Long before the audience slips into their seats — some wearing corsets and fishnets — and the first note of “Time Warp” blares through the speakers, the world of “The Rocky Horror Show” was being painted, stitched, cued and choreographed into existence by a team of artists few ever see.

For this fourth iteration of “The Rocky Horror Show” at Millbrook Playhouse, which the cast and crew fondly refer to as Rocky 4.0, the creative team worked hard to celebrate everything audiences adore about the original — outrageous characters, unforgettable songs and boundary-pushing fun — while also giving the audience an experience that feels fresh and unique.

David Leidholdt, Millbrook’s producing artistic director, explained how they like to put their own spin on the cult classic rather than simply recreate the movie.

Past shows have used influence from pop culture, such as “American Horror Story: Freak Show” and “Pose.”

PHOTO BY DAVID LEIDHOLT The cast of Millbrook Playhouse’s “Rocky Horror Show” is pictured during a rehearsal last week.

For this year’s rendition, Scenic Designer Alivia Cross has transformed the Ryan Main Stage into an abandoned science fiction movie theater, the perfect backdrop for The Rocky Horror Show’s blend of camp and chaos.

Cross’s design pays homage to Frank-N-Furter’s love of movies and cinema by showcasing movie posters depicting classic Universal Studios monsters, such as The Wolf Man and The Mummy.

“By setting the show in an abandoned movie theater, something that feels both of another time and still relevant today, I’m able to honor the cult classic while introducing a fresh layer of storytelling,” Cross said. “A movie theater is a place to escape reality, if only for a moment, and that mirrors what the characters in Rocky Horror are doing. They’re stepping into fantasy, rebellion and transformation, and the audience is invited to take that journey with them. My design aims to blend that cinematic nostalgia with live, immersive energy so it feels familiar yet thrillingly new.”

The show’s atmosphere is powered by Lighting Designer Tyler Lindsey, who brings mood and momentum to every moment while taking inspiration from the movie, script and costume color palettes.

From the haunting flicker of the castle wall sconces to the pulsing lights of the floor show, Lindsey’s work transforms the stage into a living, breathing part of the story. Currently on tour with “Beetlejuice,” Lindsey’s previous Millbrook credits include “Deathtrap” and “Nunsense.”

LISA SCHROPP/THE EXPRESS Costume Designer Mariya Radeva-Nedyalkova captures The Rocky Horror Show’s mix of glam, camp, and confidence, making every corset and fishnet sparkle under the lights.

“Working with Lighting Designer Tyler has been one of the most rewarding aspects of this process. With all the sci-fi, mad scientist undertones to this show, light becomes an active part of the storytelling,” Cross said. “Tyler’s work helps the set truly come to life, whether through light-up elements, color shifts or special effects that play into the campy, electric energy of the piece. Our collaboration has focused on how light can transform the space — from the eerie glow of the lab to the glittering spectacle of the finale — making the environment feel alive and constantly evolving.”

At the musical core is Music Director Dan Costello, who has shaped every note with precision and passion. He’s balanced small-theater acoustics with the show’s rock-infused score, guiding performers through harmonies, timing and character-driven vocals that keep the audience engaged from the first “Dammit, Janet” to the final bow.

Costumes in Rocky Horror are characters in their own right, and Costume Designer Mariya Radeva-Nedyalkova has brought them to life with flair and imagination. She’s captured the show’s signature mix of glam, camp and confidence, creating looks that celebrate individuality and sparkle under the lights. Each outfit perfectly complements the actor wearing it, ensuring that every entrance feels like a moment.

Every detail matters, and Props Designer V.C. Deener has filled the world of Rocky Horror with personality. From ray guns and rubber gloves to newspapers and noisemakers, each item has been sourced, built or repurposed to survive high-energy performances and still deliver the right visual punch.

In the end, it’s true collaboration that makes this production shine.

Designers share sketches and ideas, the music and choreography sync seamlessly, the stage manager coordinates every moving part and everyone adapts with generosity and creativity.

In a small theater, teamwork isn’t just helpful — it’s the glue, the glitter and the heart of the show.

“I greatly admire this directing and design team. They work tirelessly to bring the vision to life. Our fall shows are produced with only a quarter of our usual staff, yet they never compromise the quality of the production,” Leidholdt said. “Thanks to Danny’s sleek and lively staging, Dan Castello’s precise musical direction and sound design, all the designers — Alivia, Tyler, Mariya, Deener — and the stage management team, Ericka and Kaidyn, everyone is going above and beyond to create the best possible show for our community. I appreciate The Express’s acknowledgment of their efforts and much of the production’s success is thanks to the dedicated designers and technicians working behind the scenes.”

In Cross’s set design, the projection screen or “movie screen” acts as both a scenic and interactive element. It guides the audience through key moments, displaying callouts and cues that encourage participation with their props.

The intimacy of the venue transforms “The Rocky Horror Show” into a truly immersive experience. Callbacks feel personal, costumes pop under tight lighting and every laugh and gasp is shared up close. This production doesn’t just entertain — it draws the audience into the world with a kind of closeness you’d never find in a 1,500-seat auditorium.

“I think the theatre-in-the-round configuration of Millbrook lends itself perfectly to this style. You’re not just watching the show; you’re part of it,” Cross said. “It’s about creating a space where the boundary between performer and audience blurs, capturing the chaotic, joyful spirit that makes Rocky Horror so timeless.”

If you’re a Rocky Horror “virgin” — someone experiencing the show for the first time — there’s nothing to fear, just plenty to enjoy! Participation bags with approved props — such as newspapers, confetti, flashlights and noisemakers — will be available for purchase before the show. No outside props are permitted in order to protect the cast, crew and space. Throughout the show, seasoned audience members will lead familiar call-backs, but you’re welcome to simply listen for your first time and join in when you feel comfortable. Costumes, enthusiasm and laughter are encouraged, but staying respectful of performers and fellow guests makes the experience fun for everyone.

Director and Choreographer Danny Durr, who portrayed Frank-N-Furter in Millbrook’s 2019 showing of “The Rocky Horror Show,” has guided the production’s vision with enthusiasm and care. He has balanced campy humor with emotional beats, giving performers room to shine while focusing on pacing, storytelling and audience connection.

At its core, “The Rocky Horror Show” celebrates freedom, self-expression and the joy of embracing who you truly are.

“The Rocky Horror Show is an important piece of queer culture, because we feel like outcasts… like the monsters and creatures of the night, but we see ourselves reflected through his (Frank-N-Furter’s) eyes and know that it’s okay to be our genuine selves,” Durr said. “That’s how Frank would want it.”

Whether you see yourself in Brad and Janet — unsure, curious and a little overwhelmed — or in the unapologetically bold spirit of Frank-N-Furter, the magic of “The Rocky Horror Show” is that it welcomes everyone into the fun. The show reminds us that there’s room for both caution and chaos, innocence and extravagance, and that stepping outside your comfort zone — whether in platform boots or sneakers — can be a thrill all its own.

To see The Rocky Horror Show live at Millbrook Playhouse, tickets can be purchased at millbrookplayhouse.org or by calling 570-748-8083.