Spa-Con ‘Rocky Horror’ showing billed as ‘fully interactive’ event

Spa-Con IV plans a “full-contact, no-holds-barred, fully interactive screening” of the cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” on Sept. 21, Visit Hot Springs said in a news release.

Spa-Con IV, a multigenre comics and pop culture convention, will be held Sept. 20-22 at the Hot Springs Convention Center and Bank OZK Arena.

“If we are going to celebrate the 44th anniversary of ‘Rocky Horror,’ we are going to do it up right at Spa-Con IV,” Bill Solleder, marketing director for Visit Hot Springs and one of the founders of Spa-Con, said in the release.

“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” has “morphed over the years into what is an audience-participation party,” Solleder said. “Fans of the movie love to attend screenings dressed as their favorite characters, and that fits right in with Spa-Con’s atmosphere. Of course, we want fans who attend our screening at Bank OZK Arena Sept. 21 to dress in their most creative gear and join in the fun as the movie is shown.”

Barry Bostwick, who stars as the movie’s hero, Brad Majors, will be on hand “to give us a special introduction to the film and perhaps fill us in on the outlandish goings-on in the flick,” Solleder said.

The screening will begin at 9:30 p.m. Attendees must be 17 or older, Solleder said.

“Admission is free to those with a Spa-Con IV pass,” he said. People without a pass can attend for $10.

Bostwick’s appearance at the movie screening will be part of his role as a special guest at Spa-Con, which will also include his participation at noon in a “Rocky Horror” question-and-answer session with fans; a photo session with fans at 1 p.m.; and a meet-and-greet at 2 p.m. with those who hold VIP passes.

Props, such as rice, newspapers, and noisemakers will be available at the event, Solleder said.

According to the release, here are the specifics, as described on “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” fan website:

• Rice — “At the beginning of the film is the wedding of Ralph Hapschatt and Betty Munroe. As the newlyweds exit the church, you should throw the rice along with the on-screen wedding guests.”

• Newspapers — “When Brad and Janet are caught in the storm, Janet covers her head with a newspaper The ‘Plain Dealer.’ At this point, you should likewise cover your head.”

• Noisemakers — “At the end of the creation speech, the Transylvanians respond with applause and noisemakers. You should do the same.”

Visit http://www.Spa-con. org for more information.