"Ones from the Vault" Shadow Cast Time Warps Again

Get ready for a spine-tingling night of fun at Momento Mori — a special Rocky Horror Picture Halloween show and circus cabaret you won't want to miss! On Oct. 26 at 9 p.m., the doors will swing open at The Bellows Falls Opera House, leading you into a world of wild characters, games and a costume contest where you could win fabulous prizes. As the clock strikes 10 p.m., Southern Vermont's original Rocky Horror Shadow Cast, "Ones From the Vaults," will transport you to the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter in a live performance of the 1975 cult classic, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Join sweethearts Brad and Janet on their outrageous adventure filled with unforgettable rock songs and jaw-dropping dances. Get ready to sing, dance and throw props — because audience participation is not just welcomed, it's essential! So, don your best costume, grab a prop kit and remember: "Don't dream it, be it!" Shadow casting, or shadow casts, originated in the late 1980s to describe a unique form of performance that developed around, "The Rocky Horror Picture Show." Unlike simple costume dress-up or general audience participation, a shadow cast involves performers acting in sync with the film and using screen-accurate costumes, sets and props. Initially, audience members would dress up and perform only during select scenes, utilizing props like rice, water pistols and toast for specific moments. The first known shadow cast, "The Rocky Horror Revue," was created by Michael Wolfson in Los Angeles in 1976, setting the stage for this immersive and interactive cinematic experience. Ones From the Vaults is a "Rocky Horror Picture Show" live shadow cast directed by Stephanie Bass Abrams, founder and director of Kinetic Theory Theatre. Kinetic Theory Theatre was a large circus school in Los Angeles, California that started out in San Francisco and moved to Vermont last year. Abrams has been a circus professional for over 30 years and she still teaches private and small group classes and produces local shows. "We do monthly Rocky Horror shows and it's a fully interactive experience. We have a lot of super fans that come and know all the call backs to the film. But, even if you've never been, you will still be a part of the experience. It's very spontaneous and uninhibited," said Abrams. "Halloween is traditionally a time when Rocky Horror is more popular, for our Halloween show we have incorporated a much broader experience for the audience," explained Abrams. The preshow will start at 9 p.m., and it includes interactive games, game booths where you can win prizes and there will be a strolling accordion player. The circus cabaret will start at 10 p.m., which will include burlesque, contortion, juggling, puppetry, trick roping, bottle walking, live music and physical comedy. There will also be a costume contest with great prizes. The traditional "Rocky Horror Picture Show," will begin at 11 p.m., with a virgin sacrifice for those who have never been to a Rocky Horror shadow cast before. Dress up for the costume party in either Rocky Horror themed costumes, or traditional Halloween costumes. "I definitely recommend coming in costume, but it doesn't have to be Rocky Horror themed. Typically, people dress in 'Rocky Horror' theme for the shadow cast, but for this particular show, I say 'anything goes.' You're going to have a more fun experience and feel like you're part of the event if you come dressed," added Abrams. "For people who might be interested in supporting local artists, this is a troupe of local Vermont artists who would love their support. We are a really welcoming and open environment, and we want people to be able to have fun." The event is recommended for ages 18 plus because of the content of the film and the nature of themes. Tickets are $20 in advance and $25 at the door (cash or venmo only). Advanced tickets are available online through Bellows Falls Opera House. Prop kits will be available for purchase. If you can't make it to the Ones From the Vaults' Halloween special, be sure to check out their upcoming shows held on the first Saturday of each month. The Bellows Falls Opera House is located at 7 Village Square in Bellows Falls, Vt. For more information or to purchase tickets visit www.bellowsfallsoperahouse.com. For more information about Kinetic Theory Theatre and Ones From The Vaults, visit www.kinetictheorytheatre.com.