The Rocky Horror Show is back at The Carnegie for the second year in a row with nearly the same cast, giving everyone the chance to do the Time Warp… again! First staged in 1973 by Richard O’Brien, The Rocky Horror Show grew from an underground midnight show into a worldwide sensation by embracing audacious humor, subversive sexuality, and gleeful boundary-breaking. The show celebrates nonconformity, out-of-the-box thinking, and the beauty of human flaws — all delivered with a comedic spark that keeps the audience laughing and squirming in equal measure. This revival at The Carnegie honors the spirit of Richard O’Brien’s original stage play while leaning into the energy and camp that make Rocky Horror a cult phenomenon.
This Cast Is Out of This World
Watching this cast is like witnessing a magic trick where the illusion is so perfect, you stop looking for the wires. The actors slip into their roles with such effortless precision that the transformation feels utterly spellbinding. This cast, believe me, delivers pure theatrical magic.
Dusty Ray Bottoms as Dr. Frank-N-Furter is nothing short of electric, fully embracing the iconic ‘Sweet Transvestite from Transsexual, Transylvania’ persona with charisma and pure diva power. The stage comes alive the moment Dusty struts on.
Tommy Sanders as Brad Majors and Caroline Rakestraw as Janet Weiss are standout foils: Sanders delivers Brad’s naiveté and charm with sincerity, while Rakestraw’s Janet lights up the stage with vocal strength and grounded realism. Kyle Taylor as Riff Raff and Sam Evans as Magenta make a remarkable duo, crackling with mystery, humor, and a deliciously subversive energy. Savannah Slaby as Columbia, with her sequined outfit and wild stage presence, brings spunk and glitter to every scene, lighting up the stage with unforgettable flair. Ethan Kuchta as Rocky and Sean Miller-Jones as Eddie/Dr. Scott are also scene-stealers, commanding every moment they’re on stage. Pam Kravetz as the Narrator has impeccable comedic timing and handles the role with confidence.
Amazing Ensemble
Furthermore, the ensemble doesn’t just fill the stage—they elevate it. Their choreography, presence, and commitment keep the crowd rooting for every twist and shimmy. As ushers, Brianna Gutierrez-Diaz, Evan Blust, and Nick Abouzeid—already proven talents in The Carnegie’s stellar recent production of Grease—are once again on full display. They are joined by the phenomenal performances of Kristen Das, Elise Karlstad, and Ian Forsgren.
Production, Design & Chaos With Precision
Eric Byrd, serving as both director and choreographer, balances Rocky Horror’s wild energy with carefully controlled spectacle. He’s pulled off something special: wild abandon without descending into chaos, precision without losing the electric rush. Tyler Gabbard’s scenic and video design impressed with bold, theatrical visuals. Projected backdrops felt integrated, not as gimmicks but as essential storytelling tools.
The show’s behind-the-scenes artistry manifested in every technical element, playing a key role in its cohesive and polished presentation. This included Julie Cowger’s lighting, Jeff Shearer’s costumes, Mia Catherine’s sound, Candace Leyland’s wigs, Michael Hamburg’s stage management, and Doug Stock’s technical direction. Hair and makeup were spot-on, expertly transforming actors into their glamorous alter egos. Props were both playful and effective, helping maintain the tone light, even when the story dipped into darker territory. Lighting shifted focus beautifully throughout the night, moving seamlessly from seductive neon to shadowy suspense.
Final Thoughts
Brimming with camp and raucous theatricality, this production owns its absurdity and delivers pure, communal joy with unwavering commitment. As always, The Carnegie brings its A-game both on and off the stage. The themed bar serves high-quality cocktails that make the night feel even more special. So don’t dream it, SEE IT (and grab the specialty drink while you’re at it).
Tickets to The Rocky Horror Show
The Rocky Horror Show runs now through November 2, 2025 at The Carnegie in Covington. Grab your tickets and check showtimes by calling 859-957-1940 or online at HTTPS://THECARNEGIE.COM/
RUNNING TIME: Approx. 2 hrs, including a 15-minute intermission.
