Albany, NY -- The University at Albany’s Theatre Program is pleased to announce its upcoming musical production of Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show, running in the Main Theatre of the Performing Arts Center for five performances Wednesday-Sunday, March 5-9. This cult-classic, with Book, Music, and Lyrics by Richard O’Brien, will be performed by UAlbany students and directed by Shaun Patrick Tubbs, Theatre’s Visiting Assistant Professor of Direction, with the Music Program’s Lecturer Michael Lister as Music Director. The show will feature a live band and original choreography by Leah Tubbs, Founding Artistic Director of the Harlem-based MODArts Dance Collective, in her inaugural collaboration at UAlbany. The design team includes Theatre Program faculty Nora Marlow Smith, designing sets; and Anne Croteau, designing costumes with an haute couture influence; as well as visiting lighting designer Evan Anderson.

With this production The Rocky Horror Show—made legendary by its 1975 movie version—returns to its origin as a live rock ‘n’ roll musical, in which sweethearts Brad and Janet get a flat tire during a storm, only to discover themselves in Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s mansion, where all innocence is lost. Since the production first premiered in London, Rocky Horror as been performed in 20 different languages and seen by over 30 million people globally, according to the BBC. The New York Times notes that this “musical that deals with mutating identity and time warps has become one of the most mutated, time-warped phenomena in show business.”

“For me, The Rocky Horror Show is a liberating rallying cry for limitless self-expression,” says the production’s director Shaun Patrick Tubbs, explaining that the show allows students to celebrate individuality and to explore sexuality, identity, and social acceptance in a way that is “both humorous and empowering.” Tubbs continues: “My hope is that this piece gives people from all walks of life the permission to express themselves in ways they may have previously only ever dreamt of.” It’s also just a great time, especially getting to experience it live with this talented student cast and band, Tubbs adds.

The Rocky Horror Show picks up the sci-fi theme of the Theatre Program’s previous offering of Mary Shelley Meets Frankenstein, and continues its tradition for offering full-scale productions of hit musicals, following recent presentations of RENT and Hair, all on the Main Stage of UAlbany’s PAC.

Next up from the Theatre Program will be a month-long festival of “Playwrights Rock the Spring,” including two special events co-sponsored by the New York State Writers Institute:

The Burian Lecture with Playwright Lynn Nottage – Monday 3/31, in the PAC’s Studio Theatre:

https://www.nyswritersinstitute.org/lynnnottage

Authors Theatre staged reading of a new King Lear adaptation by Marcus Gardley – Wednesday 4/16, in the PAC’s Arena Theatre:

https://www.nyswritersinstitute.org/authorstheatre2025

Along with the annual FRESH ACTS Festival of New Plays written, directed, and performed by UAlbany students, April 23-26:

https://www.albany.edu/pac/news/2024-fresh-acts-april-23-26-2025

Advance tickets for Richard O’Brien’s Rocky Horror Show are $24 for the general public and $20 for students, seniors, and UAlbany faculty-staff; Day-of-Show tickets are $29 for the general public and $25 for students, seniors, and UAlbany faculty-staff. Tickets are only available online at: https://www.albany.edu/pac/news/2024-richard-obriens-rocky-horror-show-mar-5-9-2025

Please note: At this production audience members are required by the Performing Arts Center to check coats and bags. Food and objects will not be allowed inside the theatre, to maintain the theater space and for the safety of the performers. Thank you for your understanding.