Theatre News Wire

Dive into the lavishness of the '80s and experience the "pure, decadent pleasure" with Kokandy Productions as they wrap up their 2023 season, presenting the Chicago debut of American Psycho: The Musical. Under the direction of Producing Artistic Director Derek Van Barham, and accompanied by Heidi Joosten's musical expertise and Breon Arzell's choreography, the show runs from September 14 to November 26, 2023. Perfectly timed for Halloween festivities, The Chopin Theatre at 1543 W. Division St., Chicago, will be dressed to kill for a carnal carnival of song and dance.

American Psycho: The Musical presented by Kokandy Productions at Chopin Theatre

"American Psycho" is a bold and uncompromising musical by Duncan Sheik and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa. Drawing inspiration from Bret Easton Ellis's riveting novel, this musical dives into the life of Patrick Bateman, a suave Wall Street banker defined by his refined tastes and insatiable cravings. By day, Patrick and his upscale circle of friends revel in high-end eateries, posh clubs, and luxury brands. Yet, as night falls, Patrick's more sinister inclinations emerge, revealing a facade of normalcy that's beginning to fracture...

Comments Director Derek Van Barham, "American Psycho is slick and sexy. It's also highly disturbing and sickeningly upbeat, so... let's get into it! Set against a backdrop of cinematic '80s excess, the show fills our ears with a throbbing EDM-fueled sound unlike any musical I've heard before. It's horror, it's satire, it goes for the guts and gets into your head. And it's all tinged with that David Lynchian unease of 'What is actually happening?' Extending that question of uncertainty into the live experience, we're playing with what we show vs. what we don't show, what you see vs. what you think you saw. A lot is going to be left up to the audience, and I can't wait to have those conversations."

The cast will be led by Kyle Patrick as Patrick Bateman, the stylish and sadistic center of American Psycho. The circles around him include Jonathan Allsop (Craig McDermott), Ryan Armstrong (Detective Kimball), Hailey Brisard (Vanden), Amber Dow (Mrs. Bateman), John Drea (Paul Owen), Sonia Goldberg (Jean), Emily Holland (Sabrina), Quinn Kelch (Luis Carruthers), Will Lidke (Tim Price), Caleigh Pan-Kita (Evelyn Williams), Kevin Parra (Sean Bateman), Anna Seibert (Victoria), Quinn Simmons (Christine), Danielle Smith (Courtney Lawrence) and Evan B. Smith (David Van Patten), portraying the world of executives, fashionistas, waiters, bartenders, club kids, trainers and neighbors that frequent the tables at Dorsia, the dance floor at Tunnel and the late-night streets of NYC. Swings and understudies include Ben Harmon, Beck Hokanson, David Moreland, Maddie Mossner and Madison Sheward.