One of the most magical things about “Rocky Horror” is that so many people have memories of attending showings, laughing with friends, waving lights in the theater and yelling, “Damn it, Janet!”

“Rocky Horror” has always been all about participation. It’s about being with your friends and just laughing at the outrageousness of it all. And isn’t that something we particularly need today?

Whether you have seen it a thousand times or are, like me, one of the show’s rare newbies, you are guaranteed a good time at Vashon Repertory Theatre’s production of Richard O’Brien’s “The Rocky Horror Show,” running through Nov. 1 at Vashon Center for the Arts.

Yep, here comes my confession: I was what you call a “Rocky Horror virgin” — someone who has never experienced this 50-year-old cultural phenomenon in any form.

So, did I understand every single thing I saw in Vashon Rep’s staging of the show? Nope. Did I crack up laughing out loud, enjoy the fantastic voices and performances and find myself humming along? You bet.

Let’s get one thing straight: “Rocky Horror” is outrageous. Crazy plot points. Outlandish costumes. A story I have never really been able to get straight. And it’s definitely not for kids.

But what an incredible privilege it is to see this outrageously beloved musical in our small community, with such an amazing cast.

Dr. Frank’N’Furter is played by Matthew Fontaine, a veteran theater-maker with great pipes, hysterical delivery and an accent that sounds more like Boris Karloff than Boris Karloff himself.

Maya Krah plays the title character of Rocky. Watching Maya grow up on stage on Vashon, it was always a delight when she busted out that powerful voice. She uses it to full advantage here, giving Rocky great comedic timing and a palpable sensuality and fun spirit.

Other standouts included island favorite Hail Howell Quackenbush as the hapless Brad, with a couple of songs that really give him a chance to share his lovely voice with the audience. Sierra Tinhof plays Brad’s innocent (but not for long!) bride-to-be, Janet. Tinfof also has a beautiful voice and ridiculously solid scream.

There are too many other talented people on stage to name them all, but standouts included Arlette Moody as Magenta, Corrinne Kittendorf as the hysterical Riff Raff and Matt Wilson as Dr. Scott. I was also particularly impressed by Brian Palermo as the show’s narrator, who delivered up sidesplitting comedic timing and showed off strong improv chops. Turns out, according to the program, he was part of the legendary Groundlings group in Los Angeles — proving once again that Vashon continues to draw ridiculous talent to its shores.

Not all the highlights are on stage, of course. And, as you watch “Rocky Horror,” you definitely feel the touch of the director, Brooke Osment, who tells us in the program about performing “Rocky Horror” for a few years. Osment’s affection and love for the story — and her deeper insights about what it all means — are all embedded in her staging.

Thanks to the fantastic band, people responded accordingly, dancing in the aisles during intermission.

It wouldn’t be “Rocky Horror” without fun for the audience. Vashon Repertory Theatre has cleverly made party favors available for purchase before the show. Don’t miss the chance to get your glow with light-up wands, or be prepared to throw your playing cards at the right time. Strategically placed audience members chiming in with interruptions is all part of the fun, too.

Because “Rocky Horror” really is all about community.

It’s the community of people who hung out as teenagers, screaming at a movie screen and interrupting the dialogue with inside jokes. It’s the community of islanders having a blast and showing their tremendous talents. It’s the community of theater-goers singing along with the “Time Warp” refrain. It’s about newbies like me, and maybe you, too, stumbling in to discover the show for the first time.

More performances for “The Rocky Horror Show” are set for Oct. 30, 31 and Nov. 1, at Vashon Center for the Arts, with a special show at 10 p.m. on Halloween night.

Find out more and get tickets only at vashoncenterforthearts.org, in person at VCA’s box office or by calling 206-259-3007. Vashon Rep and VCA have both warned that scam websites have sold a few overpriced and invalid tickets to “Rocky Horror” and other local productions online.

Lauri Hennessey is a veteran of Vashon’s vibrant theater scene.