**Juliette Lewis Joins Star-Studded Broadway Revival of The Rocky Horror Show**
Key Takeaways:
- Juliette Lewis will make her Broadway debut as Magenta in the 2026 revival of The Rocky Horror Show.
- The limited-run production at Studio 54 opens April 23, with previews beginning March 26.
- The cast features Luke Evans, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, Stephanie Hsu, and others in a modern retelling of the cult classic.
New York City — Juliette Lewis is trending after it was announced she will make her much-anticipated Broadway debut in the 2026 revival of The Rocky Horror Show, one of theater’s most iconic and enduring cult musicals. Lewis joins an all-star ensemble cast that includes Luke Evans, Stephanie Hsu, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, and Rachel Dratch. The production, part of Roundabout Theatre Company’s upcoming season, will take place at historic Studio 54.
The Cult Classic Returns with High-Wattage Cast
Juliette Lewis, best known for her roles in Yellowjackets, Cape Fear, and Natural Born Killers, will play the role of Magenta in the Broadway revival of The Rocky Horror Show. Directed by Tony winner Sam Pinkleton, the production will begin previews on March 26, 2026, ahead of an official opening on April 23. The revival will run through June 21 as part of a limited engagement.
Pinkleton described the tone of the revival as a “sublime, ridiculous, giant-hearted act of love,” promising a “joyous, unfathomable” experience. The creative team includes top Broadway talent such as choreographer Ani Taj (Dead Outlaw), musical director Kris Kukul (Beetlejuice), and lighting designer Jane Cox, a Tony Award winner for Appropriate.
Lewis’s casting highlights a production packed with Broadway debuts. Alongside her, Harvey Guillén, Josh Rivera, Michaela Jaé Rodriguez, and several ensemble members will also be making their Broadway entrance with this show.
The Rocky Horror Phenomenon and Its 50-Year Legacy
Originally penned by Richard O’Brien, The Rocky Horror Show premiered in London in 1973 and became a flashpoint in counter-cultural theatre. The show’s U.S. premiere in Los Angeles in 1974 was a success, though its first Broadway stint in 1975 lasted only 45 performances. However, the 1975 film adaptation, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, catapulted the musical into cult status, inspiring decades of midnight screenings and audience participation rituals worldwide.
The plot follows a strait-laced couple who stumble into a bizarre world of sexual expression, identity fluidity, and rock music — hallmarked by the show’s signature number, “The Time Warp.” Over the decades, Rocky Horror has remained a symbol of queer pride and theatrical rebellion.
This latest Broadway revival coincides with renewed interest in the show’s cultural legacy, particularly after the recent documentary Strange Journey: The Story of Rocky Horror, produced by O’Brien’s son, Linus. With the LGBTQ+ community facing ongoing sociopolitical challenges, the musical’s message of love and liberation feels especially timely.
Broadway Buzz and Cultural Impact
Juliette Lewis attaching herself to this production brings additional attention from new audiences, particularly Gen X and Millennial viewers familiar with her critically acclaimed filmography. Her transition from screen to stage adds an extra draw to what’s already a buzzy revival. Studio 54, known for its own legacy of boundary-pushing culture in the ’70s and ’80s, will serve as an appropriate home for this electric production.
With Luke Evans portraying Frank-N-Furter and a crew of diverse, multi-talented performers under bold direction, this iteration of Rocky Horror promises to blend theatrical spectacle with modern social relevance. Industry analysts expect a sell-out run and significant media attention.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Why is Juliette Lewis trending?
A: She is making her Broadway debut as Magenta in the high-profile 2026 revival of The Rocky Horror Show.
Q: What happens next?
A: Previews begin on March 26, 2026, with the official opening scheduled for April 23 at Studio 54 in New York City.
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