The Master’s Affairs shadow cast perform during the “Rocky Horror” Tim Curry memorial showing at Kentucky Theatre in Lexington, Kentucky, on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. Isabella Sepahban/The Watchdog

The Kentucky Theatre hosted a memorial showing of “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” to a sold-out crowd in memory of Tim Curry, days after his passing.

As “Rocky Horror” played on screen at The Kentucky Theatre on Saturday, Aug. 29, the shadow cast of the film, The Master’s Affairs, replicated scenes on stage.

Curry played one of the show’s main characters, Dr. Frank-N-Furter, originally on stage in London before playing the character again for the movie released in 1975. Saturday’s screening was a tribute to his performance both on stage and screen following Curry’s death at 80 years old on August 25.

Seven Simpson is the current shadowcast member playing the character Riff Raff. According to Simpson, he spent most of his life watching and performing in “Rocky Horror” because his parents met doing a shadowcast of the film in New York.

“To me, as a gay man– especially as a gay man who did not grow up in this country– it means so much to see so many people, that they (attendees) have loved to be here to support this weird-ass fucking show,” Simpson said.

The Master’s Affairs shadow cast perform during the “Rocky Horror” Tim Curry memorial showing at Kentucky Theatre in Lexington, Kentucky, on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. Isabella Sepahban/The Watchdog

After hearing about the sold-out crowd, Simpson said he became tearful knowing how many people showed for the screening in Curry’s memory.

According to Simpson, the show was originally set to be held in the State Theatre, a smaller theater within the Kentucky Theatre. However, once the show sold out, it was moved to a larger theater, where it sold out again.

“It means the world to see how many people loved Tim and love us and came out to support us based on that love for Tim,” Simpson said. 

The Master’s Affairs shadow cast perform during the “Rocky Horror” Tim Curry memorial showing at Kentucky Theatre in Lexington, Kentucky, on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. Isabella Sepahban/The Watchdog

For many in the LGBTQ+ community, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show” creates a sense of belonging for those that take part in the night’s showing, according to Aggie Singer, who attended the show with friends.

Singer said her friend group decided to see the show in memory of Curry and the safe space he created for many queer people.

“I think that ‘Rocky Horror’ did a lot for the gay youth,” Singer said. “Especially in a rural area like this.”

The Kentucky Theatre showing “Rocky Horror” on a monthly basis allows the LGBTQ+ community to connect and socialize with others, according to Singer.

“I think when you’re in Appalachia, the South, it gives us all a space to celebrate and be together and really express ourselves where we might not be able to otherwise,” Singer said.

People wait in line for the “Rocky Horror” Tim Curry memorial showing at Kentucky Theatre in Lexington, Kentucky, on Saturday, Aug. 29, 2026. Isabella Sepahban/The Watchdog

Attending “Rocky Horror” with Singer was Jonnie Mills, a University of Kentucky junior majoring in architecture, who said safe spaces such as the Kentucky Theatre are integral to social life for the queer community.

“I’m from Southeastern Kentucky, so I came from a town where I graduated with 30 people,” Mills said. “Coming to a place where I can wear what I’m wearing and not really have to worry about anything is very important to me.”

Lauren Kargas said she attended “Rocky Horror” for the first time Saturday to honor Curry and the film’s message of support and inclusivity for the LGBTQ+ community.

The debut of “Rocky Horror” in 1975 became a statement piece for many in the community, both then and now, according to Kargas.

“I think messages like that are really important today,” Kargas said. “To remember that was something they were really going out of bounds to say.”

The Master’s Affairs shadow cast perform during the “Rocky Horror” Tim Curry memorial showing at Kentucky Theatre in Lexington, Kentucky, on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. Isabella Sepahban/The Watchdog

Curry’s role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter was unique, Kargas said, and the turnout for the memorial show was bittersweet for her.

“It’s really uniting, really cool to see everybody with all of their different outfits and how everybody is choosing to represent themselves differently,” Kargas said. “I think it feels like a really welcoming environment right now.”

Attendees gather outside after the “Rocky Horror” Tim Curry memorial showing at Kentucky Theatre in Lexington, Kentucky, on Sunday, Aug. 30, 2026. Isabella Sepahban/The Watchdog