Milwaukee, WI – On Saturday night, the Oriental Theatre was filled with the glow of roughly 1,000 candles as the city’s beloved Rocky Horror shadowcast paid tribute to the late Tim Curry. The sold‑out performance marked the first show since Curry’s passing, turning the classic midnight screening into a heartfelt family‑style gathering.
Community gathers to honor a cultural icon
Audience members, many dressed in the show’s signature flamboyant costumes, shared why the film matters to them. One fan said, “The last thing he would have wanted was me mourning, so that’s why I’m here; to have a good time. That’s what Tim Curry was about.” Others highlighted the film’s impact on the queer community, noting Curry’s lasting influence on countless lives.
Longest‑running continuous showing in the world
The Sensual Daydreams shadowcast in Milwaukee holds the record for the longest continuous Rocky Horror presentation worldwide. For more than five decades, fans have gathered to dress up, shout iconic lines, and engage in playful squirt‑gun battles while a live cast mirrors the on‑screen action. Rachel Charniak, a veteran cast member of about five years, described the tradition as a “family” experience that has endured across generations.
Candle ceremony adds extra meaning
Long‑time cast member Lyn Kream, who portrays Frank, suggested handing each audience member a candle during the final song, “I’m Going Home,” to symbolically guide Curry’s spirit. “Once it started and all the candles went up, it was just this moment of family,” Kream said, noting the deep sense of community that filled the theater.
Personal touches from the cast
Former cast member Mike Scott contributed a piece of Curry’s original costume, allowing current performers to wear the legendary actor’s jacket. Kream laughed, “I got to wear his jacket tonight and I have his sweat and DNA stuck on my body! I’m not taking a shower tonight!” The gesture underscored the personal connection many feel to Curry’s work.
Voices from the Rocky family
Shadowcasters who joined after 2017 echoed the sentiment that Curry’s legacy lives on. Callie Green, a cast member since 2023, said, “People really cared about Tim Curry. We all loved him very much as a Rocky family.” Kimberly Laberge added, “His legacy has impacted each of our lives in such a real and personal way.” Brittany Haut, involved since 2017, asked, “How do we carry that torch? And how do we continue to live our best lives under that inspiration?” The answer, she said, comes from Frank’s own words: “Don’t dream it, be it.”
Why the tradition matters
Beyond entertainment, the Rocky Horror shadowcast serves as a cultural touchstone for Milwaukee’s LGBTQ community and allies. The event’s longevity demonstrates how a once‑flopped 1975 film has become a unifying force, offering a safe space for self‑expression, creativity, and fellowship.
Looking ahead
Organizers plan to continue the candle‑lit tribute for future performances, ensuring that Tim Curry’s spirit remains a guiding light for new generations of fans. As the show rolls on, the community’s commitment to inclusivity, family, and shared joy stands as a testament to the power of local tradition.
Original reporting: Appleton, WI News Feed (HLL/CB) — read the source article.
