Halloween Spooktacular at The Zeiterion – Do something unique!

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Filmed in 1975 as a spoof on 1950’s B-level science fiction movies, “Rocky Horror” brings viewers some adult themes, outlandish behavior and an unparalleled element of audience participation.

Do something unique this Halloween.

If Hollywood slashers aren’t doing anything for the hair on the back of your neck and tricks and treats are becoming commonplace, the Zeiterion Theatre is giving you some rare opportunities to enjoy Halloween on the silver screen.

On Friday night, October 31’st, the Zeiterion will be transformed into a movie house, showing fear fans the silent black-and-white classic, “The Phantom of the Opera” and the cult classic “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” the ultimate experience in audience participation.

The Phantom” will be shown at 7 p.m. and tickets are $7. “Rocky Horror” will be shown at 9:30 p.m. and tickets will be $15. They can be purchased at the Zeiterion box office or by calling (508)-997-5664.

“Rocky Horror” is an 18-plus event.

Filmed in 1975 as a spoof on 1950’s B-level science fiction movies, “Rocky Horror” brings viewers some adult themes, outlandish behavior and an unparalleled element of audience participation.

The movie has inspired a following of loyal fans from all walks of life. Approximately 70 percent of an audience will be repeat viewers. “Virgins,” as first-time audience members are called, cannot accurately prepare for the “Rocky Horror” experience, but it promises to be unforgettable.

And there’s another element that makes the evening even more unique – a cast of 11 actors who perform their own interpretation of the movie while it unfolds on the screen. They call it “shadowcasting,” and it is staged between the screen and the front row, occasionally stretching out into the aisles. While it mirrors the movie, at no time does it distract the audience from enjoying what’s on the screen. It merely contributes to the experience.

“Phantom of The Opera” will be accompanied by the Zeiterion’s Wurlitzer organ which was first installed in the theatre in 1923.

The troupe refers to themselves as the RKO Army, named after a theatre in the actual movie. They are based in Rhode Island and do approximately 40 shows a year throughout southern New England. They were founded by No. Providence resident Roy Rossi in 1981. Rossi, an Information Technology Professional, is 56.

But before the movie begins the RKO Army will do their “pre-show” routine where they perform to the musical backgrounds of Billy Idol’s “Rebel Yell,” the current hit “Bang! Bang!” and Michael Jackson’s “Thriller.”

“’Rocky Horror’ is pure escape,” Rossi says. “It takes you to another universe. You’re stepping through the door of another world. It’s got shocking elements and it’s out of the norm.”

But the enjoyment will come not only from what the audience sees, but what it hears.

“Phantom of The Opera” will be accompanied by the Zeiterion’s Wurlitzer organ which was first installed in the theatre in 1923, providing a musical experience that cannot be found anywhere else in the region. The organ will be played by Bernie Anderson, a New Jersey resident whose part-time profession is playing organ for silent movies. He has been playing for silent movies for 30 years and has played “Phantom” nearly 50 times. He is considered a scholar of silent movies.

“The Zeiterion organ will give audiences an idea of what the original showings of the movies were like,” Anderson says. “The sound is powerful, melodic and orchestral. It can manipulate how an audience is affected by the movie.

“This kind of organ is rare.”

Organs like the Zeiterion’s were first installed to replace orchestras doing stage performances. The organ has 163 keys and hundreds of pipes. It can duplicate the sound of a multitude of instruments, including clarinet, tuba, trumpet, flute, piccolo, violin, cello, and more.

But “Rocky Horror” has a built-in soundtrack that will be coming from the theatre’s sound system. Rossi describes the songs as “fun, catchy, and upbeat, adding to the entertainment of the movie.

Tim Weisberg is the host of “Spooky Southcoast” which airs Saturday nights from 10 to midnight on WBSM radio in Fairhaven. The show is devoted to paranormal and horror topics and has been on the air since 2006.

“I think people like being scared because they like the adrenaline rush it provides, but they also like having it in a safe, controlled environment. Watching “The Phantom of the Opera” in the comfort of the Zeiterion is a lot easier to handle than being in an opera house with a masked madman running loose. You get the same endorphin release of fight-or-flight response without having to actually do either.”

Rossi claims that there is a communal element and a sense of release with “Rocky Horror”.

“There is definitely a like-minded community that fans feel comfortable with. They especially espouse freedom of expression, speech and dress. It’s a non-drug escape from the areas of life that might drain people. If you’re friendly and respectful of others, you will be welcomed.

Whether you’re looking for an old school thriller or a counter-culture shocker, the Zeiterion can provide it this Halloween.


About Michael Silvia

Served 20 years in the United States Air Force. Owner of New Bedford Guide.

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2 comments

  1. Didnt get your fill of rocky horror from RKO Army? Come to UMass Dartmouth October 30-November 2 for even more Rocky Horror fun! Tickets are only $5 for students $10 for regular admission. On Halloween night the show will feature a Traditional Rocky Horror start time of 12:00 am. The other nights the show starts at 8pm. Nights guaranteed to thrill you, chill you, and fulfill you.

  2. Maybe this event isn’t enough for your hardcore rock(y) stars so come see Rocky Horror put on at UMass Dartmouth October 30th – November 2nd! Shows start at 8pm (Midnight on Halloween) and come half an hour early to see The Macgyver Experience Improv Troupe do comedy theater for you!

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