Hollywood star Luke Evans has revealed his longstanding desire to appear on Broadway, as he prepares to make his debut in a cult classic musical. The Welsh actor is set to star in the revival of "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a role that has been a significant milestone in his career, almost 30 years after a song from the musical helped launch his career.
Speaking to New York Theatre Guide, Evans shared how he chose a song from the 1973 musical to "catch the attention" of talent agents at an end-of-year showcase when he was 17 or 18. The now 46-year-old actor has gone on to appear in blockbusters like "The Hobbit" and Disney's "Beauty and the Beast," as well as releasing two albums.
Born in Pontypool, Evans said appearing in "The Rocky Horror Picture Show" would bring back memories of his theatrical audition. "We had to choose a song from a show that was sort of 'in your face,' something that would really catch the eye and attention of the agents in the audience," he said. "And I just went, 'Well, there's this song called 'Sweet Transvestite,' which is really punchy, powerful, and epic, so that was my first introduction [to the musical]."
The musical comedy follows an engaged couple whose car breaks down in the rain. They seek help at a nearby castle and encounter the eccentric strangers who live there, holding a party. The song "Sweet Transvestite" has been described as the first big, glam-rock aria of the musical and is the audience's introduction to Dr. Frank-N-Furter. Originated by Tim Curry in both the stage show and the film adaptation, Evans is now stepping into the role.
"I knew the song, but I wasn't really aware of the show as much," Evans said. "But then I remember all over Soho and all over the West End, there used to be these theaters where people used to come and see the show and participate as they do with the film, so I've seen it many times since. And now I'm playing it for real on Broadway."
While it will be Evans' first taste of Broadway, he is a well-established performer in London's West End, where he has appeared in musicals including "Rent" and "Miss Saigon." It is set to be a busy year for Evans, with his new thriller series "The Party" also expected to air in 2026.
