January 31st, 2013 - Rocky Horror Picture Show
As I was reviewing past blog posts, I realized I had to forgotten to write about my favorite event of my whole Australian adventure - Rocky Horror! Before even setting foot in Australia, I had struck up an online friendship with Steve (the guy in the blond wig). We had spoken off and on for almost a year. When I was planning my trip to Melbourne, he told me about his New Year's Eve plans and how a group of his friends were taking a limo to see Rocky Horror. He asked if I'd be interested. Now I hadn't seen the Rocky Horror Show since the early 80s. They used to show it on Long Island, and I went several times with my then girlfriend, Donna. I had gone enough times that I knew when to throw out the best lines, when to toss rice, and when to hide under newspapers. I figured what the heck, and said yes.
After arriving to Melbourne and meeting Steve for drinks, then dinner, then more drinks, I realized I had to decide on a costume. The easy way out was to go as Brad Majors, the geeky male lead. Many people have actually told me I look like the actor who played Brad, so I figured how hard would it be to get a lab coat? I discovered a costume rental store in Melbourne and made my way there. The young lady who greeted me was fabulous. I told her about my plans. She asked if I would go as Brad from the beginning of the movie or Brad at the end. I sheepishly said the beginning (when Brad simply wears chinos, a white shirt, and a jacket). She said that was out of the question. I could not travel to Melbourne for a New Year's Eve party and not live it to the fullest. Before I knew it, she had a corset, fishnets, boas, hot pants, and garters out. She pushed me into a changing room and said try them on. It was a struggle to put on those objects (believe it or not, I had never done drag before). At one point she pulled open the curtain just as a group of high school girls were walking by. They burst out laughing and the sales clerks chiding them, saying "Girls, eyes forward please." After a few adjustments, she declared me complete. What else could I do but say yes? The only issues were shoes. They didn't have a size 12 that fit me comfortably. She recommended Target.
As luck would have it, my dear friend John from SIS was visiting Melbourne at the same time. He graciously agreed to accompany me to Target to help buy shoes since I was very nervous. When we arrived, I think I told everyone I came across in the store that I was buying shoes for a costume party and not for myself. John immediately began picking out size 12 shoes, but it was hard to squeeze my wide foot into close-toed shoes. There weren't many size 12s and I was beginning to despair that I might have to wear flats. Suddenly this husky voice woman strolled by, dropped a pair of wedges at my feet, and said, "This is what you're looking for honey." I looked up and thanked her. I realized almost immediately that she was a transexual. As soon as I slipped my feet into the shoes, I knew she was right. They were open-toed and fit like flip-flops. No pinching. Still, the heel was quite steep and took some practice to walk in them.
That evening I went to Steve's apartment and his friend, a professional drag queen, put on my make-up. He had me turn away from the mirror as he applied the make-up. When I turned around, I gasped. I could not believe how different I looked. It was quite surreal to see oneself look so different. I kept starting in disbelief. It wasn't long after that it was time to put the full outfit on. In no time I was prancing around the apartment in full drag. The boa was itchy and I felt unsteady on the heels, but I was ready.
Fortunately the van met us right at the door, but the driver certainly gave us a few strange looks. We arrived to the theater and once inside I felt perfectly at home. Many people were in costume. In classic Rocky Horror, before the movie began, they have a Best Costume nomination. They called all of us up onto the stage. There must've been forty people dressed in full Rocky Horror garb. Steve went as Rocky in a gold speedo and blond wig (and killer body). I was Brad, and Steve's friend Simon (the make-up artist) was a version of Brad and Janet. Well, out of the 40 or so people, all three of us made the top 5! To determine the winner, each person had to sing part of the song "Time Warp." Now I hadn't seen the movie in over 20 years, so I barely remembered the lyrics. When it came to my turn, I fully bungled it, but I had a loyal following in the audience. It turned out that the young kid playing Riff Raff won, as he should've because his costume was great and he nailed the lip synching. He was so sweet. He came up to me afterwards and complimented me on my costume, as did several young ladies. These same ladies kept pulling me up to the front of the theater to dance during the musical numbers. After a few hours in those heels, though, my feet were killing me.
After the movie, we hung out in the lobby for a while, snapping photos. The van arrived, and we all piled inside for the ride back to Steve's place. I wasn't in the apartment more than five minutes before I took of that outfit and make-up. People I had met after the make-up couldn't believe the difference in appearance! The rest of the night was spent drinking champagne and celebrating New Year's. In Melbourne, they launch fireworks from the top of the buildings. Steve's balcony overlooks the downtown and we had a beautiful view of the fireworks. It was a magical moment. After the New Year's kissing and fireworks, Steve put on a beautiful rendition of Au Lang Syne. That song is a killer and always sad and of course I thought of Martin. I grew a little emotional, but tried to hide it. One of the guests and Rocky Horror participants noticed and came over to ask if I were OK. I told him why and he gave me a big hug. It was very sweet and comforting. The whole evening was memorable and one of the multiple reasons why I fell in love with Melbourne. It's a magical city filled with wonderful people.