Chaos in River Oaks: 'Rocky Horror' fans mark 40th anniversary

The River Oaks Shopping Center is usually a hub of high-class activity. Ladies lunch in Louboutin heels with well-manicured men at La Griglia and Brasserie 19. Customers flutter in and out of a procession of upscale shops, including J. McLaughlin and Sur La Table.

At the River Oaks Theatre, artsy titles fill much of the marquee space. But the bright neon reveals something seedier, campier, freakier on certain weekends: "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." The words almost seem to taunt nearby cafes and clothing stores.

The film, based on a 1973 stage musical by Richard O'Brien, debuted in 1975 on the big screen. The cast includes Susan Sarandon, Barry Bostwick, Meat Loaf and Tim Curry. It follows a meek couple whose car breaks down in the rain, forcing them to seek shelter in a nearby castle. It's there they meet the flamboyant Dr. Frank N. Furter, a mad scientist and alien transvestite who creates the perfect male specimen in his laboratory. Things get (more) complicated when Frank N. Furter's servants stage an uprising.

"Rocky Horror" was decimated by critics and mostly ignored by moviegoers upon its release. But then, something happened. Midnight screenings started in 1976 in New York City and quickly spread around the country. Fans began showing up, dressed in costume, and were encouraged to talk back to the screen. Shadow casts were assembled and began performing onstage alongside the film.

Forty years later, "Rocky Horror" is now the longest-running theatrical release in movie history and part of the U.S. National Film Registry of the Library of Congress. New generations of fans continue to partake in the cult phenomenon.

A new TV version directed by Kenny Ortega is due later this year on Fox. A splashy Blu-ray/DVD collector's edition of the original, released this week, includes deleted musical scenes, alternate endings, pink surgical gloves and fishnet stockings.

Houston fans were out in full force earlier this month for a midnight screening at the River Oaks theater, which featured the Royal Mystic Order of Chaos shadow cast. A line of at least 100 people wrapped around the shopping center, most of them young, clutching cellphones and coffee and dressed in everything from all black to trash bags and garter belts made from yellow caution tape.

Joshlyn Thomas, 18, started attending local screenings in 2013 with a friend and became part of the Chaos cast over the summer.

"I'm naturally very shy. I feel like it's a good outlet for me," the University of Houston student said. "After awhile, you don't really come for the movie. You come to see the shadow cast. It's different every time."

The Chaos cast, established in 2012, performs the second Saturday of each month, drawing big crowds at each screening. Special shows include this week's 40th anniversary event and two performances Halloween weekend. Each performance has a theme that patrons are encouraged to evoke in their costumes.

"We're trying to put on a show for people," Chaos show director Jeff Foss said. He has almost 30 years of "Rocky" experience and has been doing it in Houston since 2006. He previously performed in California.

"It's the last experience you're ever going to see like this in a movie theater. This is one thing you can't do at your house. And it's a big, crazy family."

The cast creates its own costumes and props, does all the marketing and fosters relationships with fans. (Some Chaos cast members were part of the Beautiful Creatures, who performed "Rocky" at the River Oaks from 1998 to 2011.) Chaos is featured in the documentary "Rocky Horror Saved My Life," premiering this month in New York City.

Inside the theater, an hour before showtime, the mood was upbeat but businesslike. Classic rock blared; fog machines were tested. "Rocky" merchandise was laid out neatly onstage.

Chaos folk ran up and down the aisles, adjusting wigs and applying makeup. The convergence included veterans such as Amber Foss, celebrating four years as servant Magenta; and newbie Jonny Lessard, making his debut that night as Frank N. Furter.

"Most of my friends and family have become the people from 'Rocky,' " Foss said. She'll celebrate four years of marriage to show director Jeff Foss on Halloween.

"If you're an outsider, where do you go? You don't fit in at school. You don't fit in at church. So you go to 'Rocky.' Suddenly there are all these people that dress like you and think like you."

Lessard, also known around town as drag performer Ironica Leigh DaBarge, sees it as another outlet for expression. He's been attending "Rocky" performances for six years and first saw the movie at 12 years old.

"I think I just really needed something to blow my mind," he said. "It's a way to come out and show your dirty side. I don't really care what happens as long as people enjoy it."

The doors opened just before midnight, and people rushed into the theater. Jeff Foss beamed from the sidelines. He stood just inside the theater doors as nearly naked "Rocky" fans shuffled past him. He shook hands. He talked with pretty girls. He couldn't stop smiling.

"It's this big group of freaks. It's everything that you'd ever want. It's sex, sometimes drugs and rock 'n' roll," he said.

"But it's mostly the fans. And it's about bringing in the next generation. They really are the story. Without them, we got nothing."