|
A night to get dressed up for
CENTRE OF ATTENTION: Richard O'Brien looked to be enjoying the buildup to the unveiling of Riff Raff. (JEFF BRASS/Waikato Times) STARS OF THE SHOW: Rocky Horror Show creator Richard O'Brien stands alongside the statue erected in his honour in Hamilton. (JEFF BRASS/Waikato Times) SHOW GOES ON: There was plenty of fun and entertainment on stage before the midnight unveiling. (JEFF BRASS/Waikato Times) BIG MOMENT: Sparks fly as the Riff Raff statue is unveiled. (JEFF BRASS/Waikato Times) Source: http://stuff.co.nz/stuff/waikatotimes/0,2106,3112276a6578,00.html
29 November 2004
Thousands gathered under the full moon in Hamilton on Friday to celebrate the unveiling of the statue in honour of Rocky Horror Picture Show creator Richard O'Brien.
Teenagers, families and couples dressed up for the party.
Jane McNaughten of Auckland said it was important to her to go to the unveiling to celebrate an author and actor who had been overlooked. "He's just as important as all the other great New Zealand actors . . . We think this is our chance to let him know that we care." Her daughter, Victoria, liked the way the show brought together people from different walks of life.
"If I saw him I couldn't even express to him how much I appreciate what he's done."
At midnight, in a blaze of fireworks, the long-awaited bronze statue of the Riff Raff character was unveiled. High up on the scaffolded stage, O'Brien then led the Time Warp as people danced on below.
A statue marking O'Brien's connection to Hamilton was suggested by former city man Mark Servian. It proceeded with Hamilton City Council and Perry Foundation support.
|
