Broadway's 'The Rocky Horror Show' is getting a fresh cast, and it's packed with some of the most talented actors and actresses in the industry. The Roundabout Theatre Company has announced a stellar lineup, including Rachel Dratch, Stephanie Hsu, Andrew Durand, Juliette Lewis, Amber Gray, Harvey Guillén, Josh Rivera, and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez. But here's where it gets controversial... This new cast features some of the most recognizable names in Hollywood, with a few surprising choices. Is this a good thing for the revival?
Directed by Sam Pinkleton and choreographed by Ani Taj, the musical is set to begin previews at Studio 54 on March 26, with an opening night on April 23. The limited engagement will run until June 21. With a history spanning over 52 years and over 40 million people worldwide, 'The Rocky Horror Show' is a rock and roll musical that has stood the test of time. It features iconic songs like 'Dammit Janet,' 'Touch-A, Touch-A, Touch Me,' 'Hot Patootie,' and, of course, 'Time Warp.'
The story follows two squeaky-clean college kids, Brad and Janet, who find themselves in a mansion after their car breaks down. They meet the charismatic Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Riff Raff, Columbia, Magenta, Eddie, and Rocky, and their adventure changes their lives forever. But this revival is not just about the music and the story; it's about the cast and how they bring these characters to life.
The new cast includes:
- Rachel Dratch (POTUS: Or, Behind Every Great Dumbass are Seven Women Trying to Keep Him Alive, Saturday Night Live) as the Narrator
- Andrew Durand (Dead Outlaw, Shucked) as Brad
- Amber Gray (Eureka Day, Hadestown) as Riff Raff
- Harvey Guillén (What We Do in the Shadows, Broadway debut) as Eddie/Dr. Scott
- Stephanie Hsu (Everything Everywhere All at Once, SpongeBob SquarePants: The Musical) as Janet
- Juliette Lewis (Yellowjackets, Cape Fear, Broadway debut) as Magenta
- Josh Rivera (American Sports Story, West Side Story, Broadway debut) as Rocky
- Michaela Jaé Rodriguez (Loot, Pose, Broadway debut) as Columbia
The cast will also feature Renée Albulario, Anania, Boy Radio, Caleb Quezon, Andres Quintero, Larkin Reilly, Paul Soileau, and John Yi. But here's the part most people miss... The revival's creative team is just as impressive as the cast. With music supervision by Kris Kukul, set design by dots, costume design by David I. Reynoso, lighting design by Jane Cox, sound design by Brian Ronan, wig & hair design by Alberto "Albee" Alvarado, and make-up design by Sterling Tull, the production promises to be a visual and auditory feast. So, what do you think? Is this cast a hit or a miss? Share your thoughts in the comments below and let's discuss!
