Mallet holds 'Rocky Horror' screening

In the 32 years since its initial theatrical release, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" has become ubiquitous in our culture, and on any given weekend in theaters across the country, fans can be seen acting out the film even while it plays.

While the Mallet Assembly's second annual "Rocky Horror" screening, which will be held tonight at 8 in the Ferguson Theater, will lack folks dancing across the stage in drag, it will include many of the other elements that make these screenings unique - namely, a variety of audience interactions.

"For the first 200 people that come, we're going to give out party bags," said Mallet resident advisor Travis Deese. The bags will include various "Rocky Horror"-related items as well as instructions for when to use them.

"It's just to give a base for people to free form it," Deese said. "That's the fun part of 'Rocky Horror.'"

Due to Ferguson Center policies, food items and water guns will not be allowed in the theater, Deese said.

The event will be held as a charity benefiting the West Alabama Food Bank, and admission will be charged in the form of one canned food item.

"I expect it to be very successful. Last year we had 150 to 200 people, and this year I expect us to double that," Deese said.

Deese's optimism is a result of the event being co-sponsored by WVUA 90.7 The Capstone, which has been heavily promoting the event.

"We immediately started on-air promotions [after confirming the sponsorship], which included 30-second recorded promos as well as numerous live mentions by DJs throughout the day," said WVUA program director Ben Flanagan in an e-mail. "Our promotions director, along with the people of Mallet Assembly, put together fliers and posters that were distributed by our promotions staff."

Deese pointed to the Facebook group for the event as evidence that the event will be successful. As of press time, 176 people were listed as attending, and 328 were listed as possibly attending.

Flanagan was also optimistic about this year's turnout.

"This event was a big success last year with little promotion - most of the crowd was made up of Malleteers," Flanagan said. "This year, with more promotion, I expect a bigger crowd. There are a ton of 'Rocky Horror' nutcases in this town, and if they hear about a screening, they'll be there.

"Last year, there were a few ROTC dudes decked out in corsets and nothing else."

Flanagan said WVUA's goal in co-sponsoring the event is not simply to get students to show up in "disturbing" dress, nor to draw attention to the radio station.

"The exposure for the station is always a plus, but charging a canned good is the agenda here in order to benefit the West Alabama Food Bank," he said. "Our station wants to give back to this community any chance we get."