Hearing Alice Schroeder talk about her experience with Rocky Horror Picture Show and her business (Zenith City Horror) it quickly becomes clear that the core and the support is in the community. "The love and the support of the community is what we stand on."
The most recent success for Zenith City Horror was a team-up with Black Bear Casino for a drag show. "They didn't know what they were getting into," says Schroeder. "I can now say [that it] is the best drag show in Minnesota." Two thousand people were in attendance.
Despite the growth, Schoeder wants to keep things local. "It's called Zenith City Horror for a reason... people can come here and see the drag." And the end of October brings another round of Rocky Horror Picture Show. The shadow play will be performed the 27th-30th at the Underground space in the Depot. Some tickets are still available for the 27th; all other shows are sold out.
Schroeder was the driving force for Rocky Horror Picture Show becoming a tradition as well as the subsequent creation of Zenith City Horror. Since taking on the role of Dr. Frank N. Furter twelve years ago, Schroeder has been the only one to portray the character in Duluth. Schroeder is always on the lookout for enthusiastic participants to join the show and she's currently keeping her eyes open for someone else to take on the iconic character. “The person who takes over that role needs to understand the importance of that role to the queer community and to do it justice,” says Schroeder.
