Rosie O'Donnell joins revival of 'The Rocky Horror Show' in role of narrator

Rosie O'Donnell has joined the revival of "The Rocky Horror Show" in the role of Narrator, the production announced on Wednesday. The Commack native — replacing Rachel Dratch who will take "a short leave" from the production — will assume the role for two weeks, beginning Oct. 6.

As "Horror" fans know so well, the Narrator is no minor role, but crucial — billed as a "criminologist" in the original 1975 movie (played by Charles Gray), the criminologist/narrator is a high-camp, pipe-puffing, armchair observer of the proceedings, notably Brad and Janet's misadventures.

At countless midnight showings over the decades, he's prompted catcalls ("boring!!") and much else. He (or often she too, in revivals) also sings, dances, breaks down fourth walls — pretty much everything. It's a particularly coveted role, which is why so many have played it, notably Dick Cavett, Penn & Teller, and Jerry Springer at the 2000-02 revival at Circle in the Square.

The revival that O'Donnell is joining takes place at Studio 54 — and according to reports, has sought to limit catcalling too (which is typically confined to movie showings.)

And as O'Donnell fans know so well, she is a big champion of Broadway who regularly promoted it during her talk show run (1996-2002) and three-time Tonys host. She also played Rizzo in the 1994 revival of "Grease," Cat in the Hat in "Seussical," and Golde in the 2004 revival of "Fiddler on the Roof." Currently, she's part of the production team for the London musical "Indigo" (about a neurodivergent teen), which arrives in 2027. She wrapped her solo Off Broadway show, "Common Knowledge," in early August.

This current Rocky revival — directed by Tony Award-winner Sam Pinkleton, of "Oh, Mary!" — runs through February.