The Rocky Horror Show directed a benefit performance of "Rocky Horror" to celebrate the musical's 35th anniversary. The show was staged as a one-night only event at the Wiltern Theatre in Los Angeles, and featured Julian McMahon as Dr. Frank-N-Furter, Matthew Morrison as Brad Majors, Lea Michele as Janet Weiss (during the first act), Nicole Scherzinger as Janet Weiss (during the second act) and The Usherette, Evan Rachel Wood as Magenta, Lucas Grabeel as Riff Raff, Melora Hardin as Columbia, Jorge Garcia as Eddie, George Lopez as Dr. Scott, Mike Breman as Rocky Horror, and Jack Nicholson and Danny DeVito sharing the role of
The Rocky Horror Glee Show fans without being a "homage for homage's sake" like the Spears episode, and Stack felt that "Rocky Horror" was a "perfect fit" for "Glee", due to thematic similarities between the two. While previous "Glee" tributes attracted criticism for their focus on musical numbers to the detriment of plot, Jenna Mullins of "E! Online" and CBS News Jessica Derschowitz appreciated that "The Rocky Horror Glee Show" was more story-driven. Critics generally disliked the focus the episode placed on the adult characters, with many objecting to Will's characterisation. VanDerWerff wrote that his storyline with Emma "misplac[ed] what made either of the characters