The Springer Opera House Does October Right

By Jhai James

Temperatures are cooling, the leaves are starting to turn, and there’s a distinct chill in the air—and it’s not just the fall weather. This October, Columbus’s historic Springer Opera House is conjuring up a month-long celebration of all things spooky, silly, and spectacular. From laugh-out-loud comedy to spine-tingling ghost tours and a certain cult-classic film, the State Theatre of Georgia is the place to be for some freakishly fun fall festivities.

At the heart of it all is a landmark anniversary for one of the Springer’s most beloved annual traditions.

It’s Just a Jump to the Left… For 50 Years

Get your fishnets, corsets, and loud voices ready! This year marks a special occasion as The Rocky Horror Picture Show with Shadow Cast returns to the Springer for its 50th anniversary. It’s been half a century since this weird, wild, and wonderful film first graced the screen, and for local fans, there’s no better way to celebrate.

The Springer transforms the experience into a high-energy party, and the story of how that came to be is almost as iconic as the film itself. Initially a theatrical flop, The Rocky Horror Picture Show found its footing in midnight showings in New York City. As fans began to dress up and yell “callbacks” at the screen, an interactive tradition was born—an almost entirely new script written by the audience.

The Springer embraces this unique fan culture by including a prop bag with every ticket, a tradition the theatre started to ensure a fun, yet safe, environment for their historic stage. As marketing director Allie Kent shared, “When we first brought it back, I was so worried about our beautiful theater getting destroyed. We kind of did a little research and saw where other theaters in the country take control of their own props. So that’s what we do. We include a bag and all the props are things that will not damage our building. Will they make a mess? Absolutely! We have to clean up after, but no permanent damage.”

The Springer’s annual Rocky Horror event is a testament to the film’s enduring cult status. It’s an immersive evening where a live shadow cast performs every scream, dramatic stare, and song right in front of the screen. As Allie told the LocaL, “The Rocky Horror Picture Show is a tradition that’s been going strong at the Springer for decades. This audience isn’t like any other audience we see all year. Every year we see generations come together. Parents who first saw it here now bring their kids.”

For those who have yet to do the Time Warp, consider yourself a “Rocky Horror virgin.” And don’t worry, the seasoned fans will make sure you catch on fast. As Allie advises, “Just jump right in and have fun. They’ll be in good company and surrounded by veterans who know the film’s traditions inside and out.”

Part of that tradition includes a wildly popular costume contest, where fans take to the stage in everything from pitch-perfect Frank-n-Furter outfits to imaginative interpretations. This year, the prize is extra special. Thanks to a partnership with Blue Canary, one of the prizes will be a vinyl soundtrack album, a perfect memento to a truly unforgettable night.

Whether it’s your first time or your 50th, the anniversary showing on October 25 promises to be the wildest one yet.

A Comedy of Terrors, A Tour of Ghosts

While the Rocky Horror show is a can’t-miss, the Springer’s October lineup is packed with other incredible entertainment. If your Halloween season calls for laughs instead of screams, be sure to check out Dracula, A Comedy of Terrors.

Playing from October 17 through November 2, this hilarious genre-bendermixes classic horror with modern slapstick. The production features rapid-fire costume changes, absurd situations, and a cast playing multiple roles, including Second City alumnus Adam Archer and local favorite Christian Becerra as Dracula himself. It’s a rambunctious romp through Transylvania that Allie Kent is particularly excited about, noting, “As soon as I heard those two names in the show, I’m like, okay, this is gonna be good.”

If you’re more interested in the real-life mysteries of the theatre, the Ghost Tours of the Springer Opera House are for you. On select dates throughout October, brave attendees can explore the shadowy corners of the 155-year-old playhouse.

Paul Pierce, the Springer’s former Producing Artistic Director, even wrote a ghost book about the theatre years ago, which is being revamped and hopefully re-released next year. The tours themselves are spine-tingling, with guides sharing chilling tales of unexplained footsteps and vanishing apparitions. The eerie atmosphere is enhanced by every creaking floorboard and flickering light, making it a must-do for anyone who loves a good ghost story.

With so much happening this October, the Springer Opera House has something for everyone. From theatrical productions and late-night cult classics to haunted tours that will make the hair on your neck stand up, the Springer is your home for Halloween in Columbus.

As Allie Kent said, “It’s just wild and wacky. It’s unlike anything else happening here in town.”

Get your tickets and more details at getlocaltix.com or springeroperahouse.org. Don’t wait too long—these events sell out faster than you can say, “Boo!”