'Rocky Horror' first here in 1976

The first time anyone in Cedar Rapids saw Frank N. Furter was at the movies in September 1976.

I was hoping it opened at the Plaza - the first-run theater that was once housed in the building in which  Theatre Cedar Rapids is now performing the time-warped phenomenon - but not so. It played at Stage 1 of the Stage 4 Theatres, the west-side building that now is home to  Capri College, a cosmetology school.

Gazette staffer Gail Cooper-Evans' review:

"Funky, kinky, weird and bizarre aptly describe the rock musical ... So do entertaining, colorful, hilarious and, often, offensive.

"Strange people in black satin and lots of heavy makeup with very evident bisexual  tastes make this very 'R' rated show definitely not for the younger set.

"Adapted from a rock stage musical of the same title that poked fun at the old black and white monster films, the film version is in beautiful color.

"... Most of the adept cast including Tim Curry (Frank), appeared in the stage edition. Richard O'Brien, the sinister Riff Raff, also wrote the rock score, which, aside from the makeup and costuming, saves the show."

Although the movie wasn't successful when it was first released, it has become a cult classic, grossing over $140 million since 1975, according to

Variety.