A Love Letter to Dr. Frank-n-Furter
Why Frank-N-Furter Matters to Me
Some roles change you — they crack you open and show you who you really are underneath. For me, that role is Dr. Frank-N-Furter. For the past few years, I slip into a corset, throw on some pearls, and transform into one of theatre’s most deliciously outrageous characters. It’s a little terrifying, a little freeing, and completely unforgettable.
The Birth of a Legend
Dr. Frank-N-Furter is one of the most iconic and boundary-breaking figures in modern theatre. First introduced in The Rocky Horror Show in 1973, Frank is a self-proclaimed mad scientist who creates life in the form of the muscular Rocky. Written by Richard O’Brien and made immortal by Tim Curry, Frank became a cultural phenomenon.
What makes Frank so compelling is the fearless mix of camp, charisma, and chaos. He’s genius and narcissist, sensual and destructive — a gothic monster and yet completely human. Beneath the fishnets lies a character who embodies liberation and longing: someone who refuses to apologize for their desires but still aches to be loved.
In the early 1970s, Frank-N-Furter was radical — flamboyant, powerful, and unapologetically queer in a world that didn’t make space for that. For many, Frank became a symbol of sexual freedom and self-expression. For others, a mirror reflecting society’s discomfort with those who defy its norms. Either way, Frank forces us to question what we think we know about identity, attraction, and control.
The Beginning
My journey with Frank started in 2019 when I joined the shadow cast at the Gillioz Theatre. That first taste of Rocky Horror lit a spark I didn’t realize was there — a connection to this wild, electric world and to the character himself. I first came to High Tide Theatrical in 2023 when I was cast as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in the full production. That was the first time I had to fully rely on myself to bring this icon to life.
It was also my first lead role in a musical — and truthfully, I don’t usually get asked to sing solo. Taking on Frank meant facing that fear head-on, learning to trust my own voice, and believing I could do it. It stretched me in every possible way, but it made me a stronger performer and a braver version of myself.
Why Frank Matters
Playing Frank has been one of the most transformative experiences of my time on stage. The role demands everything — confidence, vulnerability, humor, and total surrender to the character. More than that, it invites you to explore the parts of yourself you’ve been taught to hide.
For me, Frank represents freedom — not just sexual or gender freedom, but emotional and creative liberation. He’s larger than life but deeply human in his loneliness and his craving to be seen. That tension between power and fragility speaks to me. Frank is someone just trying to create something beautiful in a world that doesn’t always understand them. Who cannot relate to that???
Every time I play Frank, I feel connected to the long line of people who have found belonging through The Rocky Horror Show. It’s theatre that refuses to conform — it turns “too much” into art and “weird” into wonderful. Playing Frank has reminded me that being unapologetically yourself is an act of rebellion, and that sometimes, the stage can heal you as much as it entertains.
Thank You, Frank, and Good-bye
I’ve never been completely comfortable in my own skin — but for a few hours every October, I’ve felt confident, sexy, and alive. That’s the magic of Frank. He drags you out of your shell, makes you confront your hidden sides, and dares you to love them.
So, thank you, Frank — you ol’ Hot Dog — for showing me who I am underneath the corset and makeup. This run marks my last time stepping into those heels, but I’ll aways carry him with me. He’s been good to me — and the lessons he’s taught me about confidence, authenticity, and joy will stay with me long after the final bow.
Joshua David Smith
High Tide Theatrical
Artistic Director
A small group of friends and I saw RHPS on Saturday and you were fantastic. Thank you for bringing your all to the show and allowing us all to glimpse into the mirror for a bit. Congratulations on a wonderful run as Frank.