Fun fact: The Rocky Horror Show is the record holder for the longest theatrical release in history – and has played in theaters across the country since 1973. Now is your chance to see it in Durango.

The story is absurd and the music rocks. If you’re a “virgin,” here’s the script: It all happens on a dark and stormy night in an enormous old castle. Brad and Janet, the charming young affianced couple are brought to a version of sexual liberation beyond their naive imaginings by an alien transvestite from the planet Transylvania. Simultaneously, Dr. Frank-N-Furter, (same alien), has created a boy-toy who experiences some confusion at being born gloriously muscular and beautiful, much like Frankenstein’s monster, but you know, good looking. They all have a party and take things a bit too far, so the alien government from Transylvania decides to come to Earth and put an end to the excessive behavior by turning everyone into stone pillars and blasting the castle up into the sky like a giant rocket ship.

Don’t be afraid – It’s all in good fun, and a great reason to dress up so close to Halloween.

What you need to know: This is the real deal – the live show is directed by Jenny Fitts Reynolds and all the actors are local legends: Doug Gonzales plays Frank-N-Furter, Riki Tsethlikai is Dr. Scott, Holden Grace is Rocky, Geoff Johnson is the Narrator, Brad and Janet are played by Keiran Peck and Mohriah James. Columbia and Riff Raff are played by Melissa Mossinghoff and Siena Widen, Haley Sandford is Magenta and Eddie is played by Liam Hahn. Eight Phantoms are heavy hitting actors, too – come see for yourself.

Richard O’Brien originally wrote “Rocky” as a musical stage show in 1973. Two years later, he co-wrote the screenplay and acted as Riff-Raff in the movie.

It’s mainly for adults as it has a lot of adult-themed topics, but we treat it like an R-rated movie, don’t bring the little ones. There’s no real sex.

We provide the prop bags, no need to bring your own. Because this is the live version, we can’t sling rice and toast at the actors like you might have done at the movies.

If you know the songs, and are well versed at the callback prompts, please enjoy and engage! If you don’t know them, watch and learn. You’ll be ready next time.

Here are three little known bits of trivia about O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show, according to Broadway.com:

Email info@durangoarts.org. Buy tickets, donate, become a member, register for classes and keep in touch at DurangoArts.org.

Brenda Macon has been executive director of Durango Arts Center since 2018.