All expectations for your “average” school performance went out the window the second the lights dimmed in the Forest Roberts Theatre. Behind the red velvet curtain, chaos reigned — wigs went flying, nerves buzzed and fishnets ruled the stage. The actors were ready to rock the minds and worlds of every audience member, whether they were expecting it or not. With glitter flying and energy high, Northern’s Theatre and Dance Department brought “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” to campus for one unforgettable weekend. The audience didn’t just watch; they were part of the madness.

The cult classic made its way to campus from Oct. 23 to 26 with varying showtimes. It’s known that “Rocky Horror” is not just a performance but also an interactive experience for everyone. Tradition reigned as students and family members dressed up in their raunchiest and campiest apparel in antici…pation for the show. Many even came marked with a red “V” to symbolize losing their “Rocky Horror virginity.”

“This is my first ever time watching “The Rocky Horror Picture Show”, and I had no idea what to expect,” said Sommer Sterrit, a participating audience member. “It was insane. It was super enjoyable. I loved the interactiveness. There wasn’t a moment that I wasn’t having a good time.”

That energy was felt by everyone who attended and participated in the show. This was the second annual performance of “Rocky Horror” on Northern’s campus, and the Theatre Department hopes to continue bringing this production back for many years to come.

“I think this event brings something not just to a new community, but to the world — something that we were scared to present at first, starting off with societal norms like casting,” said Don’Tae Mitchell, choreographer and performer . “’Rocky Horror’ is such a classic that people like to do it the same every year. And we were like, okay, let’s switch that. Let’s change the narrative. Let’s bring in some different casting, some gender bending.”

Northern gave its own spin to the show, including gender-bending roles within the cast. The famous Rocky was played by a female actor and she was more than up for the challenge. She stole the show with her humor, and her commitment to the role left everyone dazzled.

Each and every actor brought their own flair and life to their character. It was nearly impossible to decide where to look on stage at any given moment. The entire show exceeded every expectation imaginable, for actors and audience members alike.

“Here at Northern, I’ve been pushed continuously as a performer and in my identity in general, who am I? How do I present myself? Am I more masculine? Am I more feminine? And when I get to be on stage and play hypermasculine, hyperfeminine people, I get to really press the walls and see where I fit in the room. And that’s probably the best thing ever,” Mitchell said.

The show broke down the walls of conformity even when it came to theater etiquette. Audience members were encouraged to get up and dance, and even yell at the actors. The energy that took over the Forest Roberts Theatre was one of interaction, inclusivity and pride.

“I would recommend watching it 8,000 times in a row,” Sterrit said.

As the audience spilled out into the night  laughing, and maybe even doing the “Time Warp” one more time, one thing was clear: Northern’s “Rocky Horror” wasn’t just a show, it was a shared experiance. And for anyone lucky enough to be there, it was more than a performance; it was a party.