The Rocky Horror Show

Here is a detailed breakdown of the costumes for The Rocky Horror Show, organized by act and character:

Act 1: The Arrival at the Castle

Main Characters:

• Brad Majors:

  • Initial Outfit:
    • Conservative 1950s attire, typically a suit with a tie and dress shoes. Brad’s outfit is clean-cut and formal to reflect his uptight nature.
    • Accessories: Glasses and a slightly uncomfortable look.
  • Transformation:
    • His costume evolves during the show, often moving towards more revealing and dramatic pieces.

• Janet Weiss:

  • Initial Outfit:
    • Modest, 1950s-style dress (often pastel-colored) with a cardigan or jacket.
    • Accessories: Simple hairstyle, plain shoes, and subtle accessories.
  • Transformation:
    • Later scenes feature her in more provocative outfits that contrast her initial conservatism.

• Dr. Frank-N-Furter:

  • Initial Outfit:
    • Signature corset, fishnet stockings, high heels, and gloves, making a bold and glamorous statement of his flamboyant personality.
    • Accessories: Large feather boa, dramatic makeup, and a tiara.
  • Transformation:
    • Frank’s costume stays consistent, with minor additions for different scenes (e.g., changing robes or dramatic capes).

• Riff Raff:

  • Outfit:
    • A disheveled servant look with a dark, ragged tuxedo or costume that evokes a sense of alienation.
    • Accessories: Messy hair, pale makeup, and a mechanical or zombie-like posture. Often carries a key prop like a remote or tool.

• Magenta:

  • Outfit:
    • A black, low-cut maid uniform with exaggerated details, such as a ruffled apron, to highlight her quirky and mysterious nature.
    • Accessories: Bold makeup and wild hair, possibly with a headpiece or bandage.

• Columbia:

  • Outfit:
    • A sparkling, showgirl-inspired costume with sequins, fringe, and bold colors (often red, gold, or silver).
    • Accessories: Tinsel or feathered headpiece, and dramatic stage makeup.

• Rocky Horror:

  • Outfit:
    • Initially in a gold speedo-style outfit, emphasizing his creation as a physical object of desire.
    • Accessories: Gold body paint, muscle-like features, and a perfect physique.

Ensemble (Guests and Cast):

• Guests at the Party:
  • Mix of glamorous and eccentric costumes that fit the "otherworldly" and kitschy vibe of the castle setting.
  • Examples include vintage ballroom gowns, tuxedos, and outrageous accessories like feather boas, masks, and opera gloves.

Act 2: The Experiment and Finale

Main Characters:

• Dr. Frank-N-Furter:

  • Continued use of the signature corset and fishnet stockings, but with additional accessories (e.g., capes, gowns, or robes) depending on the scenes.
  • End Scene: Frank's appearance becomes even more exaggerated, often featuring an over-the-top wig or new attire as his control slips away.

• Brad Majors:

  • Transformation Scene: Brad is often seen in more daring attire, possibly revealing his body or donning a costume to match the bizarre world he’s entered.
  • Examples: Open-shirted or entirely altered outfits that reflect the confusion and liberation of his character.

• Janet Weiss:

  • Transformation Scene: Janet is typically dressed in a provocative costume (for example, lingerie, corset, or a tight-fitting gown) to showcase her break from her previous innocence.

• Riff Raff:

  • End Scene: His costume may become even more ragged, representing his final rebellion and alien nature.

• Magenta:

  • End Scene: Magenta may also wear more dramatic or exaggerated versions of her uniform or full gowns, depending on the specific production.

• Columbia:

  • End Scene: Columbia’s outfit may get more elaborate or whimsical, often staying true to her showgirl persona, featuring bold sequins and feathers.

• Rocky Horror:

  • End Scene: Often seen in the same gold speedo, with additional elements like feathered accessories, additional makeup, or body paint that reflects his role as a puppet or experiment.

Ensemble (Guests and Partygoers):

• Costumes:
  • A variety of eccentric, extravagant, and glamorous looks, such as:
    • Latex outfits
    • Skin-tight corsets
    • Over-the-top feathered boas
    • Platforms and high heels
    • Mismatched tights, leather accessories
    • Velvet, metallics, and anything that contributes to the decadent and surreal atmosphere.

Special Notes:

• Color Palette:
  • Act 1: More reserved and dark colors for the "normal" characters (Brad and Janet), contrasted with dramatic, bold hues for Frank-N-Furter and his entourage.
  • Act 2: Bright, metallic, bold colors, incorporating gold, silver, and red to reflect the heightened emotions and the decadent environment of Frank's world.
• Fabric Choices:
  • Act 1: Traditional fabrics for 1950s-style clothing (cotton, wool, polyester).
  • Act 2: Sequins, velvet, satin, and leather for dramatic and extravagant costumes.
• Key Costume Elements:
  • Frank-N-Furter: Corsets, fishnet stockings, and glam accessories.
  • Brad and Janet: Transformation into more risqué, theatrical costumes that showcase their evolution.
  • Rocky: Gold body paint and revealing attire to enhance his artificial and created persona.