ESU Theatre Presents 6 Performances of 'The Rocky Horror Show' by Richard O'Brien

Please Note: Corrects misspelled playwright name in first paragraph.

Emporia, KS (10/08/2025) — Emporia State University Theatre presents "The Rocky Horror Show," a musical by Richard O'Brien. Performances are scheduled for Oct. 23, 24, 25, 30 and Nov. 1 at 7:30 p.m. There will be a special midnight show on Oct. 31. All performances will be held in the Karl C. Bruder Theatre in King Hall.

In this cult classic, sweethearts Brad and Janet, stuck with a flat tire during a storm, discover the eerie mansion of Dr. Frank-N-Furter. As their innocence is lost, Brad and Janet meet a houseful of wild characters, including a rocking biker and a creepy butler. Through elaborate dances and rock songs, Frank-N-Furter unveils his latest creation: a muscular man named "Rocky."

Please join us for our 51st Homecoming Musical for a deliberately kitschy rock 'n' roll sci-fi gothic musical that's more fun than ever.

Content warning: This production contains mature themes and sexual content that may not be suitable for all audiences.

Dress up and audience participation are encouraged!

Knowing that using props enhances the audience participation, ESU Theatre will have bags of approved props for sale online and at the door for $10 each.

For those who bring their own props, the following are strictly prohibited: food of any kind (rice, toast, hot dogs, prunes), water sprayers, open flame or any other prop that could be hazardous to the theatre or its patrons. Patrons who use these items will be escorted out without a refund.

Tickets may be ordered online at emporia.edu/ or call the box office at (620) 341-5256 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. on weekdays with any questions. The show runs approximately 2 hours with one 10-minute intermission. Tickets will also be available at the Karl C. Bruder Box Office one hour before the show.

The cast consists of Corban Collins (El Dorado Springs, Missouri) as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Charlotte Proctor (Altoona, Iowa) as Janet Weiss, Jarrett Davis (Rossville) as Brad Majors, JoyAnne Boutz (Topeka) as Magenta and Usherette, Alex Knudsen (Branson, Missouri) as Riff Raff, Ross Owen (Huntsville, Missouri) as Columbia, Ashton Ramsey (Great Bend) as Rocky, Colin Newland (Wichita) as Eddie and Dr. Everett Scott, Brent Thomas (Emporia) as The Narrator, Alicia Hernandez-Gonzalez (Olathe) as a Phantom, Blake Gray (Shawnee) as Brad Majors Understudy and Phantom, Carly Welter (Olathe) as a Phantom, Castiel Samples (Emporia) as Magenta / Usherette Understudy and Phantom, Ethan Maestas (Wichita) as a Phantom, Eva Girard (Overland Park) as a Phantom, Jeremiah Johson (Salina) as a Phantom, Kaycee Schulte (Derby) as a Phantom, and Xavier Huffman (Pittsburg) as Dr. Frank-N-Furter Understudy and Phantom.

The production team includes Aubrey Wilson (Director), Marah McFadden (Choreographer), Joshua Donaldson (Music Director), Stage Manager Chloe Eubanks (Emporia), Assistant Stage Manager Luis Rivera Rede (Liberal), Assistant Stage Manager Shaylan Haney (Gardner), Nic Wilson (Scenic and Lighting Designer), Rahcel Shaffer (Assistant Scenic Designer and Paint Charge), Kelsey looney (Costume and Makeup Designer), Scott Westwood (Sound Designer), Chirs Lohkamp (Technical Director), Props Coordinator Danielle McClellan (Americus).

The Sound A2 is Maya Smith (Emporia), Light Board Operator David Munzell-Johnson (Olathe), Spotlight Operator Elly Rishell (Wichita), Spotlight Operator Matthew Womble (Sedalia, Missouri), Fly Rail Operator Riley Welter (Olathe), Wardrobe Crew Head Vaughn Lolley (Topeka).

The Deck Crew consists of Hannah Brean (Derby), Ollie Trahan (Bonner Springs), Krais Baker (Yates Center), and Jeremiah Selby (Emporia). The Scenic Carpenter is Sam Haney (Larned). The Wardrobe Running Crew consists of Evie Harding (Douglass), Tress Katzenmeier (Shawnee), Cooper George (Fort Scott), Alexa Courtney (Emporia), and Kameryn Bowie. Wardrobe Maintenance consists of Jean Busby (Topeka), Marshall Wendling (Nortonville), Grey Mink (Parsons), and Nautianna Goforth (Humboldt). The House Manager is Rose Cox (Merriam). Box Office consists of Jasper Enneking (Sabetha) and Jyck Green (Lenexa).

About Emporia State Theatre

Emporia State University has one of the oldest and strongest theatre programs in the country, with well over 1,000 graduates. Many are working across the country in professional and academic theatre. At ESU, students can earn a BFA or BA in theatre or gain certification to become a secondary teacher in the BSE program in speech and theatre. We are proud to be a part of the School of Visual and Performing Arts. ESU Theatre is an active participant of the Kennedy Center American College Theatre Festival.