Halloween Costumes - Scare Up Some Creativity

Misty Rogers
pOke staff

Actors play out a scene as the movie plays in the background. Photo by Misty Rogers

What's a better way to get into the Halloween spirit than some murder, mystery, and mayhem? Maybe being in a dark castle on a stormy night with a mad scientist, androids, a couple of nerds, a muscle man, a biker, and a tap dancer - Oh, and, of course, a sweet transvestite from Transexual, Transylvania.

Yeah, that's right, you are invited to come up to the lab and see what's on the slab. There's a double feature picture show and you know you wanna go.

Try slipping into fish nets and corsets and heading over to The Polk Theatre for a night of partying, dancing and yelling at a movie screen.

The Lipstick Players, a "Rocky Horror Picture" show shadow cast, will be performing. For all you Rocky Horror "virgins" out there, that means the cast performs as the movie plays behind them.

Freddie De Jesus started the show four years ago. He had gone to see "Rocky Horror" since he was a teenager in New York City. After he relocated to Florida he said he wanted to continue his Halloween tradition of going with friends to see the show.

"But it was a hard party to find," De Jesus said.

The crowd watches a scene from the "Rocky Horror Picture Show" Photo by Misty Rogers

So, he decided to put a troupe together of his own. De Jesus is the associate director for the Florida Dance Theatre (FDT), a nonprofit dance company. The show raises funds for FDT and the Polk Theatre.

"I definitely love the film, because like many gay men, I do relate to Frank-n-furter (even though he's bisexual). I could relate to the character's need to be loved and feel OK about loving someone of his choice," De Jesus said.

De Jesus was pleasantly surprised the first year to see how many Polk County folks showed up. The show gets better every year, one year the Polk Theatre management started too early and it wasn't as good; people expect the movie to start at midnight. The show now starts at midnight: however, the party really starts earlier with bands and pre-show previews.

The show takes place today and tomorrow (Oct. 31 and Nov. 1). Doors open at 10 p.m. for the live music. Movie starts at midnight.

This year, Tug and Exp will play Friday before the Rocky goes on stage. Unkempt and Dementia will play Saturday.

Life imitating art. Photo by Misty Rogers

"You won't want to miss it," said De Jesus. "Be there by at least 10 p.m."

The Polk Theatre, at 127 South Florida Ave. in Lakeland, is a great place to have this show. The feel of the theater only adds to the experience, but because the historic site, certain items are not allowed, such as hot dog and candles. Prop bags are available at the door and contain a little bit of rice, newspapers and a lot of the other crazy things from the film.

Tickets are $10 at the door or from the Polk Theatre office, 863-682-7553.

Dressing up isn't required but it's definitely part of the fun. Most people dress up because this is their Halloween celebration and others dress up because it is the "Rocky Horror" way. Whether you are Eddie, Colombia, a zombie or a pirate, one thing you can be sure of your night will be filled with glamour and Rock n' Roll!!