Finding Your Rocky Horror
Editor’s Note: This post is “a toast to absent friends.”
When the wildly popular television series Glee announced they were doing a tribute episode to “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” (RHPS), I must admit I was skeptical.
To say I’m an original Rocky fan would be an understatement. I’ve seen the show literally hundreds of times. Have every line memorized. Know all the words to all 
For never seeing an episode of Glee, I didn’t feel lost in the series at all. And aside from the fact that I’ve never seen a dentist in my life that looks like John Stamos, it was easy to engage with the characters in the show.
Glee managed to take the very obscure storyline of RHPS and translate it into an episode. I also want to give some mad props to Amber Riley who plays Mercedes Jones in Glee for putting her own spin on the song “Sweet Transvestite”. She didn’t try to be Tim Curry and didn’t try to do it better. She made it her own. (A valuable lesson that we all can learn from.)
As I was watching the show, I kept waiting. Sure, Glee is entertaining and fun. They did a good job on the songs and the dances. But that’s not what “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is about.
Then, in the last few moments of the show, Glee didn’t disappoint. You see, RHPS isn’t about being a risqué movie. It’s not about dancing the Time Warp.
Going to see the RHPS was about going to a place where you could be yourself and wear whatever you wanted. For a couple of hours, no one judged you. You sang and danced with complete strangers who were just like you – just looking for a place to be accepted.
It was somewhat sad watching the Glee episode, realizing that Rocky Horror isn’t shown in that many places anymore. We could all use a Rocky Horror kinda place sometimes. In today’s society, we place a tremendous emphasis on being popular and fitting in with the crowd. IMHO, sometimes we place too much importance on being at the cool kids’ table. To the point that, if you’re just a little bit different, you’re ostracized from the “group”.
And, don’t think for a minute this doesn’t happen in our professional lives. Business professionals are constantly being judged by what handbag or briefcase they carry, their job title and whether or not they attend certain conferences.
The Rocky Horror Glee Show reminded me of my recent post, “Be Who You Are”. We’re all searching for that Rocky Horror place, where we can go and be embraced and respected for our individuality. Not trying to maneuver an invite to the manager’s retreat or the cool kids’ party.
So, this Halloween I’ll do what I always do. Have Spooky Joes and Apple Martinis while watching the (original) Rocky Horror Picture Show. And as I’m dancing (badly) to the Time Warp and singing (off-key) Hot Patootie, I’ll remember when it all began with fond memories. Have a wonderful Halloween!
“Don’t Dream It; Be It.”
– Dr. Frank-N-Furter, The Rocky Horror Picture Show
Image courtesy of igKnition
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