Broadway cast performs 'Rocky Horror' songs at NPR studio

Lorna Courtney, Kevin McHale, George Salazar, Jake Shears, Anania, and Andres Quintero performed live at the NPR headquarters in Washington, D.C., on Thursday. The cast members are part of the current Broadway revival of Richard O'Brien's 'The Rocky Horror Show.' They gathered in the station's Tiny Desk studio to record a session for the public media network.

The performance marked a rare live broadcast from the show's creators. The group played five songs from the musical's score. These tracks included 'Science Fiction Double Feature' and 'Over at the Frankenstein Place.' The set also featured 'Hot Patootie,' 'I'm Going Home,' and 'The Time Warp.'

Courtney and McHale took the vocal lead on 'Over at the Frankenstein Place.' They portrayed the characters Brad and Janet. Quintero provided vocal support on the same track. Salazar performed 'Hot Patootie' with saxophone accompaniment from Lynn Ligammari.

Shears sang the ballad 'I'm Going Home.' Anania opened the set with 'Science Fiction Double Feature.' The full musical ensemble included Jane Cardona on keys and music direction. Nate Brown played guitar, Winston Roye played bass, and Shannon Ford played drums.

A background vocal group supported the lead singers. Members of this group included Jimin Moon, Renée Albulario, Boy Radio, Preston Perez, Star Quezon, Larkin Reilly, and Paul Soileau. The production team for the session included producer Mitra I. Arthur and director Maia Stern.

Audience members at the event were encouraged to participate in the performance. The group invited listeners to join in on the dance moves associated with 'The Time Warp.' This call to action aligned with the interactive nature of the musical's live shows.

The session is available for viewing as part of the Tiny Desk Concert series. The recording features the full live performance of the five selected songs. The event took place in the NoMa neighborhood of the capital city.