Behind the Curtain: Why Luke Evans Needs Oxygen Tanks for His Broadway Role

When Luke Evans accepted his first Tony nomination for his role as Dr. Frank-N-Furter in Broadway’s Rocky Horror Show revival, he brought along a story that shows exactly what modern theatrical performance demands. During an appearance on Late Night with Seth Meyers, Evans revealed that the iconic corset worn by his character restricts his breathing so severely that he relies on oxygen tanks positioned in the wings between scenes. Performing up to eight nights a week while belting out demanding rock songs and executing high-energy choreography in a costume that barely allows him to breathe, Evans has had to develop a rhythm of running offstage where crew members help him recover with oxygen between performances. It’s a level of physical dedication that most of us will never experience in our day jobs.

What makes this story even more interesting is that Evans isn’t complaining about the sacrifice. While the corset presents genuine challenges, he’s genuinely enthusiastic about other elements of the costume, particularly the towering patent leather boots that add roughly eight inches to his height. After five weeks of rehearsal to break them in, Evans jokes that his legs have never looked better and he can skip leg day without guilt. The costume designer, David I. Reynoso, made the intentional choice to use deliberately cheap materials throughout the wardrobe, including ribbons cut from trash bags, to maintain the authentic, scrappy spirit that makes Rocky Horror iconic.

The production itself has been a major success since opening in April, earning nine Tony nominations with Evans receiving his career-first nod. Though he didn’t take home the Tony for Best Actor in a Musical, the recognition speaks to the quality of his performance and the revival’s impact on audiences. If you’ve ever wondered what separates live theater from film or television, Evans’oxygen tank revelation is a pretty clear answer. What aspects of his performance commitment surprise you most?