In these parts, the Rocky Horror Show has no rivals when it comes to Halloween tradition. Even the Great Pumpkin can’t compete.

Tonight’s double feature will open the fifth season of Richard O’Brien’s stage version of the cult classic movie at the Henry Strater Theatre.

The cast always changes from year to year, but the biggest change is in the lead role of Frank N. Furter. Ben Mattson, who is a regular with Farmington’s Sandstone Productions, will take on the toughest role after getting his feet wet as Brad in last year’s show.

Director Jenny Fitts-Reynolds always adds a personal tweak to the 37-year-old show. This year it’s a Steampunk theme – think Jules Verne/H.G. Wells-era science fiction, with lots of goggles and gears. Industrial Victorian, if you will. The costumes will be a bit different than tradition holds – on stage, anyway. Audience members are still encouraged to dress in their best Brad, Janet, Riff-Raff or Rocky. But Fitts-Reynolds hopes people will embrace the Steampunk theme.

Finally, because the Henry Strater Theatre is a historical venue, common decency should prevail when it comes to things like throwing toast and shooting water pistols. But to make it official, those traditions are prohibited in their original form. There are cleaner substitutes, and bags of less impactful props are available.

ted@durangoherald.com