For those of you who never knew it, or for those of you who have forgotten, and even for those of you who just need your fi x of Sci Fi, rock and roll, horror and pure musical bliss, get ready, because Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show is coming to Fayetteville next week.

From Sept. 23-Oct. 10, the Gilbert Theater will be hosting this internationally recognized cult classic, fi rst released in 1975, to mixed reviews. The rock and roll musical spoof is the story of Brad Majors and Janet Weiss, a young pair of lovers who after attending a marriage ceremony are quickly inspired to become engaged and have their own wedding. Afterwards, Brad and Janet, on their way to visit an old high school teacher, find themselves lost with a flat tire on a cold and rainy, late November evening. They seek help in a nearby castle, and are greeted by handyman Riff Raff, a hunched back butler and a maid. They also very quickly find out they have arrived on a very special night, the night of the Annual Transylvanian Convention in the castle ballroom. Brad and Janet watch in disbelief as the Transylvanians, servants, and a tap dancing groupie, Columbia, dance the “Time Warp,” the film’s signature song.

Things only get stranger as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, the master of the castle, appears and claims to have discovered the “secret to life itself” and in a scene inspired by the classic Frankenstein films, his creation, Rocky Horror, a very well built young man, is brought to life in the castle laboratory.

Dr. Gail Morfesis, musical director for both Sondheim’s Assassins and The Rocky Horror Show at the Gilbert, says that a wide range of people are sure to enjoy the performance. “This play has the same appeal to a younger audience as Hair or Jesus Christ Superstar did, in the way that they aren’t just observing, but get a chance to participate in the production. Older audiences members will defi nitely associate this with the classic Science Fiction movies and television shows from the ‘50s and ‘60s.”

For those in the know, The Rocky Horror Show is something of a cult classic, and is usually very interactive. Audience members are invited to come in costume; however, leave your props at home. For those who know what we are talking about, don’t despair! Prop bags will be on sale at the theater so you can still have as much fun as you ever had at a midnight matinee.

The Gilbert Theater, founded in 1994, is located in historic downtown Fayetteville at 117 Green St. Performances for Rocky Horror Show are Thursday through Saturday at 8 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. Tickets are $15.00 at the door and parental guidance is suggested due to language and mature content.

Tickets may be purchased at the box offi ce, which opens one hour prior to show times. Groups of 10 are more should make advance reservations. Groups of 10 or more eligible for discounts and require non-refundable, pre-paid reservations. Military and student discounts are available for all Thursday performances. For more information call 910-678-7186 or email gilberttheater@aol.com.