When the curtain rose on the Broadway revival of The Rocky Horror Picture Show in April 2022, it wasn’t just a theatrical event—it was a cultural moment. The production, directed by Christopher Ashley and featuring a cast led by Laverne Cox as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, brought the cult classic back to the Great White Way after decades of midnight movie screenings and shadowcast performances. For audiences, the return signaled more than nostalgia; it affirmed the enduring power of a story that has long served as a beacon for queer self-expression and liberation.
The 2022 Broadway revival of The Rocky Horror Picture Show opened at the Circle in the Square Theatre on April 24, 2022, following previews that began on March 29. This marked the first official Broadway staging of Richard O’Brien’s musical, which had previously only been seen in regional and off-Broadway productions since its 1975 film debut. The revival was produced by Sonia Friedman Productions, Colin Callender, and Scott Rudin, in association with HBO Max, which later filmed the production for streaming. The show ran for a limited engagement through September 4, 2022, before closing due to the evolving landscape of post-pandemic theater attendance.
Central to the revival’s significance was its casting of Laverne Cox in the iconic role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, a character originally portrayed by Tim Curry in the 1975 film. Cox, an Emmy-nominated actress and prominent transgender advocate, brought both personal and professional resonance to the part. Her portrayal was widely noted for honoring the character’s bisexual and gender-fluid identity while adding a layer of authentic lived experience. As Cox stated in interviews during the run, “Playing Frank-N-Furter isn’t just about wearing heels and lipstick—it’s about claiming space for those who’ve been told they don’t belong.” This sentiment echoed the show’s long-standing role as a sanctuary for LGBTQ+ audiences, particularly during its rise in the 1970s and 1980s amid the aftermath of the Stonewall Riots and the growth of queer urban communities in cities like New York and San Francisco.
The return of Rocky Horror to Broadway also reignited conversations about its historical importance as a bisexual and transgender cultural landmark. Scholars and critics have long pointed to the musical’s early embrace of queer aesthetics, its celebration of sexual fluidity, and its creation of participatory rituals like shadowcasting—where audiences dress as characters and perform alongside the show—as key to its enduring appeal. According to research published in the Rushton Journal of Undergraduate Humanities Research, the film’s impact on queer communities in the 1970s stemmed from its ability to merge camp, horror, and rock ‘n’ roll into a space where working-class LGBTQ+ individuals could explore identity without fear. The journal notes that the movie’s release came at a pivotal moment, “tracing the post-war growth of queer communities in cities like New York and San Francisco to the boiling-point of the Stonewall Riot,” and that its themes of liberation resonated deeply with audiences seeking visibility and joy in an era of widespread discrimination.
Beyond its thematic resonance, the 2022 revival demonstrated the show’s continued relevance in contemporary theater. The production featured updated choreography by Kelly Devine and musical staging by Christopher Ashley, blending the original’s campy energy with modern theatrical sensibilities. The set design, by David Korins, paid homage to the film’s iconic laboratory and Transylvanian aesthetic while incorporating flexible staging that allowed for audience interaction—a hallmark of Rocky Horror experiences. Costume designer Emilio Sosa updated the looks with a blend of retro futurism and high fashion, ensuring that the visual language of the show felt both nostalgic and fresh.
Audience participation remained a cornerstone of the Broadway experience, though adapted for the formal theater setting. While traditional midnight movie rituals like throwing rice or toast were modified for safety and venue rules, the show encouraged call-and-response moments, dancing in the aisles, and costume-wearing, preserving the interactive spirit that has defined Rocky Horror fandom for nearly five decades. Longtime fans and newcomers alike reported feeling a sense of communal joy and acceptance, with many describing the theater as a temporary utopian space where judgment was left at the door.
The revival also highlighted the show’s influence on broader conversations about gender and sexuality in media. As noted by cultural commentators, The Rocky Horror Picture Show predated and helped pave the way for later works that explore queer identity with nuance and humor, from Hedwig and the Angry Inch to Pose. Its early depiction of a bisexual, gender-nonconforming protagonist in Dr. Frank-N-Furter was rare for its time and remains significant in discussions about representation. The 2022 staging, with Cox in the lead, was seen by many as a full-circle moment—a transgender woman embodying a role that has long symbolized defiance of rigid gender norms.
Despite its limited run, the Broadway revival left a lasting imprint. HBO Max released a filmed version of the production in 2023, allowing global audiences to experience the staging from home. The film preserved the energy of the live performances, including Cox’s powerful rendition of “Sweet Transvestite” and the ensemble’s dynamic performance of “Time Warp.” Critics praised the adaptation for capturing the intimacy and immediacy of the theater while making it accessible to viewers who could not attend in person.
As of April 2024, there have been no official announcements regarding a return of Rocky Horror to Broadway or a national tour. However, the show continues to thrive in regional theaters, college campuses, and independent cinemas worldwide, where shadowcasts and sing-along screenings remain popular. Organizations such as the Rocky Horror Picture Show Fan Club and various LGBTQ+ advocacy groups often host events tied to the musical, using it as a platform to celebrate queer history and promote inclusivity.
The enduring legacy of The Rocky Horror Picture Show lies not just in its songs or costumes, but in its ability to create moments of belonging. From its origins as a small-stage musical in London to its status as a global cult phenomenon, the work has consistently invited audiences to “don’t dream it, be it”—a mantra that, nearly 50 years later, still inspires people to embrace their authentic selves. Its return to Broadway in 2022 was not merely a revival of a show, but a reaffirmation of the idea that theater, at its best, can be a place where everyone, regardless of identity, can locate a moment to shine.
For those interested in experiencing The Rocky Horror Picture Show, whether through film, live theater, or community events, official updates are typically shared via the show’s licensed distributors and theatrical licensing agents. Fans are encouraged to check with local playhouses, LGBTQ+ centers, and cult film societies for upcoming screenings or productions.
What does Rocky Horror mean to you? Share your memories, favorite songs, or first-time experiences in the comments below—and if this resonated, pass it along to someone who still believes in the power of a little liberation, one “Time Warp” at a time.
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