Lot 82
  • 82

[White, Michael.]--The Rocky Horror Show.

Estimate
6,000 - 8,000 GBP
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Description

  • Files relating to the Rocky Horror Show, the Rocky Horror Picture Show, and subequent sequels, comprising:
  • ink on paper
i) Scripts by Richard O'Brien: 'The Rocky Horror Show', typescript with agent's label (Michael White, Ltd), c.45 pages, c.1973; 'Curse of the Baby: A Treatment to a Sequel to the RHPS', typescript with manuscript title and page numbers, 17 pages, 1980s; 'Rocky Horror Shows His Heels' (full script developed from 'Curse of the Baby'), typescript, lacking title page, 71 pages; second copy, photocopy typescript with title page; 'Oh No! Not Faust Again!', typescript of a novella inscribed on the title page ("5/12 Richard O'Brien To Michael '86"), 81 pages, 1985



ii) Correspondence and other papers, including: autograph letter by Michael White to Lou Adler, American producer of the show, recalling his early involvement in Rocky Horror including how he agreed to finance the original production immediately on hearing O'Brien sing two of the songs and the first night ("...I sat in front of Vincent Price and Coral Browne. Vincent laughed throughout and the audience gave the show a standing ovation..."); original, carbon-copy, and photocopied correspondence and other papers concerning revenues, rights, costs, box office receipts, and agreements relating to the first American production at the Roxy Theatre in Los Angeles, and also later productions; correspondence about a proposed Japanese production; programmes and flyers for the Roxy Theatre production, together with a photograph of the theatre interior,  promotional photographs of Tim Curry ("Frank N. Furter"), and press cuttings, including many on the developing phenomenon of the cult midnight showings of 'The Rocky Horror Picture Show'; mostly 1973-79, housed in three hanging folders



iii) Promotional material: flyer for the original London production at the Royal Court Theatre Upstairs, 1973, together with an invitation to the opening night party; transparency of the original Rocky Horror artwork for the use of the Roxy Theatre production; LP soundtrack album, 'The Rocky Horror Show Original London Cast' (UKAL1006), 1973; LP soundtrack album 'Shock Treatment', 1981 (four copies); set of 10 promotional still photographs from The Rocky Horror Pictoure Show; promotional brochure of stills from 'Shock Treatment' in a spiral bound folder; 'Rocky Horror' trading cards (c.50); fan magazines; leaflet showing steps of the "Time Warp"; promotional pack for the 15th anniversary celebrations of the film, 1990; material relating to other anniversaries and celebrations



iv) Posters promoting the Roxy Theatre Production in LA, [1974], other productions in London, New York, and Tokyo, the film, and soundtracks to Rocky Horror and Shock Treatment (9)

Condition

Condition is described in the main body of the catalogue, where appropriate.
"In response to your inquiry, we are pleased to provide you with a general report of the condition of the property described above. Since we are not professional conservators or restorers, we urge you to consult with a restorer or conservator of your choice who will be better able to provide a detailed, professional report. Prospective buyers should inspect each lot to satisfy themselves as to condition and must understand that any statement made by Sotheby's is merely a subjective, qualified opinion. Prospective buyers should also refer to any Important Notices regarding this sale, which are printed in the Sale Catalogue.
NOTWITHSTANDING THIS REPORT OR ANY DISCUSSIONS CONCERNING A LOT, ALL LOTS ARE OFFERED AND SOLD AS IS" IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE CONDITIONS OF BUSINESS PRINTED IN THE SALE CATALOGUE."

Catalogue Note

An archive relating to the ultimate cult musical, including promotional material relating to the legendary first run at the Royal Court Upstairs.

"...Although The Rocky Horror Show is never less than terrific in any of its manifestations, it has never been better than during the first three weeks at the Royal Court. Many of my productions I have admired objectively, abstractly. I loved every minute of Rocky Horror ... It is the only show I have ever done that I can watch time and time again - I must have seen it a hundred times. ... Every three minutes you are being socked with another song or event. Everything about it works. The Rocky Horror Show is critic-proof... " (Michael White, Empty Seats, 1984, p.155)