The Rocky Horror Show returned to Broadway at Studio 54 on April 23, 2026, with Luke Evans leading the cast as Frank-n-Furter, but critics say the revival lacks the energy and intimacy of its cult film predecessor.
The production, directed by Sam Pinkleton and featuring Stephanie Hsu as Juliette and Rachel Dratch as the Narrator, opened to fanfare over its star-studded lineup but quickly drew criticism for feeling overproduced and emotionally distant in the large theater.
Reviewers noted that whereas the opening number, Science Fiction Double Feature, delivered charm and anticipation, the show’s momentum faltered as staging became abstract and movements felt aimless, lacking the crisp precision Pinkleton showed in his Tony-winning work Oh, Mary!.
The New York Stage Review called the revival “overproduced, underconceived, and superfluous,” arguing that Studio 54’s scale — with elaborate sets, high-wattage lighting by Jane Cox, and a design that fills the rafters — contradicts the show’s origins as a scrappy, intimate midnight performance meant for immersion and audience participation.
The Guardian’s reviewer echoed this, saying the production tilts into “blurry abstraction” and misses the assuredness of the 1975 film, whose performances by Tim Curry, Susan Sarandon, and others remain the definitive version for audiences, even as the stage revival struggles to justify its existence apart from the cinematic legacy.
Men’s Health highlighted Luke Evans’ physical preparation for the role, noting his lean physique at 46 and his history of rigorous training for roles in Echo 3 and West End shows like Rent and Miss Saigon, underscoring the physical demands of portraying Frank-n-Furter in a musical theater context.
Despite Evans’ commitment and the cast’s effort to follow Richard O’Brien’s original playbook, critics agree the revival fails to capture the anarchic spirit and low-budget charm that made The Rocky Horror Picture Show a global midnight phenomenon, leaving audiences questioning whether the stage version still has a place on Broadway.
Why does the Broadway revival feel disconnected from the show’s original spirit?
The revival’s large-scale production at Studio 54 — with elaborate sets, intense lighting, and a cavernous venue — clashes with the show’s roots as a low-budget, intimate midnight performance meant for audience participation and immersion, which critics say is lost in the current staging.
How does Luke Evans’ portrayal of Frank-n-Furter compare to Tim Curry’s iconic film version?
While Evans underwent intense physical training to meet the role’s demands and received praise for his commitment, critics say the production’s direction and scale prevent either him or the cast from matching the assuredness and cultural impact of Curry’s performance in the 1975 film.