'Rocky Horror' returns to life

Performers make classic cult hit come to life twice a month at the Onyx Theatre

SPECIAL TO VIEWMembers of Divine Decadence get into character at the screening of "Rocky Horror Picture Show" at the Onyx Theatre. Actors will perform scenes from the movie as the film is playing. The next show is at 11:30 p.m. Saturday at the theater, 953 E. Sahara Ave. Advertisement

It begins with a virgin sacrifice.

But in a setting where audience members are encouraged to throw toilet paper at a movie screen, yell out lines and toss an entire deck of playing cards in the air in unison, could it really begin any other way?

It is the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" with the live cast of Divine Decadence, a Las Vegas-based theater troop that acts out scenes of the film as the movie plays behind them.

The sacrificial commencement is only figurative, but according to cast member Gayle Charette, the activity is among the most anticipated and anxiety-ridden events of the evening.

"The atmosphere is charged to begin with, and people are anticipating different things," Charette said. " 'Virgins,' which in this instance means someone who has never experienced the movie in a live setting or theater, are usually ratted out by their friends who can't wait to see them be embarrassed."

The ritual basically consists of audience members being branded with a scarlet "V" on the forehead and paraded in front of the crowd. Humiliating antics usually ensue.

"It's all in good fun," group founder Megan Tabor said. "Because that's what 'Rocky Horror' is all about."

The raucous and irreverent revelry begins at 11:30 p.m. the first and third Saturday of every month in the Onyx Theatre, 953 E. Sahara Ave.

"Sometimes we add some improvisation," producer and actor Don Norris said. "It all depends. We're certainly not the only troop of our kind. There are similar setups in almost every major city. But it's interesting to see how the subculture develops and travels. Each group has something that is unique to them ... in terms of the lines we call out or the way that we interpret certain things."

According to Norris, modern pop culture plays a big role in the fun.

"It's interesting to see the way the audience puts things together," he said. "When the O.J. Simpson trial was going on and the Frank character puts on rubber gloves, you would hear all sorts of puns about Johnny Cochran and the acquittal. Things like that make their way in pretty regularly."

Audience members are encouraged to participate in the show, adding lines, dressing in costume and dancing the Time Warp.

"This is an atmosphere of acceptance where anyone can come and make friends and have fun," Tabor said. "That's what the movie is about and we're about. A band of misfits who find their family. If you can't let lose with 'Rocky Horror,' you never will."

The next show will begin at 11:30 p.m. Saturday. The Sin City Roller Girls will appear as a special guest, and patrons can pose for a photo with their favorite roller girl.

Admission is $7. Children under 18 should be accompanied by an adult. For more information, visit www.divinedecadence.org.