THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW reviews — Page 11

Kad said: "Jake Shears, Lorna Courtney, and Kevin McHale will be replacing Evans, Hsu, and Durand. Shears starts Sept 11; Courtney and McHale start 8/25. Evans, Hsu, and Durand depart 8/23"

Holy s###! That’s a great replacement lineup.

This is definitely more in Shears’ vocal wheelhouse, but I think the only thing that will be lost is Frank-as-imposing figure because of Evans’ stature

I didn't think Lorna was a great fit as Veronica and sort of feel the same here. She has vocals but idk if she has the right comedy chops.

Updated On: 7/24/26 at 01:02 PM

Ptero2 said: "I didn't think Lorna was a great fit as Veronica and sort of feel the same here. She has vocals but idk if she has the right comedy chops."

I agree. Until I see her, I don't know if she fits this role

Orville Peck has a new album out in September and has announced tour dates through the end of November; he isn't in the mix for replacing.

witchoftheeast2 said: "Kad said: "Orville Peck has a new album out in September and has announced tour dates through the end of November; he isn't in the mix for replacing."

The current booking period for RHS is until Nov. 29th. Could they extend, or no because of the Studio 54 renovations? Weren't they announced?"

They were announced, but nothing confirmed. And if a hit show continues extending and paying the rent (as it is now a commercial production), they have no reason to close so long as they have people to replace. Even if they don’t have long term goals, I feel like they may bring Luke back for a Christmas run and close out strong before using the spring and summer to renovate

yyys said: "Jake is definitely a downgrade from Luke. Maybe they can get Orville next time."

Who keeps booking him on Broadway? He's terrible. Congratulations to his understudies.

Can the also change the design and the direction and the choreography? No?

Lisalemann said: "yyys said: "Jake is definitely a downgrade from Luke. Maybe they can get Orville next time."

I agree and I love Jake in the Scissor Sisters - but his voice just isn't a good fit for this role at all. Yes - the range can be transposed - but if you do that it loses a lot of the menace that both Evans and Curry had with their vocals. I also think Orville Peck would have been a better fit - as would Adam Lambert - to be honest. And Lambert actually lives in NYC now and would likely sell more tickets. Not sure what they are thinking with this casting.

"

I mean, who’s to say they aren’t courting them after Shears? The current run is through 11/29 and, barring exigent circumstances or closing, or Shears extending, they will have a new Frank for Christmas. We know Lambert would kill the role for sure (and get what was rightly his after being cast aside to “Eddie” in the TV version we don’t talk about). Peck seems like a bit of a wild card to me, but considered he might be the best Emcee I ever saw and can really channel menace well, I could see him in the role.

Star and stunt casting is really a crapshoot for any role in the show, and is based probably on where their skills lie and how much they are willing to challenge themselves. Considering Luke had never done any role remotely close to this and he is NAILING it, it shows you what is possible with hard work - especially since many underestimated him

If I had my crack at casting, here is what I would think:

Narrator: Wayne Brady

Frank-N-Furter: Adam Lambert

Brad: John Yi

Janet: Liz Gillies

Riff Raff: Lena Hall

Magenta: Rebecca Naomi Jones

Columbia: Robyn Hurder

Eddie/Dr. Scott: Christopher Fitzgerald

Rocky: Cameron Loyal

I’m a huge fan of Jake, and I enjoyed him very much in Kinky Boots and Cabaret. Personally, I’m looking forward to seeing his take on the role. Can’t be worse than Laverne Cox.


and it’s not his first time in Frank drag. From a 2004 Scissor Sisters Halloween gig

Updated On: 7/24/26 at 07:16 PM