Richard O’Brien’s Musical Trans-ports Us to Triumphs

by Jenyth Jo

My two closeted god-brothers, my boyfriend, and I sneak out at 11:00 p.m. to drive downtown.  It’s Saturday night during the hot Sacramento summers of my teen years, and like Janet Weiss, I clamp my curly hair in barrettes, put on my pink dress, and pack my white sweater, black fishnet stockings, toast, newspaper, flashlight, and a rubber glove—so I can arrive in style for another midnight showing of The Rocky Horror Picture Show.

When the news of Tim Curry’s passing hit New York last Wednesday, I went in search of fishnets and a ticket to the hit “Rocky Horror Show” on Broadway.

Rocky-themed drinks like Antici—pation and Touch-A-Touch-Me at the bar, plus spooky mood music add to my excitement. A beautiful stage with silver and gold naked male statues and twisting HVAC tubes combine glitz with science fiction.

Inside Studio 54, black and red flowers frame a photo of Tim as Frank-n-Furter, with full red lips and black corset. Flickering candles illuminate the altar. I want to red lip-kiss the picture, like the worshipers who kiss Oscar Wilde’s tomb at Pere Lachaise. But the usher stops me.

Famous for her SNL side-eye rolls, Rachel Dratch, dressed in black academic gown, kicks-off and frequently interrupts the show. When the heckling becomes creative, she ad-libs, “Now that’s one I haven’t heard before,” encouraging more audience participation.

When I begin dancing to the “Time Warp” song in the aisle, I’d barely put my “hands on your hips” when I was tugged down by an usher. What? No dancing? That’s why I bought an aisle seat. C’mon, New York!

Still, the songs were great, the sets stunning, and the lighting design incredible.

Electric string lights encircle silver HVAC tubes, and the statues light up like animatronic aliens. Lighting designer Jane Cox uses purples and greens, invoking a Mardi Gras vibe, with startling strobes and blackouts to hype the energy.

As Brad, Glee alum Kevin McHale exhibits his pure voice and impure impulses, while we whoop for his tighty-whities. And Janet (Lorna Courtney) displays the talents that earned a Tony nomination for her starring role in “& Juliet”: incredible pipes, divine dancing, and powerful stage presence.

And Jimin Moon, a handsome Asian Rocky, shows us that a monster can have nuance, even with ripped muscles, World Wrestling Federation moves, and the goofiness we adore. Star power, for sure.

As Frank-N-Furter, Paul Loiseau channels his drag persona Christeene, strutting and seducing his laboratory phantoms. After the show, as emcee of the Tim Curry tribute, he offers an impassioned speech explaining how Tim Curry provided a safe vessel for trans folks.

Loiseau, former Frank-N-Furter Luke Evans, and future Frank-N-Furter Jake Shears, rip out our hearts as they harmonize to “I’m Going Home,” in honor of Tim Curry.

Yes, we’ve lost a one-of-a-kind performer in Tim Curry, but his crossover, cross-dressing, magnificent Doctor Frank-N-Furter has paved the way for more and better LGBTQ+ roles in movies and theater. May he rest in drag.

“The Rocky Horror Show”—book music, and lyrics by Richard O’Brien, directed by Sam Pinkleton, sets by DOTS, costumes by David I. Reyoso, lighting by Jane Cox, sound by Brian Ronan, hair & wigs by Alberto “Albee” Alvarado, at Studio 54, New York City.

Info: rockyhorrorshowbroadway.com – to February 28, 2027.

Cast:  Lorna Courtney, Rachel Dratch, Amber Gray, Kevin McHale, Jimin Moon, George Salazar, Shere Rene Scott, Paul Soileau, and Valentina.

Banner photo: Luke Evans & Josh Rivera. Photo by Joan Marcus