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Barry Bostwick Shows Up In Drag At Rocky Horror Screening

Barry Bostwick Shows Up In Drag At Rocky Horror Screening

Last night a gang of us went to see “Rocky Horror Picture Show” at the Castro Theatre, and though it does sound sort of lame or over-done, this event was quite special. Not only has it been 20 years since the film has shown at the Castro, but the special guest was Barry Bostwick, aka Brad Majors, aka ASSHOLE!

Peaches Christ was the hostess, and along with presenting a couple of big production numbers before the show, she also served as interviewer of Barry Bostwick. In a surprise move that shocked even Peaches Christ, 67 year old Barry Bostwick came out on stage in fishnets, high heels, corset and wig! We were all flabbergasted, including Peaches, who had to re-shuffle most of his interview questions, which were no doubt aimed at teasing him about drag. When he actually showed up in drag, it ruined half her planned jokes! And then to prove he’s no shrinking violet, Bostwick laid down on the floor raising one (still very shapely) fish-netted leg straight up in the air to re-create his signature pose from the movie! Everyone was shocked beyond belief.

To be honest, I kinda had the feeling Barry Bostwick might have been a no-show. I always thought he tried to distance himself from being connected with the movie in order to be thought of as more of a serious actor, so I was surprised to see him announced as making an appearance. I kinda thought he might back out at the last minute when he found out how gay the event would be. How wrong could I be? Not only did he show up, he showed up in drag, and his responses to the interview were more twisted and humorous than anyone would ever have expected.

Barry Bostwick Shows Up In Drag At Rocky Horror Screening

But the surprises didn’t end there! At the last minute, Peaches was informed that another celebrity was in the audience who had also portrayed Brad Majors on Broadway. It was none other than Beverly Hills 90210′s Luke Perry! Like Peaches said afterward, “OMG, I used to jerk off to Luke Perry!”

Other trivia I learned about Barry Bostwick is that he originated the role of Danny Zuko in the Broadway production of “Grease” 1971, and he was born right here in San Mateo.

It was nice to see “Rocky Horror Picture Show” again on the big screen. Though I’ve seen it a zillion times, there are so many subtle things going on in the background, you always see something new. Looking back at the film as a cultural phenomenon, I saw it back in 1978, when the concept of yelling at the screen was still new. At that time, midnight screenings hadn’t started yet, people weren’t showing up in costume yet, and there were only a few “catch phrases” that people yelled during the movie. More importantly, at that time it really was shocking to see a guy in drag on screen. I had a hard time believing what I saw. And the scene of Frank N Furter lusting over Rocky during “In Just 7 Days I Can Make You A Man”, got me all tingly. I had never seen that kind of male on male lust portrayed on film before. Remember, there was no home video yet in 1978, and I had only ever seen about 10 minutes of an actual hardcore gay porn movie before.

Peaches had the most prolific quote of the night.

“For me, ‘Rocky Horror’ was my ‘It Gets Better’ video.”

JANET: "I don't like a man with too many muscles." FRANK N FURTER: "I didn't make him for YOU!"