Luke Evans and Stephanie Hsu on performing in ‘The Rocky Horror Show’

Key Concepts

• The Rocky Horror Show: A cult-classic musical centered on themes of sexual and personal liberation.
• "Don't Dream It, Be It": The central mantra of the show, advocating for the active pursuit of one's desires rather than passive longing.
• Audience Participation: A defining characteristic of the production where the audience acts as an integral, interactive component of the performance.
• Catharsis: The emotional release and confidence-building experienced by the performers through the show's unconventional and liberating nature.

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Production Overview

The Roundabout Theatre Company’s new production of The Rocky Horror Show at Studio 54 in Manhattan marks a unique theatrical experience. The show is noted for its high level of audience interaction, where attendees often recite lines and participate in the performance, creating an environment that the stars describe as impossible to replicate elsewhere.

Narrative and Themes

• Plot Summary: The story follows a young, engaged couple, Janet Weiss and Brad Majors, who encounter a castle on a stormy night. Their meeting with the character Frank-N-Furter leads to a profound "sexual and life awakening," characterized by the consumption of "forbidden fruit."
• The Philosophy of Liberation: Luke Evans (Frank-N-Furter) emphasizes that the show’s enduring mantra, "Don't dream it, be it," remains relevant because it challenges individuals to turn abstract dreams into tangible realities. It serves as a call to action to stop wishing for experiences and instead actively pursue them.

Performance and Methodology

• Physicality and Costume: The production requires significant physical commitment from the actors, including performing in minimal clothing and 7-inch platform heels.
• The "Medicine" of the Show: Stephanie Hsu (Janet) and Luke Evans describe the performance as a "cathartic" and "confidence-building" process. They argue that the show acts as "medicine" for both the audience and the performers; by embodying the message of absolute pleasure and liberation eight times a week, the actors internalize the confidence they project on stage.
• Aesthetic Contrast: The actors highlight the visual impact of their physical silhouettes—specifically the height difference between the 5'1" Hsu and the 6'8" (in costume) Evans—as a key element of the show's visual appeal.

Key Quotes

• Luke Evans on the central mantra: "How often do we turn our dreams into functioning realistic moments? ... [It is] about not just going through life thinking, 'What if I'd have done that?' ... but to make them become a reality."
• Stephanie Hsu on the performer's experience: "It’s like you’re receiving the message and the medicine like in real time... You’re having to tell the story of giving yourself over to absolute pleasure, and you yourself as an actor or performer have to really believe... 'Don't dream it, be it.'"

Production Details

• Venue: Studio 54, Manhattan.
• Cast: Luke Evans (Frank-N-Furter), Stephanie Hsu (Janet), Rachel Dratch, and Julianne Lewis.
• Status: The production has been extended by popular demand through July 19th.

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Synthesis

The new Broadway production of The Rocky Horror Show serves as more than a traditional musical; it functions as an immersive, interactive experience that fosters personal liberation. By blending high-energy performance with a philosophy of active self-actualization, the production provides a transformative environment for both the cast and the audience. The actors report that the process of performing the show—despite the physical demands of the costumes and choreography—has resulted in a genuine increase in their own self-confidence and comfort in their own skin.