Arts & Entertainment

Every month, the Long Beach Art Theatre gathers its shadow cast to put on an exciting, interactive and playful performance of The Rocky Horror Picture Show. Whether newcomers or regulars, audience members join an inclusive, celebrated experience all while singing, laughing and participating with the cast.

The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a musical comedy-horror film released in 1975 and considered one of the most popular and progressive cult films ever. For many people, Rocky Horror is more than a movie; it is an experience, a safe space and a monthly event that commemorates fluidity and self-expression.

This monthly ritual keeps audience members engaged, coming back month after month with props, costumes and a sense of familiarity that transcends the room. The community connection, beginning with the shadow, cast extends to viewers, shaping the Long Beach Art Theatre into an inclusive and cultural space.

Cast representative Willow Mercury Ardeline first joined the Bit of Mustard ensemble more than a year ago. Bit of Mustard is the shadow cast ensemble that does a monthly performance at the Long Beach Art Theatre.

“We’re pretty focused on having an accessible cast for people who are into performing,” Ardeline said. “We’re also focused on having a venue for people to be creative.’’

Ardeline began as a performer and did some technical work. After five years, they moved into hosting and have recently landed the role of cast representative.They said The Rocky Horror Picture Show plays a pivotal role in Long Beach due to the city’s queer and art scene.

“I hope that people see representation of themselves in the cast and in the cultural period around it,” Ardeline said. “I would really like us to have a venue where people who I identify with, know, and like are seen and normalized.”

Ardeline mentioned the monthly shadow cast production is completely volunteer-run, performers make their own handmade costumes, and lean on their passion rather than funding to connect with the audience. They said the cast’s dedication and lively performance are what matter when coming together.

Kairo Chin, a cast representative and prop supervisor, joined Bit of Mustard in October 2024 to make friends and join their local theatre after moving down to Los Angeles from San Jose.

“I was involved a little bit with my college’s Rocky Horror Show in the past, and was like, ‘Okay, well, let me just look up a shadow cast near me,” said Chin. I found that Bit of Mustard was looking for people, so I applied and showed up and now I’m running it.”

Chin says the cast’s monthly performances stay fresh by presenting a new cast lineup every show and committing to artistic freedom. They explained that The Rocky Horror Picture Show provides artistic fulfillment and creative freedom at the Long Beach Art Theatre that larger theaters do not.

“What I push for are our core values, let’s be safe, let’s have fun, and let’s put on a good show,” Chin said.” It doesn’t matter what happens on stage as long as you’re safe and having fun.”

Chin added that the monthly performances have allowed them to break out of their shell and given them a new sense of confidence. They said performing has helped unlock another aspect of this art form by experiencing theater as a performer.