Full Breakdown
Broadway Revival of The Rocky Horror Show: A Star-Studded Cast Takes the Stage
3/25/2026, 2:47:59 PM
Overview of the Revival
The Roundabout Theatre Company's revival of *The Rocky Horror Show* is set to begin previews at Studio 54 in New York City on March 26, 2024, with an official opening scheduled for April 23, 2024. The limited engagement will run through June 21, 2024. This iconic 1973 musical, featuring a book, music, and lyrics by Richard O’Brien, tells the story of two college students whose car breaks down outside a mansion, leading them to encounter the flamboyant Dr. Frank-N-Furter and a host of colorful characters.
Key Cast and Creative Team
The revival boasts a diverse and talented cast, including Luke Evans as Frank-N-Furter, Andrew Durand as Brad, Stephanie Hsu as Janet, Amber Gray as Riff Raff, Juliette Lewis as Magenta, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez as Columbia, Harvey Guillén as Eddie and Dr. Scott, Josh Rivera as Rocky, and Rachel Dratch as the narrator. Notably, Evans, Lewis, Rodriguez, and Guillén are making their Broadway debuts. The production is directed by Tony Award winner Sam Pinkleton, known for his work on *Oh, Mary!*, and features choreography by Ani Taj, with a creative team that includes Kris Kukul (music supervision), David I. Reynoso (costume design), and Jane Cox (lighting design).
Directorial Vision and Themes
Pinkleton emphasizes the importance of honoring the original material while also embracing the diverse experiences of audiences over the decades. He stated, “It’s been completely fine without me for 53 years. So coming in and saying, ‘Let me fix this,’ would not be the right choice.” He aims to create an environment of “crazy absurdity, love, joy, and freedom” on stage, allowing performers and audiences alike to express themselves.
Criticism and Challenges
Despite the excitement surrounding the revival, Pinkleton acknowledges that some may view the show as outdated. He remarked, “A punk alien musical from the ’70s can’t hold the multitudes and the complexities of our living, ever-changing moral compasses.” This sentiment reflects a broader conversation about the relevance of classic works in contemporary society.
Anticipation and Audience Expectations
Luke Evans, stepping into the iconic role of Frank-N-Furter, has expressed his desire to present a character that is both attractive and menacing, appealing to a wide audience. He noted, “A lot of people who know me... are now going to see me in a very, very different role that no one will expect.” This revival promises to challenge perceptions and expectations, particularly given Evans' history of playing traditionally masculine roles.
What's Next
As the revival approaches its preview dates, tickets are currently on sale. The anticipation for this production is palpable, with audiences eager to see how the cast and creative team will reinterpret this beloved musical for a new generation.
Verbatim Quotes
- “Frank can be flamboyant and feminine, slinky and sultry, but there’s a menace to him,” — Luke Evans, Actor
- “We want to create this bubble of crazy absurdity, love, joy and freedom to be who you want to be, and to enjoy the expression of that on stage with these characters that we’ve loved for half a century,” — Luke Evans, Actor
- “It’s been completely fine without me for 53 years. So coming in and saying, ‘Let me fix this,’ would not be the right choice. It doesn’t need fixing. I want to meet it at face value and embrace the many, many experiences people have with it.” — Sam Pinkleton, Director
