Screenings of Rocky Horror in Syracuse & CNY Celebrate the Cult Classic’s 50th Anniversary
While the current time warp of the political climate of our country may not be favorable, the song from the cult classic film is always in style. To celebrate the iconic film’s 50th anniversary this year, venues across the state are showing special screenings and producing live renditions of the musical. For five decades fans have been attending interactive screenings for The Rocky Horror Picture Show with props included. And with Halloween around the corner, there is no better time to watch the film. Time is fleeting, so here are all of the screenings and performances of Rocky Horror in Syracuse and surrounding cities.
Please note that due to the topics covered in the film, many sites have age restrictions on event attendees. Please also check for what’s allowed in terms of costumes and props. All venues prohibit guests from using water or fire as props during the show.
The Rocky Horror Show vs. The Rocky Horror Picture Show
While it may be confusing at first, there is an important difference between ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ and ‘The Rocky Horror Picture Show’. The first refers to the original musical, written by Richard O’Brien. The first stage performance was on June 19, 1973 at the Royal Court Theatre in London. Since then casts around the world have brought the musical to life in numerous theaters. The live musical performance is faster-paced than the film and includes both extra songs and more audience participation.
The Rocky Horror Picture Show refers to the 1975 film adaptation of the musical. Like its predecessor, the movie was filmed in the United Kingdom and famously starred Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, and Barry Bostwick. It was released in the UK first on August 14, 1975 and in the US a month later on September 26. With a runtime of 100 minutes, the film has amassed a huge cult following around the world.
Rocky Horror Movie Screening at Salt City Bar
Saturday, October 18 in Syracuse
To kick off the season of Rocky Horror in Syracuse, Salt City Bar is hosting the first screening of the cult classic. Located inside Salt City Market, Salt City Bar will feature a few drink specials and free popcorn for all attendees. Tickets are $13 per person, and can be purchased online. Doors open at 9; the film starts at 10pm. Costumes are encouraged!
While you’re in the Halloween spirit, check out these haunted houses in Syracuse.
Rocky Horror Movie Screening at Emerald Cocktail Kitchen
Sunday, October 19 in Syracuse
What’s better than watching Rocky Horror on the rooftop with signature cocktails? Not much that I can think of and that’s why this will be the performance I’m most looking forward to. Even better, the movie is FREE to attend and all guests will get free popcorn. Emerald Cocktail Kitchen has crafted a few signature drinks for the occasion. “Dammit Janet” features Licor 43, cookies & creme Baileys, and creme de cacao. “Don’t Dream It, Be It” is made with Tito’s vodka, spiced apple cider, and caramel.
Doors open at 4pm and the film starts at 7. Prop bags will be available for purchase at $5 per bag. In the event of disagreeable weather, the movie will be screened on the first and second floors of the restaurant.
Rocky Horror Movie Screening at the Palace
Friday, October 24 in Syracuse
Spend an evening in Eastwood at the Palace Theatre on James Street for a special screening of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. This event has everything you’d want in a fun night out. Phokouttahere and Wrap’n’Roll will be serving out of their food trucks. Count Blastula will be providing the live music. Burlesque performers from multiple local groups will be performing. And there’s a costume contest for all attendees.
Tickets are $30 for balcony seats or $35 for floor seats in advance online. All tickets will be $45 at the door. Guests are encouraged to purchase their prop bags for $8 each when purchasing their tickets. Limited extra prop bags will be available at the door for $10. The event is strictly 18+.
Make the most of your day in Eastwood with these shops, restaurants, and more.
Rocky Horror Movie Screening at the Carriage House
Friday, October 24 in Auburn
Perhaps the most historic venue to screen The Rocky Horror Picture Show this season is the Carriage House Theater in Auburn. As part of the Cayuga Museum of History and Art, the Carriage House was one of the first places where films with sound (aka “talkies”) were shown. A century later, the theater is still making headlines as an active member of the community.
Doors open at 6:45 and the events begin at 7:30pm. Geoff Sparks, Director of Development & Outreach for the theater will begin the night with an introduction. Touching on the history & significance of Halloween in queer culture, it is the perfect segue into the cult classic film.
Tickets are $10 and are available online. Guests must be over 18 to attend. Prop bags will be available for purchase for $10. In addition to the movie screening, the theater will also be raffling off a basket of items donated by local LGBTQ+ organizations. Lastly, a cash bar with drinks and appetizers will be onsite.
Rocky Horror Live Musical at GNAC
Friday, October 24 & Saturday, October 25 in Clay
Celebrate 50 years of Rocky Horror and 4 years of the Great Northern Artists Collaborative with two LIVE performances of The Rocky Horror Show. This was actually the first show that the GNAC produced and it continues to be an audience favorite. Due to the mature themes of the performance, guests must be at least 13 years old, and any teens under 16 must be accompanied by an adult over 18.
Guests may bring their own participation bags from home, but they will be checked upon arrival. Attendees can also purchase bags for $5 at the venue; cash only. Tickets are $20 and can be purchased online. Both shows begin at 7pm.
Rocky Horror Live Musical at CNY Arts Center
Friday, October 24 & Saturday, October 25 in Fulton
(October 16 & 18 performances are sold out)
Head up to Fulton for four chances to see the live performance of The Rocky Horror Show at the CNY Arts Center. Tickets are $20 per person ($18 for students or seniors 55+) and are available online. Expect a fully immersive performance in a cozy theater setting. Prop bags will be available to purchase onsite.
Rocky Horror Live Musical with SUNY Cortland
October 24, 25, 26, 30, 31 & November 1 in Cortland
Head down to Cortland for the most opportunities to see a live performance of The Rocky Horror Show. With 8 performances on 6 different dates including both matinee and evening shows, it’s impossible not to find a time that works for you. This musical is a joint production between SUNY Cortland students and the Cortland Repertory Theatre.
Guests are NOT allowed to bring their own props for any performances. Instead, prop bags will be available for purchase for $5 each to support the Alpha Psi Omega Honors Society. Guests will be able to purchase from the cash bar and concession stand. Audience participation is encouraged!
People interested in attending can purchase tickets exclusively through the SUNY Cortland ticket office online. Tickets are $24 for adults, $20 for seniors and SUNY faculty & staff, and $15 for SUNY students.
A special performance will be at 11pm on Halloween night. Tickets for all guests are $50 and include dancing, games, prizes, and a costume runway.
Rocky Horror Movie Screening at Manlius Cinema
Tuesday, October 28 & Halloween Night in Manlius
Step foot inside Manlius’s historic theater for a night of naughty fun with The Rocky Horror Picture Show. As part of their Halloween series this year, Manlius Cinema is screening the movie twice. Once at 7:30 pm on Tuesday, October 28, and again at midnight on Halloween. (Well technically 11:59pm on October 31). Tickets are $16 and include a prop bag.
Other films in their Halloween series include The Corpse Bride (celebrating its 20th anniversary), Scream, Psycho, Nosferatu, and the premiere of Frankenstein.
Rocky Horror Live Musical at the Kallet
Thursday, October 30 in Pulaski
Following their two performances of The Rocky Horror Show in Clay, the Great Northern Artists Collaborative brings their show to the Kallet Theater in Pulaski. Due to the mature themes of the performance and the presence of alcohol at the venue, guests must be over 18.
Guests may NOT bring their own participation bags from home for this performance. But attendees can purchase bags for $5 at the theater. General admission tickets are $25; preferred seating is $40. A few VIP tables for 6 guests, including a free drink and participation bag per guest are available for $400 per table.
Doors open at 5pm and guests are encouraged to make a night of it with dinner before the show. The performance starts promptly at 7pm.
Rocky Horror Celebration with Burlesque & Drag
Saturday, November 1 in Utica
If you’re looking for a new way to celebrate the cult classic, check out the Time Warp Tribute: A Rocky Horror Celebration with the Players of Utica. Instead of the standard movie screening or musical production, this event features burlesque and drag performers alongside live singers. In addition, there will be vendors, a charity auction, and raffles to enter.
Tickets are just $20 and are available online. Doors open at 7pm and the performances begin at 7:30. Guests are encouraged to bring new or gently-used winter gear to donate to a local charity. As a thank you, they will be entered in the raffles.
Rocky Horror Movie Screening WITH BARRY BOSTWICK
Thursday, November 13 in Rochester
Diehard fans of Rocky Horror can watch a special 50th anniversary screening of the movie with the original Brad Majors himself, Barry Bostwick. That’s right. As part of the 50th Anniversary Spectacular Tour, Barry Bostwick will be heading to Rochester to participate in a live shadow cast at the West Herr Performing Arts Center.
The evening’s festivities include VIP meet-and-greet opportunities (including photos and autographs), a memorabilia display, costume contest, and more.
Tickets are available through Ticketmaster and start at $42.
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