The Long Beach Art Theatre put on a sold-out production of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” with the shadow cast, “Bit of Mustard,” following the passing of Tim Curry, who portrayed the main character in the film, Dr. Frank-N-Furter.
The cast presents the production every third Saturday of the month at 12 a.m., but this month’s production had special meaning behind its performance.
Tim Curry, who died at the age of 80, was an icon for many queer youth growing up and was a symbol of authenticity in times when it wasn’t shown on screens.
“Tim Curry is allegedly straight in high heels, lipstick and having sex with men on stage. He has an ‘I don’t give a f— attitude’ I try to carry,” Dominic Maddan, an LBCC alumnus and cast member working that night, said.
Curry’s portrayal of the gender non-conforming alien Dr. Frank-N-Furter brings comfort, and inspires many to live their lives how they want and not conform to standards pushed onto them because they are seen as weird or strange.
The passing of Tim Curry on Aug. 25 made the theater prepare for the influx of people who got inspired to come in memoriam.
“I’ve always loved the performance, it’s iconic, all over the place, and a symbol of being yourself,” Robby Angell, an audience member who came from Glendale to see the show, said.
Although the cast expected a higher attendance than usual, they did not anticipate a sold-out show with many people from Los Angeles and Orange Counties making the drive out to Long Beach.
“September is usually a normal month for us, but with the passing of Tim Curry this August it pushed more people to come,” Stephanie Sprague, a cast member working the merch booth that night, said.
Playing cards with handwritten notes addressing Tim Curry are scattered on a table outside the entrance of the Art Theatre on Sept. 26, 2026. Fans were encouraged to write the notes on playing cards, which is a nod to a line in the film, and their use as props by audience members. The theater has a monthly showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, although this showing is the first one after the death of actor Tim Curry, who is the main character in the movie. (Jacyn King)
Many “Bit of Mustard” members are artists offstage and volunteer their time to create merchandise for the show including T-shirts, tote bags, stickers, air fresheners and jewelry.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” is a memorable event for people of all ages, with many seeing it as teenagers with friends and family exposing them to it.
“Seeing how the characters evolve and get in touch with parts of themselves that they didn’t know and the quirkiness of it all,” audience member Miranda Muñoz said when asked what draws her to the production.
“The energy is different every single show. It changes every month. Sometimes there are more regulars, sometimes there are more virgins, as we like to call them, making each show special and unique,” Sprague said.
“Virgins,” is the term used to describe attendees who have never seen “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” and are usually marked with a red “V” in lipstick.
“The Rocky Horror Picture Show” has been a monumental queer experience that is unlike any other, with audience members finding community and comfort within the walls, and in the line of the theater.
“As a trans woman, the show makes me feel like I’m not the only one here,” audience member Tanner Ambriz, dressed as Magenta alongside their partner, said.
Many audience members praise Long Beach as being a hub for diversity, especially with openly queer events such as “The Rocky Horror Picture Show.”
“Long Beach is so queer and has such diverse families and family structures. It’s good to see queerness shine through the fascism,” first-time attendee Asia Donnelson said.
The Art Theatre continues to host LGBTQ+ events for the Long Beach community, including the Q Film Festival, held Sept. 17-20, and an annual Red Carpet Gala that helps raise funds for the theater.
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