The Rocky Horror Display Returns to Broadway: A 2026 Revival at Studio 54
The Roundabout Theatre Company’s revival of The Rocky Horror Show opened on Broadway in April 2026, bringing Richard O’Brien’s cult classic musical back to Studio 54 for a limited engagement. Directed by Tony Award winner Sam Pinkleton, the production features a cast including Rachel Dratch, Andrew Durand, Luke Evans, Amber Gray, Harvey Guillén, Stephanie Hsu, Juliette Lewis, Josh Rivera, and Michaela Jaé Rodriguez. The show runs approximately one hour and 50 minutes, including a 15-minute intermission, and contains haze, fog, strobe effects, and sexual content.
This revival emphasizes the communal joy and participatory spirit of the original stage show while balancing the experience for both longtime fans, and newcomers. Audience call-outs—a tradition rooted in fan interaction with the film—are acknowledged but not actively encouraged, allowing space for those who wish to engage and those who prefer to focus on the performance. The production design highlights the musical’s campy sci-fi elements, with silvery androids in the stage boxes, a glowing miniature castle, and lighting in garish greens and purples by Jane Cox. A five-piece band delivers the iconic rock ‘n’ roll score, including numbers like “Sweet Transvestite,” “Dammit Janet,” and the “Time Warp.”
Creative Team and Cast
Sam Pinkleton, known for his function on Oh, Mary!, serves as director. The creative team includes scenic design by the dots collective, lighting by Jane Cox, and musical supervision that maintains the energy of the original score. The ensemble cast brings a mix of stage and screen talent to the roles of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Janet Weiss, Brad Majors, Riff Raff, Magenta, Columbia, and others.
According to the Roundabout Theatre Company’s official listings, performances are scheduled throughout the 2025–2026 season, with select shows offering sign language interpretation and post-show discussions. The company, a 501(c)(3) tax-exempt organization (Tax ID: 13-6192346), provides accessibility services and educational programming, including pre-show background sessions and post-show talkbacks with cast members or scholars.
Audience Experience and Reception
Early audience reactions note that while the production remains faithful to the source material, its interactive elements are more subdued than in past incarnations. Call-outs were described as “scattered and sporadic” during early performances, though some attendees arrived in costume. Critics have characterized the revival as respectful and competent, if not transformative, praising its clarity and commitment to the musical’s tone while noting a lack of the “sizzle” associated with more immersive interpretations.
The show’s design avoids elaborate spectacle in favor of a functional yet evocative proscenium setting, allowing the music and performances to take center stage. Lighting and effects are used to enhance the otherworldly atmosphere without overwhelming the intimate storytelling.
About The Rocky Horror Show
Originally premiering in 1973, The Rocky Horror Show is a musical satire of sci-fi and B-movie tropes, created by Richard O’Brien. It gained global fame through its 1975 film adaptation, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which pioneered midnight movie audience participation. The stage version remains distinct in its focus on live performance and musical theater conventions, even as it shares songs, characters, and themes with its cinematic counterpart.
This Broadway revival marks another chapter in the show’s enduring legacy, introducing O’Brien’s work to novel audiences while honoring its history as a touchstone of queer expression, camp aesthetics, and theatrical innovation.
For tickets, performance schedules, and accessibility information, visit the Roundabout Theatre Company’s official website.