TL;DR
- The Rocky Horror Show returns to Broadway.
- Director Sam Pinkleton leads a star-studded cast.
- The show explores themes of queer liberation.
- Cast members share personal connections to the story.
- The production aims to engage a new generation.
Hold onto your corsets, darlings, because the cult classic The Rocky Horror Show is back on Broadway, and it’s here to shake things up for a new queer generation. Director Sam Pinkleton, along with stars Michaela Jaé Rodriguez and Harvey Guillén, are diving deep into themes of queer liberation and the joy of escapism that this iconic production brings. Can we get a round of applause?
Picture this: it’s a March afternoon, and Pinkleton is munching on his lunch next to the seats in Studio 54 when I catch him on a Zoom call. He’s got a knack for turning the mundane into the fabulous, and his excitement is infectious. “We have to get you a prescription to fix whatever’s broken inside of you,” he jokes about my obsession with theater. But let’s be real, who isn’t a little broken when it comes to the magic of Broadway?
The Rocky Horror Show isn’t just a musical; it’s a celebration of being unapologetically yourself. “Richard O’Brien gave me an incredible piece of advice: ‘Just do it simply with good actors,’” Pinkleton shares. And honey, does he have good actors! With a lineup that includes the fabulous Luke Evans as Dr. Frank-N-Furter and the talented Michaela Jaé Rodriguez as Columbia, this show is a feast for the eyes and ears.
Let’s not forget the rich history of Rocky Horror in the queer community. It’s a musical that has long been a haven for outsiders, and this revival is no different. For many cast members, the show resonates deeply. Guillén recalls his first encounter with the film, thinking it was some sort of adult film because of the lingerie. “I felt very naughty watching it,” he laughs. But as he grew older, the story of belonging and feeling like an alien struck a chord. “It’s about belonging, about feeling like you’re an extraterrestrial,” he reflects, echoing the sentiments of many in the LGBTQ+ community.
Rodriguez, who was introduced to Rocky Horror at a young age, describes it as liberating. “It speaks to my inner child,” she says, emphasizing the importance of challenging the status quo. And that’s exactly what this production aims to do: usher in a new generation that is audacious and liberated.
Pinkleton is keenly aware that for many younger audience members, this will be their first encounter with Rocky Horror. “In a world where there’s so much to be furious about, something has to fill the tank,” he states. And let’s be honest, we all need a little escapism right now. With Frank-N-Furter’s iconic line, “It’s not easy having a good time,” the show reminds us that even in tough times, we deserve to revel in joy.
So, if you’re ready to embrace your inner alien and celebrate queer liberation, grab your tickets to The Rocky Horror Show—playing through July 19 at Studio 54. It’s time to dance, sing, and maybe even throw some rice as you join the ranks of those who know that being different is what makes us fabulous. Don’t miss out on this chance to experience a piece of theater that’s not just a show, but a movement.