By Carson Collins
Every production of The Rocky Horror Show lives or dies by its Frank-N-Furter. Monumental Theatre Company believes it has found the perfect one. DMV favorite Christian Montgomery will lead this summer’s immersive production of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show as the iconic Dr. Frank-N-Furter.
A familiar face to Monumental audiences, Montgomery has become one of the company’s most celebrated collaborators. He earned Helen Hayes Award nominations for his performances as Michael in Be More Chill and Jon in tick, tick… BOOM!, captivating audiences with his signature blend of vulnerability, humor, and powerhouse vocals. Fans may also remember his unforgettable drag debut as Lazy Susan at Monumental’s popular Sunday Funday cabaret series — an early glimpse of the wit, glamour, and joyful theatricality he’ll now bring to Frank-N-Furter. Those performances cemented him as a Monumental favorite, making this casting feel like a natural next chapter in his artistic journey with the company.
Beyond Monumental, Montgomery has built an impressive résumé across the Washington region, appearing at Signature Theatre, Olney Theatre Center, Round House Theatre, Constellation Theatre Company, Keegan Theatre, Studio Theatre, and other leading companies. Most recently, audiences saw him as an understudy in Signature Theatre’s acclaimed production of Hedwig and the Angry Inch — another iconic work of queer musical theater that celebrates individuality, self-expression, and fearless performance.
“Frank-N-Furter is one of musical theater’s most legendary roles, and we knew it needed someone extraordinary,” said Co-Artistic Director Michael Windsor. “We’re beyond excited to have one of our Monumental favorites leading this production. Christian is absolutely perfect for the part, and we know audiences are going to fall in love with his performance.”
“Getting the opportunity to play Dr. Frank-N-Furter — a gender nonconforming, pansexual, cross-dressing alien — is a dream come true because it is a part I feel seen in, and I want to represent my community proudly. Rocky Horror is an iconic piece of queer culture that I’ve been in love with for years, and getting to touch this character and show is an opportunity I will cherish forever, especially because I’ve been begging for it to touch-a-touch-a-touch me since I first experienced it!” — Christian Montgomery
This Isn’t Your Typical Night at the Theater
Directed by Monumental Co-Artistic Directors Jimmy Mavrikes and Michael Windsor, The Rocky Horror Show is being conceived as a fully immersive theatrical event that blurs the line between audience and performer. Taking inspiration from the legendary midnight shadow-cast screenings that have kept Rocky Horror alive for generations, this production combines the live theatricality of Richard O’Brien’s original stage musical with the joyful chaos, audience participation, and communal spirit that made the cult phenomenon a cultural institution. Expect callbacks, surprises, interactive moments, and an atmosphere where no two performances will ever be exactly alike.
Music direction is by Marika Countouris, with choreography by Ahmad Maaty. The rest of the cast will be announced soon, so follow Monumental Theatre Company on social media (@monumentaltheatreco) for additional casting announcements, behind-the-scenes content, and an inside look at the creative process leading up to opening night.
Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show plays August 22–September 6, 2026, presented by Monumental Theatre Company, performing at Dance Place, 3225 8th Street NE, Washington, DC. Tickets are available online.
Carson Collins is Monumental Theatre Company’s interim director of marketing.
SEE ALSO:
Monumental Theatre Company to present ‘The Rocky Horror Show’ (news story, July 1, 2026)
