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The NM Gay Men’s Chorus hosts ‘Rocky Horror’ sing-along at KiMo
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For the 50th anniversary of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show,” the New Mexico Gay Men’s Chorus (NMGMC) is hosting a participatory sing-along screening at KiMo Theatre on Saturday, Oct. 25. The film, initially considered a flop, quickly gained a cult following and went on to become the longest-running release in cinematic history.
The KiMo event is NMGMC’s sixth annual movie sing-along. Previous years have showcased such musicals as “Moulin Rouge!,” “Mamma Mia!” and “Grease.”
“The chorus, prepandemic, decided that we wanted to get away from the traditional rubber-chicken-in-a-banquet-hall, silent auction kind of fundraiser. So, we thought, why not do something that involves music and singing? So, we started doing these movie sing-alongs,” Jerry Matthews, co-chair of NMGMC’s board of directors, said.
Matthews is a longtime “Rocky Horror” fan.
“I remember trying to sneak into it when I was 17,” he said. “And we just rewatched it the other weekend. It’s such a funny, campy movie.”
The “Rocky Horror” sing-along will feature special performances by the drag royalty of the Imperial Sovereign Court of New Mexico, an LGBTQIA-owned and operated nonprofit organization. ISCNM will provide the special entertainment for the VIP reception, where guests will also receive gift bags, drink tickets and premium seating.
“Most of the performers will be lip-synching. A couple of them are very strong at dancing, as well. And our current monarch, Ben Jammin, likes to sing. So, more than likely he’s going to be signing live,” Antonio Ogaz-Muñoz, ISCNM’s president, said.
The two nonprofit organizations are partnering with each other for the first time, although Ogaz-Muñoz was a member of the chorus in the past.
“It’s a great group to work with,” he said. “As a member, I had a lot of fun being in it, and I strongly support their mission and programming. So, it’s a great partnership.”
The Imperial Sovereign Court works to advance health and social support initiatives in New Mexico, including holiday food drives around Thanksgiving and Christmastime. The group is also known for its show-stopping drag performances.
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“They’ll bring a drag element to the event, which, obviously, with Dr. Frank-N-Furter and his outfit, fits in perfectly,” Matthews said.
Frank-N-Furter, the cross-dressing mad scientist character in “Rocky Horror,” has been a symbol of gender nonconformity across generations.
“I’m going to show up as Frank-N-Furter 50 years later,” Matthews said. “So, use your imagination about what that might look like.”
All attendees are encouraged to dress in costume, and there will be a costume contest later in the evening, with the chance to win prizes. Organizers are asking, however, that participants not bring outside props.
“The KiMo has restrictions on what can and cannot be thrown. Especially with their 100th anniversary coming up, they’re wanting to make sure it stays in good shape,” Matthews said. “And we don’t want to get fined for having to clean up rice and stuff like that.”
The NMGMC will provide preapproved prop bags, “so people can still get in the spirit of interacting with the movie,” Matthews said.
Classic movie concessions and refreshments, including alcoholic beverages, will be provided by Red Door Brewing Company.
Matthews said the sing-along is one of the biggest annual fundraisers for the chorus, which is about to embark upon its 45th season.
“I know people sometimes think $25 is a lot for a movie ticket — actually, these days, it’s not too far from the norm — but just as a reminder, this is a fundraiser,” Matthews said.
Although the NMGMC will not be performing onstage as they do at their formal concerts, the fact that a full chorus will be interspersed among the audience creates a lively musical experience.
“I’m going to encourage some of our members to be the leaders of some of the singing parts, especially getting everybody up and doing the ‘Time Warp,’” Matthews said, “because we want this to be a fun, funky time, which is truly ‘Rocky Horror.’”
Attendees need not be great singers, though.
“We’re a no-judgment zone,” Matthews said. “You can belt out as long as you want. Normally, when you go to the movies, you’re being shushed, right? This time, we want you to talk back. We want you to say the words and sing along. That’s the fun part of these movie sing-alongs.”
