Rosie O’Donnell joins The Rocky Horror Show for two weeks on Broadway

Rosie O’Donnell will join the musical “The Rocky Horror Show” on Broadway for a limited two-week engagement. From October 6 to 18, 2026, the American actress and comedian will portray the narrator on the stage of Studio 54 in New York.

The production officially announced her arrival on Wednesday, September 16, on the show’s website. Rosie O’Donnell will temporarily replace Rachel Dratch, who will be absent during this period. Dratch is scheduled to resume the role on October 20.

This appearance marks the return of the former “The View” host to a Broadway musical, twenty years after her last performance in “Fiddler on the Roof.” However, she recently returned to the New York stage with her autobiographical show “Common Knowledge,” which was presented Off-Broadway from July 22 to August 8, 2026.

Rosie O’Donnell is no stranger to Broadway. She played Betty Rizzo in “Grease” in 1994, followed by the Cat in the Hat in “Seussical” and Golde in “Fiddler on the Roof.” She also produced “Taboo” in 2003 and has hosted the Tony Awards three times, as noted by Broadway.com.

In this revival directed by Sam Pinkleton, she will share the stage with Jake Shears, Lorna Courtney, Kevin McHale, Amber Gray, and Valentina. The show, nominated for nine Tony Awards in 2026, features the characters and songs from the musical created by Richard O’Brien in 1973.

Rosie O’Donnell’s participation will conclude on October 18, while the production is set to remain at Studio 54 until February 28, 2027. Her last role in a Broadway production was on January 8, 2006, during her final performance in “Fiddler on the Roof.”