Broadway cast performs 'Rocky Horror' numbers at NPR studio
Actors from the current revival performed five songs in Washington, D.C., for a live audience of staff members.
By Anthony Foster ·
The National Public Radio studio in Washington, D.C., hosted a live musical performance on October 29, 2026. The event featured the cast of the Broadway revival of The Rocky Horror Show. Attendees included NPR staff and guests who dressed in costumes associated with the show's characters.
The performance marked the first time the current Broadway cast performed at the Tiny Desk. The show has been a cultural staple for more than 50 years since its initial stage debut. It also spawned the film adaptation The Rocky Horror Picture Show, which became a popular midnight screening tradition for fans and newcomers alike.
The set list included five songs from the musical. Anania opened the performance with Science Fiction Double Feature. Lorna Courtney and Kevin McHale then sang Over at the Frankenstein Place as the characters Brad and Janet. George Salazar performed Hot Patootie, accompanied by saxophone. Jake Shears sang I'm Going Home as the character Frank-N-Furter. The group concluded with The Time Warp, a number known for its choreographed audience participation.
The musical ensemble included Jane Cardona on keys and music direction. Nate Brown played guitar, while Winston Roye handled bass duties. Shannon Ford played drums, and Lynn Ligammari played saxophone. Background vocals were provided by Jimin Moon, Renée Albulario, Boy Radio, Preston Perez, Star Quezon, Larkin Reilly, and Paul Soileau.
Production staff for the session included producer Mitra I. Arthur and director and editor Maia Stern. Josh Newell served as audio director and mixer. Bobby Carter acted as creative director. The video team comprised Maia Stern, Joshua Bryant, Kara Frame, and Alanté Serene. Valentina Rodríguez Sánchez worked as the audio engineer, and Zayrha Rodriguez captured still photographs.
The executive producers for the series are Suraya Mohamed and Sonali Mehta. Bob Boilen, Stephen Thompson, and Robin Hilton are credited as the series creators. The Tiny Desk team also included Dora Levite, Dhanika Pineda, and series editor Lars Gotrich. Additional support came from videographer Alanté Serene and animator Jackie Lay. Copy editor Daoud Tyler-Ameen reviewed the text content for the release.
