non-conformity that touched people’s lives.

Plus, October is LGBTQ+ History Month. Don’t just learn about queer history, live it.

Singing, dancing, fishnets and high heels encouraged. This is a sober event in partnership with Collective Coalition, which will provide mocktails.

Tickets start at $40. 6 p.m. Oct. 30 at Cinema Under The Stars, 4040 Goldfinch St. in Mission Hills.