Where the men wear lace and makeup

It all started in 1975 when Tim Curry put on leather lingerie and sequined high heels.

Now, more than 25 years later, it’s been dubbed a “cult classic” that even Bremerton celebrates.

Once a month the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” plays at the Charleston Cinema on Callow Avenue along with a cast who act out the film while it is playing behind them.

Cat Lord, the master of ceremonies for the Charleston’s version of “Rocky,” founded one of the original “Rocky” cults, the Midnight Marauders, in California. He has been doing “Rocky” at the Charleston for about four years.

“I’ve always been doing ‘Rocky,’” Lord said. “I think it was the first real movement in open life style. Everybody can have something.”

Lord said traditionally the “Rocky” plays are at midnight because “nobody normal would show up that late.”

He said they have also always included the audience in the show, which includes a “virgin” orientation where the cast makes people who’ve never been to “Rocky” get up on the stage and do things.

Lord said part of the virgin tradition is not telling what those different things are.

The main character of the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” is Curry’s part, Dr. Frank N. Furter, an alien transvestite who creates a man for himself. He’s also the one changing the lives of the rest of the characters.

In the Charleston’s version of “Rocky” Jennifer Davis plays Frank N Furter.

“There’s something amusing playing a man, playing a woman,” Davis said. “Frank is a misunderstood goofball who actually has a lot of deep meaning.”

Nicole Deville, who plays the part of Columbia – one of Dr. Frank N. Furter’s groupies, has been acting at the Charleston for three years.

“It’s a movie classically known for dressing up and having a good time,” Deville said. “Why wouldn’t you want to be a part of that?”

Deville said she likes the “Rocky Horror Picture Show” because of its weirdness.

“Its weirdness is what makes it fantastic,” Deville said.

All of the members of the cast agreed one of the best parts about “Rocky” is the acceptance that it brings to its members and the audience.

“Anybody big or small can come in skimpy underwear,” said Heather Bates, the stage manager.

Being in their underwear was another part of the show most of the cast said was great.

“You can run around in your underwear in front of everybody,” said Harrison Riddle, who plays Brad Majors — the preppy boy who, with his girlfriend, finds himself at Dr. Frank N Furter’s castle.

Underwear is one of the reasons Ken Noland chose the role of Rocky — Frank N Furter’s man.

“It’s a fun role to play. It’s one of the most simplistic roles in the whole film,” Noland said. “Besides I get to run around in a gold Speedo.”

Riddle said he picked the role of Brad for an entirely different reason.

“I love it. I get to show my conservative side without worrying whose going to judge me for it,” Riddle said.

Shawn Mairs, who plays Meatloaf’s role Eddie – the rocker groupie, said he feels his role is the best in the whole play.

“He’s the coolest fat guy I’ve ever seen,” Mairs said.

In the film Eddie is Columbia’s boyfriend who is killed by Frank N Furter.

“That’s pretty much what life is: rockin out, get the lady, and then you die,” Mairs said.

Before the show, members of the cast put on a pre-show including a costume contest, which Noland said is another “Rocky” tradition.

“We totally encourage people to dress up,” Deville said.

Prop bags are also sold at the show, carrying out the “Rocky” tradition of throwing things during the play.

Frances Myers, owner of the Charleston, said even though the show is extreme it never goes to far.

Myers has been showing “Rocky” for about four years.

“No one else does it in the area,” Myers said. “They needed a place to perform and we’re a place to perform. We’re a good match.”

The next “Rocky” is Dec. 5 and 6 at midnight. Admission to the show is $6 for one night or $10 for both.

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