You want to talk about physically and emotionally exhausting shows?  Try appearing in Dreamgirls.  Every few years, someone has visions of reviving the hit Broadway musical.  The problem is finding someone who can fill Jennifer Holliday’s voluminous pink blouse from the 1981 original production!  The most successful was Lillias White, who helmed the 1987 revival (she was Holliday’s understudy) – to say nothing of returning to the role for Seth Rudetsky’s superlative concert in 2001 with Audra McDonald and Heather Headley.  In 2004, Frenchie Davis from American Idol and The Voice headlined a handful of cities.  Of course, Jennifer Hudson starred in the film version in 2007.  Due to the success of the film, a national tour was hurriedly put together in 2009 with another AI alum.  Syesha Mercado starred as Deena when the musical opened at the Apollo Theatre in Harlem – the first stop on a national tour that hoped to land on Broadway.  Needless to say, that didn’t happen.  In 2016, Amber Riley from Glee was cast as Effie for the London debut of the musical.  Following in Holliday and Hudson’s footsteps, she won an award for her portrayal – the Olivier (their version of the Tonys).  And now, director Camille A. Brown hopes to discover an unknown and make them a star when/if the show hits Broadway next fall.

It was recently announced that The Rocky Horror Show would return to Broadway in April of 2026.  So, the question on our quivering lips was simple – who would play the iconic role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter?  Would some famous chap slip into the well-worn pumps and corset?  Or would they find some fabulous unknown?  In a way, they did both.  Our very own Luke Evans will take on the role.  Yes, the Welsh dreamboat is a known entity, having starred in numerous films (including the live-action version of Beauty and the Beast) as well as many stage roles on London’s West End.  But he hasn’t conquered Broadway…yet.  He’ll lead the Rocky Horror cast when it bows at the venerable Studio 54.  I predict he’ll fill out the corset quite well – to say nothing of the panties.