Fans, Friends Celebrate Hollywood’s 2nd Anniversary

Some people wear their passions metaphorically on their sleeves—Steven Worek tattooed his right onto his arm.

Worek was one of dozens of fans in attendance Friday at Dormont’s Hollywood Theater for a celebration of the theater’s second year in business.

His tattoo, a "Rocky Horror Picture Show" symbol with the words "The Hollywood Theater" underneath, represents what he loves about Dormont's landmark theater.

“This is really a part of something in my life that has changed my life, if that makes any sense,” he said.

Worek, who lives in the North Hills, said he started coming to the Hollywood because he’s a fan of “Rocky Horror Picture Show,” which the Hollywood used to show twice a month. He guessed he’s seen the show at the Hollywood about 50 times.

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The road to has been difficult. It’s a large amount of money to raise while the theater also fundraises for general operating costs.

Losing the ability to show “Rocky Horror” came on the heels of news that although “Perks of Being a Wallflower” was filmed at the Hollywood, it could not be shown at the theater because it also is available only in digital format.

During the theater’s IndieGogo campaign, a strange tryst with someone who made an impressive, but ultimately false, donation claim on behalf of actor Ed Asner raised hopes, then brought supporters, disappointed, back to reality.

But through the ups and downs, Friends of Hollywood Theater member Margaret Jackson said fans like Worek, who have tirelessly supported the theater and its fundraising efforts, make everything worth it. 

“That is his standing ticket,” Jackson said, laughing, of Worek’s tattoo. “That’s maybe a little crazy, but it shows a dedication that goes above and beyond, and we see that with a lot of our people. When you care so much about something, it’s good to know others do, too.”

Because of the live “Rocky” shows, the Hollywood also is special to Gwendolyn Kiste, of Waynesburg. Her husband is a former “Rocky” cast member, and Kiste said she doesn’t mind driving more than an hour to continue supporting the theater.

“I just love the events they do here,” she said. “Everyone here is so friendly and this is so different. I hope they’re able to raise the money to keep this up.”

Hollywood Theater is still fundraising and accepting donations to fund a digital projector. Upcoming events to support that purpose can be found on the Hollywood Theater website.

Worek, Kiste and others hope to see “Rocky” return to the theater this year.

“Seeing it somewhere else just doesn’t feel like home,” Worek said.

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