What better way to celebrate the 40th anniversary of THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW than with a reboot? I know, yet another classic movie being remade when there is really no reason to do so. But, the reimagining of Richard O’Brien‘s musical and film would be the latest in a number of stagings of the production. Originally a stage musical, the movie has become the most recognized iteration of the story, but like any musical, new productions are the norm.
Unlike NBC’s THE SOUND OF MUSIC and PETER PAN, FOX’s tentatively titled THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW EVENT sounds like it will be a pre-recorded film rather than a live production. The fact that they are “reimagining” it as an event leads me to believe that they are going to try and incorporate some of the elements of screenings where fans throw toast or toilet paper as well as yell things at the screen.
The production is cast-contingent which means it may not happen if they cannot find the right singers and performers. Currently it is set to be produced by Gail Berman and the original movie’s producer Lou Adler. Kenny Ortega, director of HOCUS POCUS, the HIGH SCHOOL MUSICAL trilogy and MICHAEL JACKSON: THIS IS IT, will helm the production and choreograph it.
I am not completely opposed to this as long as they bring in some cool people for the show. Barry Bostwick and Meat Loaf were cool enough to take part in the Glee episode that featured THE ROCKY HORROR PICTURE SHOW, so maybe they can get Susan Sarandon to appear.