Put on your costumes and prepare for a night of fun as the Hilo Community Players put on a live production of Richard O’Brien’s “The Rocky Horror Show” to celebrate Halloween.
The Hilo Community Players will present a distanced, drive-in style production of “The Rocky Horror Show” at 7:30 p.m. tonight through Sunday, as well as Oct. 29-31 at the Afook-Chinen Civic Auditorium parking lot.
HCP originally planned on presenting the show last fall, but decided to push it back to this year due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
“We wanted to do this show in particular, because it is such a fun show and it allows for so much representation,” director Dr. Rachel Klein said. “The show honors the LGBTQIA+ community and the idea that people should live as they feel comfortable.”
“The Rocky Horror Show” is a cult classic live production that incorporates audience participation with call backs and shout outs.
“I think it’s a special show, because it encourages people to be exactly who they are,” Klein said. “For so many decades, people have been attending showings because they can come in costume and participate. It’s all about acceptance of others and yourself, and I think that’s so important for everyone.”
The show is a live drive-in and the entrance will open at 6:30 p.m. for each show. Parking will be limited by vehicle type, with tall cars, trucks, vans and SUVs not allowed in the center section of the first three rows.
HCP also asks that attendees empty a vehicle’s roof rack and to not bring tents, tarps, open hatchbacks and tall pop-ups.
Patrons may bring chairs to watch outside the vehicle, however they must remain within their designated parking area to maintain social distancing requirements.
“The actors will have microphones and we have a great sound system, so it’ll be blasting nice and loud,” Klein said. “If the weather is good, hopefully the audience will want to sit outside and participate with us.”
Participation kits will be available for audiences interested in being part of the show.
“We have kits filled with all of the props the audience is supposed to throw at the stage and those are really fun,” Klein said. “The more audience participation, the more fun of a night it is. The hardest part is the actors having to keep a straight face.”
The cast will perform the show rain or shine with a big tent covering the stage and live musicians. If it’s raining or spectators want to stay in their cars, audio for the show will be broadcast on FM radio.
Tickets are available online and cost $20 per person. Tickets will be $5 more on the day of the show.
Visit hiloplayers.org for tickets and more information.
Email Kelsey Walling at kwalling@hawaiitribune-herald.com
