Zach Cossman is Brad Majors in The Rocky Horror Show at Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, PA. The Rocky Horror Show has become a season staple at the Playhouse. This year, the run began October 12th and ends October 28th. Luckily, I was able to catch up with Zach one day recently to talk about the musical, his role in it, and everything and anything which sprang to mind.

Ralph Malachowski: Looking at your biography, you’ve appeared in both Million Dollar Quartet and The Buddy Holly Story before appearing now as Brad in The Rocky Horror Show. Were these appearances all at the Bucks County Playhouse?

Zach Cossman: Yes, I appeared in both before this show. I was the drummer in Million Dollar Quartet, and I also played drums in The Buddy Holly Story. I studied drums from age 8, so it eased my way into stage acting. I still get to play an instrument as Brad, because there is a song where I play guitar.

RM: I remember your drumming recently in Million Dollar Quartet. I singled you out in my review as being one of the hardest working characters in the show. Almost every number had drum accompaniment, and you were fantastic. The performance I attended, you received long and warm applause.

ZC: Well, thanks!

RM: Speaking of marathon events, your schedule for Rocky Horror has four performances on the weekend. How do you handle that?

ZC: We have a 7pm show and an 11pm show on both Friday and Saturday, and a Sunday matinee, so, that makes five. Yes, that is a challenge. Usually, the matinee is at 2pm and later at 7 or 8, which gives some down time between shows.  I usually tend to perspire with all the stage action, but as Brad, I’m in my underwear a lot of the time, which is good because I’m cool, and not overheated. The 90 minutes or so between shows is just about enough time to hydrate, get a bite to eat, and get the glitter off me for the next show, since Brad shouldn’t have glitter on him – at least when the story begins.

RM: People I’ve interviewed over the years have often said that contrary to popular opinion, work often comes on short notice. Did you know you had this role many months before, or just in a matter of weeks?

ZC: I found out about doing Brad about a week before. The wild thing is that I just finished doing Million Dollar Quartet in New Hope. I got a call asking me if I would like to return to New Hope to do Brad. I went back to New York for a week to rehearse for the part, we rehearse in Manhattan, and within a few weeks I was back in New Hope and a new show.

RM: You’re working with the powerhouse team Hunter Foster and Lorin Lotarro. Tell us something about what’s that like.

ZC: It is absolutely great. Both are powerhouses. This is my tenth production with Hunter, two Buddy Holly Stories, and seven productions of Million Dollar Quartet, so this is my tenth show with Hunter in two-and-a-half years.  Speaking of powerhouses, my co-stars are fantastic. Mason (Mason Alexander Park) is phenomenal as Dr. Frank N. Furter, and Alyse (Alyse Alan Louis) as Janet makes me look good every night. She is so talented.

RM: What are some memorable places you’ve visited while on tour in the U.S.?

ZC: New Hope is like a second home to me now. I’ve had the good fortune to have appeared in several productions here, so I enjoy returning every time. Of course, I would have to say that returning home to Cincinnati was special in that my parents drove to see me perform in a show, and you can’t beat that.

RM: I’m going to ask a metaphysical question right now. Do you think Brad and Janet have been forever changed by their night at the castle?

ZC: Definitely! How could they not be? In this production, Hunter has Janet hand back Brad’s ring, so yes, there has been a major change in their personalities.

RM: Phillygaycalendar readers always want to know: are you single, spoken for, and your political leaning, as in straight-ish or gay?

ZC: I’m single and straight.

RM: Interesting. So you wouldn’t mind if women stormed the stage door offering their keys, gift cards, and vacations to you?

ZC: I along with everyone else in the cast wish that people come to the show, sit back, and enjoy the show. They can forget their troubles for 90 minutes and enjoy themselves.

RM: Spoken like a true politician. Like some other actors, you should think about running for office.

The Rocky Horror Show is now at the Bucks County Playhouse in New Hope, PA, until October 28. For information, visit: www.bcptheater.org .