Spotlight: Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadow Play

by Tommy Milo

Colorado’s Elusive Ingredient is a record-holding troupe devoted to shadow casting, an art they showcase in union with Rainbow Cult. I had the pleasure of interviewing Jolee Harston, the Head of Marketing, in anticipation of the upcoming Rocky Horror Picture Show Shadow Play, which has been entertaining at Denver’s Meow Wolf installation over the past few years. Tickets are available for this year’s Summer Beach Party Extravaganza on July 9th and 10th.

Tommy Milo: Given the improvisational aspect of the Rocky Horror performances, from a rotating cast to ample room for ad libbing, has there ever been a feeling that the text of Rocky Horror has been changed for a new audience?
Jolee Harston: Part of the joy of The Rocky Horror Picture Show and shadow casting is that we are constantly working on adding/updating callbacks to be relevant to current events. We have a callback script that we mostly stick to, but we work together as a cast to come up with new jokes and bits, as well as checking in with any callbacks that may not feel appropriate in the current day and age. The original callback script for Rocky Horror is still very present in our performance. 

Milo: After attending multiple shows, I’ve noticed small changes to the cast’s traditions and catch phrases. How do you meet the moment and remain conscious of the audience and surroundings while making changes like these?
Harston: The Rocky Horror Picture Show, at its core, is a film meant to challenge norms and remain somewhat shocking. We try to find a balance between still bringing humor and pushing boundaries, while also being aware of certain things in the Rocky community that may have worked at one point, but no longer hold the same meaning and may be considered offensive. Language is ever-changing, and that gives us an opportunity to be creative and find new ways to express certain sentiments in a new way.

Milo: There was a recent controversy surrounding the PACE Center performing arts in Parker, Colorado, having to do with the censorship of LGBTQ flags. In such a contentious time for representation and diversity among the performing arts, how does Rainbow Cult break the mold?
Harston: I can’t speak for Rainbow Cult, but Colorado’s Elusive Ingredient breaks this mold by being LOUD, PROUD, AND UNAPOLOGETIC about the message of the film and our cast’s beliefs. Before every show, our MC delivers a speech where we clearly state our shows are not a place for hate in any form – racism, transphobia, homophobia, ableism, and F*CK NAZIS. The Rocky Horror Picture Show has historically been a safe place for the queer community and those looking for freedom and rebellion. The film and shadow casting community is about breaking gender norms, and we hope anyone who comes to our performances leaves with a little more freedom and confidence to express themselves authentically in all areas of life.

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