The outside of Boulder Theater in Boulder, Colo. (CU Independent/ Alexia Bailey)
Only in Boulder would people throw on lingerie and ruby-red lipstick in 44-degree weather. The reason? Colorado’s Elusive Ingredient brought its shadow cast of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” to the historic Boulder Theater on Oct. 30, delivering an evening of high-energy theatrics, audience participation and a healthy dose of camp.
As part of the “Rocktober 2025 Early Show” event, CEI presented its annual production, which is a screening of the 1975 cult classic film accompanied by live actors performing a fully staged “shadow cast” in real time. In a shadow cast, actors mimic the film on stage scene by scene, creating a layered, interactive experience for the audience. The Boulder shows offered double performances at 7 and 10 p.m., each built around erotic themes, over-the-top costumes and playful audience engagement.
Most cast members wore lingerie, corsets and other provocative attire, emphasizing the show’s mix of queerness, comedy and risqué theatrics. Audience members were encouraged to shout responses, dance, use prop bags and even step onto the stage for select scenes. CEI, which describes itself as “the largest and longest-running shadow cast in Colorado,” has built a reputation for creating a space where audience members feel free to let loose and fully participate.
“I’ve seen a couple of different productions of “Rocky Horror” now, and it’s great when you get the crowd involved,” said Hazel Alldredge who dressed straight out of the film to fully immerse herself in the “Rocky Horror” experience. “All of their audio pieces and callouts make it such a great experience. It’s a perfect mix of chaos and fun.”
First-time attendees, affectionately nicknamed “virgins,” received a lipstick “V” on their foreheads and cheeks and learned a special pre-show dance as a playful rite of passage into the show’s community. Greyson Thobe, one of the newcomers, said that they were particularly impressed by the actors’ performances.
“The Janet, played by Becca (Rebecca Gamelin), was really, really good tonight,” Thobe said after the show. “It was so incredible, everyone was great. You can tell they put a lot of heart into it.”
CEI was formed in 2000 and has since become a staple of Colorado’s performing arts scene. Over the past 25 years, the troupe has earned a reputation for sold-out shows, elaborate stage setups and large-scale audience engagement, drawing Rocky Horror enthusiasts from across the state. The “Rocktober” series has become an annual tradition, combining nostalgia, humor and a sense of community for both longtime fans and newcomers.
With its mix of camp, comedy and audience-driven spectacle, CEI’s shadow cast of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” proves that Boulder audiences are more than willing to embrace a little theatrics, even in lingerie on a chilly October night.
Contact CU Independent Opinion Editor Alexia Bailey at alexia.bailey@colorado.edu
