Full Breakdown
Rocky Horror Show Returns to Broadway: A Controlled Revival at Studio 54
4/25/2026, 10:38:17 AM
Broadway Revival Opens at Studio 54
Roundabout Theatre Company opened its new production of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show on April 24, 2026 at Studio 54, 254 West 54th St. Sam Pinkleton directs a cast that includes Luke Evans (Frank-N-Furter), Stephanie Hsu (Janet), Andrew Durand (Brad), Amber Gray (Riff Raff), Juliette Lewis (Magenta), Michaela Jaé Rodriguez (Columbia), Harvey Guillén (Eddie/Dr. Scott), Josh Rivera (Rocky) and Rachel Dratch (Narrator).
Background & Context
The musical premiered in London’s Royal Court Theatre in 1973 and became a midnight-movie cult staple after the 1975 film. A 2000 Broadway revival encouraged full audience call-outs; Pinkleton’s version seeks a middle ground between that chaos and traditional Broadway decorum.
Creative Team & Design
Dots collective built a space-themed set that extends into the lobby. David I. Reynoso designed costumes, Alberto “Albee” Alvarado handled hair and wigs, Sterling Tull did makeup, Jane Cox lit the stage, Brian Ronan provided sound, and Ani Taj choreographed.
Why It Matters
The revival adds to a wave of queer-focused Broadway shows, reinforcing LGBTQ+ visibility. Its moderated audience participation sparks debate over preserving the show’s anarchic tradition while meeting Broadway’s expectations for a controlled live experience.
Official Statements & Responses
Roundabout’s website notes, “The call-outs that many people know are part of the culture, but we also want to balance the experience for audience members who want to hear the musical and give respect to the live actors.” (Roundabout Theatre Company) Director Pinkleton told The New York Times that “hard-core fans were so disruptive during early previews that we had to ask them to tone it down.” (Sam Pinkleton) A lobby sign reads, “It’s live theater, not a movie, so listen closely, keep control, and enjoy the show.” (Roundabout)
Criticism & Opposition
People and Vulture argue the limited call-outs make the show “half-participatory,” weakening its anarchic spirit. Critics describe the energy as “curiously weightless” and note a loss of the “transgressive thrill” that defined earlier versions. The Guardian reported audio glitches during Guillén’s “Hot Patootie” and sagging momentum after opening numbers.
Conflicting Reports & Gaps
Deadline and EW praise Evans’s vocal power and the production’s visual flair, while People and Vulture find the overall tone “too tame.” Audience reactions to call-outs range from “sparingly shouted” to “controlled but occasional,” showing no clear consensus on the new policy’s impact.
Verbatim Quotes
- “choose your call-outs carefully” — Roundabout Theatre Company (website)
- “Don’t be an asshole.” — Roundabout pre-show sign
- “heavy, black, and pendulous.” — Rachel Dratch, Narrator
- “Give yourself over to absolute pleasure,” — Dr. Frank-N-Furter (character)
- “they would have to ignore such feelings and take advantage of whatever help was offered,” — Narrator (Time Out USA)
What’s Next
The show runs through July 19, 2026, with eight performances weekly. Roundabout noted that extensions could be added if box-office performance warrants.
