Broadway is about to get a whole lot rockier.
The Roundabout Theatre Company just dropped a star-studded cast announcement for its upcoming revival of The Rocky Horror Show, and the lineup reads like a fever dream of Hollywood and Broadway royalty colliding in the best possible way.
Luke Evans, previously announced as the charismatic Dr. Frank-N-Furter in his Broadway debut, will be joined by an ensemble that includes Rachel Dratch, Amber Gray, Harvey Guillén, Stephanie Hsu, Juliette Lewis, and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez.
Directed by Sam Pinkleton—fresh off his success with Oh, Mary—the production kicks off previews at Studio 54 on March 26, with opening night set for April 23.
A Cultural Phenomenon Returns to Broadway
Richard O’Brien’s rock and roll masterpiece has been in continuous production worldwide for 52 years, predating the iconic 1975 film by two years. Over 40 million people across 15 languages have experienced the show’s boundary-pushing blend of sci-fi, sexuality, and spectacle.
This limited engagement runs through June 21, giving fans just three months to catch what promises to be one of spring’s hottest tickets.
Meet the Twisted Cast of Characters
Luke Evans steps into the fishnets as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, the “sweet transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania.” The Welsh actor brings his commanding screen presence to Broadway for the first time.
Rachel Dratch, best known for her comedic genius on Saturday Night Live, joins the production in what’s sure to be a memorable turn.
Amber Gray, the Hadestown standout who made Persephone unforgettable, adds her sultry vocal prowess to the mix.
Harvey Guillén brings his fan-favorite charm from What We Do in the Shadows to the stage.
Stephanie Hsu, fresh off her Oscar-nominated performance in Everything Everywhere All at Once, continues her theatrical hot streak.
Juliette Lewis, the rock star and actress, adds her edgy energy to the ensemble.
Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, groundbreaking star of Pose and Tick, Tick… Boom!, rounds out the principal cast alongside Andrew Durand and Josh Rivera.
What Makes This Production Different
Sam Pinkleton’s vision promises something fresh. His recent work on Oh, Mary showcased his ability to blend irreverence with precision.
Choreographer Ani Taj joins him, alongside a creative team that includes music supervision by Kris Kukul and scenic design by dots. David I. Reynoso handles costumes—arguably the most crucial element of any Rocky Horror production.
Jane Cox’s lighting design will illuminate the madness, while Brian Ronan’s sound design ensures every guitar riff and vocal belt lands with maximum impact.
The Story That Started It All
For anyone who’s somehow avoided this cultural phenomenon: The Rocky Horror Show follows Brad and Janet, two innocent college kids whose car breaks down outside a mysterious mansion.
Inside, they encounter Dr. Frank-N-Furter and his eccentric household—Riff Raff, Columbia, Magenta, Eddie, and the muscular creation Rocky.
What unfolds is an adventure in sexual liberation, identity exploration, and rock and roll excess that changed musical theater forever.
The Songs Everyone Knows
The musical features some of the most recognizable numbers in theater history:
- “Time Warp” – The dance phenomenon that launched a thousand midnight screenings
- “Dammit Janet” – Brad’s earnest proposal turned camp classic
- “Touch-A, Touch-A, Touch Me” – Janet’s awakening
- “Hot Patootie” – Eddie’s rockabilly explosion
- “Sweet Transvestite” – Frank’s show-stopping entrance
These songs have transcended the show itself, becoming anthems of self-expression and joyful rebellion.
Why This Revival Matters Now
In 2025, The Rocky Horror Show feels simultaneously more relevant and more necessary than ever. Its themes of identity, acceptance, and the freedom to be whoever you want resonate across generations.
The casting itself makes a statement. Rodriguez, a trailblazing transgender actress, represents exactly the kind of inclusive representation the show always championed.
Guillén brings visibility as an openly gay Latino actor. Hsu continues breaking barriers for Asian-American performers.
Rocky Horror has always been about outsiders finding their people, and this cast embodies that spirit authentically.
Studio 54: The Perfect Home
The choice of Studio 54 as the venue adds another layer of cultural significance. The legendary space, once the epicenter of 1970s excess and liberation, provides the ideal backdrop for this celebration of hedonism and self-discovery.
The theater’s history of boundary-pushing performances and diverse audiences mirrors Rocky Horror‘s own legacy.
What Audiences Can Expect
Traditional Rocky Horror productions encourage audience participation—callbacks, props, and costumed attendees are all part of the experience. Whether this Broadway revival embraces that interactive tradition or offers a more refined theatrical approach remains to be seen.
Either way, with Pinkleton directing and this cast bringing their considerable talents, expect something both reverential to the source material and boldly reimagined.
The ensemble—including Renée Albulario, Anania, Boy Radio, Caleb Quezon, Andres Quintero, Larkin Reilly, Paul Soileau, and John Yi—will flesh out the world of Transylvania and bring the production’s kinetic energy to life.
Previews begin March 26, giving the cast time to fine-tune the madness before the April 23 opening. Tickets are expected to move quickly for this limited run, which closes June 21.
Whether you’re a longtime devotee who knows every callback or a curious newcomer ready to lose your Rocky Horror virginity, this production promises to deliver everything that’s made the show an enduring phenomenon: rebellion, romance, rock and roll, and the radical permission to be absolutely, unapologetically yourself.