‘My Whole Life Has Been the Audition’: Jake Shears Talks ‘Rocky Horror,’ Tim Curry & His ‘One Request’ About Callbacks

Jake Shears has taken over as Frank-N-Furter in the Broadway revival of *The Rocky Horror Show*, bringing a personal connection to a role made iconic by Tim Curry. Shears says Curry’s death, just weeks before his debut, made rehearsals feel like a living memorial, while the production itself remains playful and camp rather than a reverent recreation.

Shears first discovered the show as a teenager and says it helped shape his imagination and his path as a performer, including the Scissor Sisters. He began the role on 11 September at Studio 54, following Paul Soileau and Luke Evans; the revival is directed by Sam Pinkleton and runs eight performances a week. Shears also discusses audience callbacks and his approach to following Curry’s celebrated performance.