Broadway Welcomes Valentina, The First Trans Mexican American Star in a Principal Cast

Valentina, a talented performer known for her appearances on RuPaul’s Drag Race and Fox’s Rent: Live, is set to make her highly anticipated Broadway debut in The Rocky Horror Show. This iconic musical, directed by Sam Pinkleton, is a revival of Richard O’Brien’s groundbreaking time-warping classic, which has been delighting audiences for decades.

On Tuesday, July 21, Valentina will join the cast of The Rocky Horror Show, taking over the role of Columbia, the charismatic top-hatted acolyte of Luke Evans’ Frank-N-Furter. This marks a significant milestone for Valentina, who will become the first Trans Mexican American performer to feature in a principal cast on Broadway.

In a recent statement, Valentina expressed her deep honor and gratitude at being given this opportunity. ‘I am honored to be debuting on Broadway as the first Trans Mexican American featured in a principal cast,’ she said. ‘This experience will be truly unforgettable, and I am excited to share it with the audience.’

Valentina’s addition to the cast of The Rocky Horror Show comes as the production continues to thrive on Broadway. The revival, which began previews on March 26 and officially opened on April 23 at Studio 54, has received widespread critical acclaim and has been a strong box office performer. The show’s success can be seen in its attendance figures, which have been consistently high, with the most recent numbers reporting a remarkable 93% capacity.

The current principal cast of The Rocky Horror Show includes Luke Evans, Rachel Dratch, Andrew Durand, Harvey Guillén, Stephanie Hsu, Josh Rivera, and Sherie Rene Scott. The production has been nominated for nine 2026 Tony Awards, although it did not take home any awards. Despite this, The Rocky Horror Show remains one of the most popular and critically acclaimed shows of the season.

The Rocky Horror Show has been a beloved classic for decades, and its time-warping charm continues to captivate audiences. With Valentina’s arrival, the show promises to be more exciting than ever, and fans are eagerly anticipating the opportunity to see her bring the character of Columbia to life on stage.

Valentina’s Broadway debut is a significant moment for the LGBTQ+ community, and her presence in The Rocky Horror Show is a testament to the progress and diversity that the industry is striving for. As the curtain rises on her highly anticipated performance, audiences are in for a treat that promises to be unforgettable.

The Rocky Horror Show continues to run at Studio 54, with Valentina joining the cast on Tuesday, July 21. For those who are eager to experience this iconic musical, now is the perfect time to get tickets and witness the magic of Valentina’s Broadway debut.