UAlbany Theatre Program to Present 'The Rocky Horror Show' This Week at PAC

Student actors in hair, makeup and costume sing on stage.

The Theatre Program at the University at Albany will present its musical production of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show this week. (Photos by Patrick Dodson)

ALBANY, N.Y. (March 4, 2025) — The Theatre Program at the University at Albany will present its musical production of The Rocky Horror Show this week, with five performances offered Wednesday through Sunday in the Main Theatre of the Performing Arts Center.

Student actors in costume and makeup look at themselves in the mirror backstage before dress rehearsals — The UAlbany Theatre Department held dress rehearsals for “The Rocky Horror Show” on Monday.

The rock ’n’ roll musical by Richard O’Brien about a newly engaged couple who get a flat tire during a storm and wind up at Dr. Frank-N-Furter’s mansion has been a smash since its 1973 stage debut in London and became a cult classic with the 1975 film release of The Rocky Horror Picture Show starring Tim Curry. Since its premiere, it has been performed in 20 different languages and seen by over 30 million people worldwide.

It will be performed by UAlbany students and directed by Shaun Patrick Tubbs, visiting assistant professor of directing in the Theatre Program, with Michael Lister, lecturer in the Music Program, acting as music director. Both programs are part of the Department of Music and Theatre at UAlbany.

The show, which deals with mutating identity, allows students to celebrate individuality and explore sexuality, identity and social acceptance in a way that is both humorous and empowering, Tubbs said.

A student actor in a red leather jacket and tutu wears a tray of candy on stage against a red curtain — UAlbany students prepare for this week's production of "The Rocky Horror Show"

“For me, The Rocky Horror Show is a liberating rallying cry for limitless self-expression,” said Tubbs. “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.”

The production 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, Anne Croteau designing haute couture-influenced costumes, and Evan Anderson overseeing lighting design.

The Rocky Horror Show is the Theatre Program’s latest foray into sci-fi following last semester’s presentation of Mary Shelley Meets Frankenstein, and continues its tradition of offering full-scale productions of hit musicals, which include recent presentations of RENT and Hair.

Student actors in costume and makeup dance on stage during dress rehearsals — Student actors dance on stage during dress rehearsals at PAC this week

Performances will be held Wednesday through Saturday each night at 8 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. Tickets are available for purchase online.

For this production, there will be no audience props or throwing of anything in the audience or on stage. Bags must be checked and food and objects will not be allowed inside the theatre to maintain the safety of the performers.