RIDLEY PARK, PA — Just in time for Halloween, The Barnstormers Theater invites audiences to do the Time Warp once again with a special presentation of The Rocky Horror Picture Show, featuring the acclaimed regional shadowcast Frankie’s Midnight Runners. Marking the first time the theater has presented the iconic film with a live shadowcast, this three-performance event will take place October 30–31, 2026, bringing the ultimate cult movie experience to Ridley Park.
The event celebrates the film’s 50th anniversary while paying tribute to Tim Curry, whose unforgettable portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter helped transform The Rocky Horror Picture Show into a cultural phenomenon. Audiences can expect a weekend filled with iconic characters, audience participation, outrageous costumes, and the irreverent spirit that has kept Rocky Horror captivating generations of fans.
The Barnstormers has a long history with the beloved musical, having produced The Rocky Horror Show more than a dozen times over the past two decades. For 2026, however, the theater is changing things up by bringing the film itself to the big screen, accompanied by a live shadowcast performance.
“We’ve produced The Rocky Horror Show over a dozen times over the past twenty years. We love bringing the musical to life, but for 2026 we wanted to switch things up a bit. With the film celebrating its 50th anniversary and following the recent passing of Tim Curry, we felt this was a particularly meaningful opportunity to honor his extraordinary legacy and iconic portrayal of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. We wanted to present The Rocky Horror Picture Show at the Barnstormers Theater for the first time, and we knew we wanted to bring in one of the best shadowcasts in the area, Frankie’s Midnight Runners, to help us celebrate,” said Jeff “Buzz” DiSabatino, President of The Barnstormers Theater.
For those who have only experienced The Rocky Horror Show as a live stage musical, a shadowcast offers an entirely different kind of theatrical entertainment. While the original film plays on screen, live performers dressed in costumes inspired by the movie recreate its action in real time, bringing the characters and iconic moments to life directly in front of the audience. Combined with interactive prop bags, familiar audience callbacks, and opportunities for participation, the experience transforms a traditional movie screening into an immersive celebration of one of cinema’s most enduring cult classics.
Audiences are encouraged to arrive dressed in their favorite costumes, whether inspired by Rocky Horror or not. First-time moviegoers can also take part in the traditional “Virgin Games,” a playful welcome for those experiencing the film on the big screen for the first time.
The October 31 performance at 7:30 p.m. will feature a special sing-along, inviting audiences to join in on the music and celebrate the film together. A late-night performance beginning at 11:59 p.m. will offer another opportunity to experience the movie and shadowcast in the spirit of the midnight screenings that helped establish Rocky Horror as a cult phenomenon.
Frankie’s Midnight Runners, a Rocky Horror Picture Show shadowcast operating since 2016, is known for performances throughout northeastern Maryland and northern Delaware. Describing themselves as ready to “thrill, chill, and fulfill,” the group brings its signature blend of theatrical performance and interactive entertainment to Pennsylvania for Halloween weekend.
THREE PERFORMANCES ONLY
- Friday, October 30, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. — Frankie’s Midnight Runners Shadowcast
- Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 7:30 p.m. — Special Sing-Along Performance (Special Sing-Along with live band and without Frankie’s Midnight Runners)
- Saturday, October 31, 2026, at 11:59 p.m. — Late-Night Frankie’s Midnight Runners Shadowcast
Reserved seating is $35, and general admission is $25. Audiences are encouraged to bring extra cash for interactive prop bags, concessions from the Barn Cafe, and exclusive Frankie’s Midnight Runners merchandise.
The three performances will also serve as a fundraiser supporting The Barnstormers Theater’s 2026–2027 season, which includes The Half-Life of Marie Curie, a joint production with Savage Bee; Hooked on the ’70s, a jukebox musical comedy; and Disney’s Dare to Dream Jr., presented by Barnstormers Youth Theater.
Tickets are available online at https://barnstormerstheater.ludus.com. For additional information, visit https://www.barnstormerstheater.com or call the box office at (610) 461-9969.
EVENT INFORMATION
The Rocky Horror Picture Show with Frankie’s Midnight Runners
Location:
The Barnstormers Theater
402 Tome Street (corner of Ward and Tome)
Ridley Park, PA
Performance Dates:
- Friday, October 30, 2026 — 7:30 p.m.
- Saturday, October 31, 2026 — 7:30 p.m. (Special Sing-Along with live band and without Frankie’s Midnight Runners)
- Saturday, October 31, 2026 — 11:59 p.m.
Ticket Prices:
- Reserved Seating: $35
- General Admission: $25
Tickets: https://barnstormerstheater.ludus.com
Box Office: (610) 461-9969
Website: https://www.barnstormerstheater.com
ABOUT FRANKIE’S MIDNIGHT RUNNERS
Operating since 2016, Frankie’s Midnight Runners is a Rocky Horror Picture Show shadowcast ready to “thrill, chill, and fulfill.” Typically performing throughout northeastern Maryland and northern Delaware, the group brings the film to life through live performances that recreate its iconic characters and moments while celebrating the audience participation and theatrical traditions that have made Rocky Horror a cultural institution. The group is excited to bring its signature entertainment to Pennsylvania for Halloween weekend.
For more information, visit https://www.frankiesrunners.com.
ABOUT THE BARNSTORMERS THEATER
The Barnstormers Theater is the oldest continuously operating community theater in Pennsylvania and the third oldest in the United States. Its history began with a loosely organized group producing skits, musicals, and other performances for their own amusement in Ward’s Hall in Ridley Park. The group’s first performance, The Arabian Nights, took place on January 22, 1909, followed by its first public performance on May 13, 1910.
Today, The Barnstormers produces up to six plays annually, with a season running from September through May, welcoming directors, performers, crew members, and volunteers from throughout the tri-state area. The theater expanded its programming in November 2004 to include Singer-Songwriter Nights, showcasing talented regional musicians, and has built a distinguished history of success in state, regional, and international theater competitions.
For more information about upcoming productions and events, visit https://www.barnstormerstheater.com.
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