Photos by Andy Argyrakis

When “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” made its way to movie theaters in 1975 based on the brilliantly bonkers stage musical by Richard O’Brien, it was an extremely risky venture considering its pioneering and provocative nature stood in stark contrast to anything else in existence, cheekily advertised as “a different set of jaws.”

However, exactly a half-century later, it’s a certified cult, camp and queer classic continuing to surge in popularity, leading to legions of midnight screenings, shadow casts, costume contests, sing-a-longs, and on extremely special occasions, reunions of the legendary stars.

The “50th Anniversary Spectacular” Tour at the historic Chicago Theatre was one of those instances, encompassing all of the above and ensuring an irreverent thrill ride filled with totally over the top everything.

Given that Halloween is right around the corner certainly helped its cause, but having the original Brad Majors (Barry Bostwick), Columbia (Nell Campbell) and Magenta (Patricia Quinn) on hand to host the flamboyant proceedings was obviously a huge part of the draw as well.

Together, they answered moderated questions, fondly reminisced, cracked jokes and judged those who dressed-up, resulting in an especially elaborate pair straight out of “Planet Hot Dog” as the runaway winners.

From there, it was time to fire up the projectors and screen the sci-fi comedy chronicling “when a newly engaged couple’s car breaks down on a rainy night, they wind up in the creepy castle of Dr. Frank-N-Furter,” which really kicked up the outrageousness.

Not only did the completely committed crowd recite nearly every word as area actors mirrored the movements on the screen, but they added loads of new ones and screamed such glam rock remembrances as “Dammit Janet,” “I Can Make You A Man,” “Hot Patootie – Bless My Soul” and “Time Warp.”

In fact, as they leapt to their feet to “jump to the left” or “step to the right,” it signaled the type of antics that would occur throughout the rest of the wild night.

Though it was exclusively a one-night local affair, there are still multiple ways to experience “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” including 4K HDR releases in theaters, digital platforms and Blu-ray, plus a deluxe edition 180g red-in-gold vinyl pressing, each making sure the spirit of this screen-changer will live on long after the season.

For additional information on “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” visit ScottStander.com/Rocky.

For a list of upcoming Live Nation shows, visit LiveNation.com.

Upcoming shows at the Chicago Theatre include Penn & Teller (Oct. 24); Ben Schwartz & Friends (Oct. 25); “My Favorite Murder” (Nov. 5); 312 Comedy Festival (Nov. 6); Ralph Barbosa (Nov. 7); 312 Comedy Festival (Nov. 8); Fortune Feimster (Nov. 8); “The Pivot Podcast” (Nov. 12); David Garrett (Nov. 13); Sal Vulcano (Nov. 14); Chris D’Elia (Nov. 15); “Gabby’s Dollhouse” (Nov. 16); Patti Smith (Nov. 17-18); Sam Harris (Nov. 19); Jeff Arcuri (Nov. 22-23); Mora (Nov. 26); Straight No Chaser (Nov. 29); Erykah Badu (Dec. 2-3); Brett Eldredge (Dec. 4-6); “The Jinkx & DeLa Holiday Show” (Dec. 7) and Cirque du Soleil: “’Twas The Night Before…” (Dec. 11-Dec. 28). For additional details, visit TheChicagoTheatre.com.

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