On Oct. 24, The Lyric came to life as a community was built by locals coming together to enjoy a cult classic performance: “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” The Lyric puts on the show monthly, and with Halloween around the corner, the crowd truly showed up for the performance.

No Picnic is a shadow cast group dedicated to the performance of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.” The group shadows the actions of characters on the screen and performs classic callbacks associated with the film.

As the audience filtered into the showing, they were immediately greeted by elements of the show. Following traditions of “Rocky Horror,” the audience members who hadn’t seen the show before were marked with a V for virgin, and those who hadn’t seen the performance or movie were marked with SV, which stands for super virgin.

No Picnic strives to honor the importance of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” within the Northern Colorado area. “Rocky Horror” is a staple in the queer community and became a cult classic movie and live performance throughout the years.

“’Rocky Horror’ has been a queer cult classic for years, and being able to carry on that 50-year legacy has been so much fun,” said Fynn Kleppe, No Picnic shadow cast member.

The performers of No Picnic aim to create a safe and inclusive space, especially for the queer community in Fort Collins. Creating community is a priority for No Picnic.

“’Rocky’ does a great job creating an environment where people can just let loose, be themselves and show up authentically,” said Deathwake, No Picnic shadow cast member.

The showing provided many different ways for the audience to interact with the show. No Picnic offered $5 prop bags with different objects that correlated with the show. The audience was prompted when to use each prop by members of the show.

“I love performing; the crowd’s energy brings so much excitement and helps me embody the character.” -Marlo Ruben, No Picnic shadow cast member

Costumes were another way the audience participated in the show. As audience members arrived, they were seen in a variety of garments. No Picnic also held a costume contest at the beginning of the show in which audience members chose the best attendee costume. 

“Dressing up with my friends before the show was the best part,” attendee Logan Schussman said.

Performer Marlo Ruben could be seen doing tricks at the beginning of the show while hanging from chains attached to the ceiling.

“I love performing; the crowd’s energy brings so much excitement and helps me embody the character,” Ruben said.

As the show continued, cast members shouted various callbacks associated with the film. At one point, a cast member shouted, “Rocky plays football for CSU, and he sucks just as bad.” Kleppe said the cast likes to add their own twists throughout the performance in order to relate to the audience.

Many attendees commented on the choice of The Lyric as a venue. They believed it was an ideal setting for a performance like “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”

“The Lyric is the perfect place for this,” attendee Orrin Frieson said. “It’s weird. It’s fun just like this.”

At the conclusion of the show, audience members were encouraged to engage with No Picnic’s members, who allowed pictures and encouraged inquiries about joining their cast.

The show provided a space for audience members to join a community and express themselves.

“It’s wild and fun,” attendee Michael Atkinson said. “Everyone just gets to let loose. Everyone needs that once in a while.”

Reach Iris Causey-Peelor at life@collegian.com or on Twitter @CSUCollegian.