Luke Evans just revealed one of the wildest behind-the-scenes stories from his Tony-nominated turn as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in Broadway’s Rocky Horror Show revival. The iconic corset that defines the character is so restrictive that it literally cuts off his airflow while he’s performing. Performing eight shows a week means Evans is singing huge rock vocals and executing demanding choreography while basically unable to breathe, which sounds like torture but he’s absolutely committed to nailing the role. Between scenes, the situation gets even more intense: Evans runs offstage where crew members have oxygen tanks waiting. They towel him down and he takes gulps of oxygen to recover before heading back out for the next number.
While the corset situation is intense, Evans has found a bright side in another part of the costume. The patent leather boots that come with the outfit add about eight inches to his height, bringing him to a towering 6-foot-8. He’s genuinely obsessed with how incredible his legs look in them and jokes that he doesn’t even need to do leg day anymore because the boots are handling all the work. The whole costume was deliberately designed with cheap materials by costume designer David I. Reynoso, including ribbons literally cut from trash bags, which somehow makes the whole thing even more iconic and fits the rebellious spirit of Rocky Horror perfectly.
The production earned nine Tony nominations when it opened in April, with Evans scoring his first-ever Tony nomination for his work in the role. Even though he didn’t take home the award for Best Actor in a Musical, his commitment to the character is undeniable, oxygen tanks and all. Have you seen the Rocky Horror Show revival, or does Evans’story make you want to catch it before it closes in November?
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Local Lawton
Local Lawton is a contributor to LocalBeat, covering local news and community stories.