"The Rocky Horror Picture Show" is an American tradition.

It is just like baseball or apple pie, only it involves dressing up as a transsexual and screaming vulgarities at a movie screen.

There's something unique about gathering with a group of people who are normally students or teachers and watching social inhibitions forgotten for a night of deviant pleasure.

That opportunity is what Norman resident Tom Farris is now providing for the third year with his Halloween showing of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show."

He started the event as an alternative for adults on Halloween that still involved dressing up and having a good time.

"(The Rocky Horror Picture Show) rules!" said University College freshman Sarah Leatherwood, "as far as I'm concerned anything with Meatloaf in it is timeless."

People who have never seen "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" or have never been to a performance including a live cast are referred to as virgins, but this lack of experience shouldn't dissuade them from seeing the show.

"It's definitely a life experience. It's just something you have to see. It's amazing. All these people who really love the show," Farris said.

There is a guide for "virgins" on the Web site rockyhorror.com that has some useful advice:

1. Wear whatever makes you feel comfortable. 2. Come sober. 3. No regulars expect you to know anything, so don't worry about it. 4. Have a good sense of humor and you'll have a good time.

"They have costumes for every scene in the movie and they know all the words, they know all the songs, they know the dances, and it's just so exciting. It's so much fun! You just can't help but get into it," Farris said.

As part of the audience interaction, many people like to bring props to throw during certain scenes.

Some suggestions are rice, toast, toilet paper and playing cards.

If bringing props from home is too intimidating, a person can buy a bag with all the props they need for $5 at the theater.

Veterans of audience participation showings have an extra incentive to dress up for this show.

"There's a pre-show costume contest and the winners of that contest are the cast for that night. That's what encourages people to dress up. Anyone and everyone has an opportunity to be up front," Farris said.

The Halloween showing takes place at the Sooner Theater, 101 E. Main St., at 10 p.m.

Tickets are $7 in advance or $8 the day of the show. Tickets can be purchased at Flannigan's Costumes, 213 W. Main St., in Norman or by calling the Sooner Theater at (405) 321-9600.
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