If you were near Washington, D.C.’s NoMa district on a particular evening this October, you might have noticed some unusual sights outside the NPR offices. The crowd was a spectacle of fishnets, corsets, maid costumes, 1950s-style greasers, and bespectacled nerds. It was the perfect introduction for the Broadway revival of Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show, an ensemble that naturally brings with it a cast of Frank-N-Furters, Magentas, Eddies, Riff Raffs, Brads, and Janets.
For more than five decades, The Rocky Horror Show and its iconic film counterpart, The Rocky Horror Picture Show, have offered a sanctuary of campy storytelling and infectious melodies. It is a cultural phenomenon that allows both lifelong fans and newcomers to find community and celebrate personal freedom. To honor this spirit, we reimagined the Tiny Desk as our very own “Frankenstein Place.”
The musical journey commences with “Science Fiction Double Feature,” featuring Anania’s bright, effervescent vocals that transport us into a vintage sci-fi B-movie landscape. “Over at the Frankenstein Place” follows, with Lorna Courtney and Kevin McHale masterfully capturing the innocent charm of Brad and Janet, while Andres Quintero’s distinct vocal timbre hints at the excitement to come. The energy shifts with “Hot Patootie,” a high-octane, 1950s-inspired rock number performed by George Salazar and driven by Lynn Ligammari’s soulful saxophone. Finally, Jake Shears delivers a haunting and captivating rendition of Frank-N-Furter’s signature ballad, “I’m Going Home.”
While I secretly hoped to see the NPR staff and guests performing the show’s most iconic dance moves, we will have to leave that to the imagination. However, the energy remains infectious. So, get ready to put your hands on your hips, knees tight, and join the performance of “The Time Warp.”
SET LIST
- “Science Fiction Double Feature”
- “Over at the Frankenstein Place”
- “Hot Patootie”
- “I’m Going Home”
- “The Time Warp”
MUSICIANS
- Lorna Courtney: vocals
- Kevin McHale: vocals
- George Salazar: vocals
- Jake Shears: vocals
- Anania: vocals
- Andres Quintero: vocals
- Jane Cardona: keys, music director
- Nate Brown: guitar
- Winston Roye: bass
- Lynn Ligammari: saxophone
- Shannon Ford: drums
- Jimin Moon: background vocals
- Renée Albulario: background vocals
- Boy Radio: background vocals
- Preston Perez: background vocals
- Star Quezon: background vocals
- Larkin Reilly: background vocals
- Paul Soileau: background vocals
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