Broadway Cast Brings 'Rocky Horror' to Mainstream US Television
The cast of the new Broadway revival of The Rocky Horror Show made its television debut this week on the US late-night programme The Tonight Show with Jimmy Fallon. Led by Welsh actor Luke Evans, the ensemble performed "Sweet Transvestite," one of the musical's most defining numbers.
Evans, taking on the role of Dr. Frank-N-Furter, follows in the footsteps of Tim Curry, whose 1975 film performance is considered by many to be definitive. The television appearance offered a first glimpse for a wide audience of this new interpretation of the character, a sexually fluid, pansexual scientist from the planet Transsexual, Transylvania.
A Tale of Two Reactions
Online discussion following the broadcast highlighted a significant divide in audience reaction. Fans of the musical and the theatre community largely praised the performance. Many noted Evans' vocal strength and stage presence, viewing it as a capable and energetic take on the demanding role, even while acknowledging the unique legacy of Tim Curry's portrayal.
However, the performance also served as a cultural touchstone, revealing that for a segment of the American public, The Rocky Horror Show remains an unknown entity. A vocal minority on social media expressed confusion and disapproval, seemingly taken aback by the character's gender expression and the song's lyrical content. This reaction echoes the initial reception of the show in the 1970s, demonstrating its continued ability to challenge conventional norms.
An Enduring Queer Classic
For decades, The Rocky Horror Show has been a cornerstone of queer culture, celebrated for its themes of sexual liberation, androgyny, and its embrace of outsider status. The interactive midnight movie screenings have created community spaces and rites of passage for generations of LGBTQ+ people.
In the Netherlands, the show also has a long history, with various stage productions over the years drawing dedicated crowds. The story's core message of "Don't dream it, be it" continues to resonate. The fact that a mainstream television show in 2026 can still provoke pearl-clutching reactions with a 50-year-old musical number speaks to the enduring power, and perhaps necessity, of Frank-N-Furter's platform heels.
