REVIEW: Things more than go bump in the night in gripping ‘Paranormal Activity’
Full Disclosure: I saw Paranormal Activity Live on Stage alone.
Not necessarily a fan of horror with few exceptions, my interests lean more towards thought-provoking science fiction or a psychological thriller. I was hesitant as I arrived at Emerson Colonial Theatre facing a black curtain, but left riveted by the production’s depth, intensity, and a truly remarkable cast.
Paranormal Activity can be chilling, but is also rooted squarely in the human condition with a great deal of darkly relatable humor and lots of twists and turns. It lured me in and never let go.
Superbly directed by Felix Barrett, Levi Halloway’s Paranormal Activity Live on Stage continues its pre-Broadway run through Thursday, July 30 at Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts. For the squeamish, this intense and immersive production is not gory. It does contain explicit language, some dark themes and runs two hours and 20 minutes with one intermission. Click here for more information and for tickets.
Metal, alternative and hard rock 90s music from musicians such as Soundgarden revs up the audience before the production begins. Paranormal Activity Live on Stage is considered a new story from the original film which inspired six sequels. A seventh film sequel has an anticipated 2027 release date. The original film latched onto the clunky, grainy and less polished amateur film style of The Blair Witch Project which enjoyed great success at the time.
However, the stage production greatly improves on the film predecessor in multiple ways. The film has a grainy home video quality, but this production is all encompassing and in vibrant color. Having witnessed the original film, the Paranormal Activity play is more effective, allowing the audience to experience multiple scenarios at once led with sterling timing by lighting designer Anna Watson. Scenic and costume designer Fly Davis crafts an elaborate and functional dual level house which includes five detailed and sophisticated rooms featuring a modern kitchen, hanging plants and a smart flat screen television. Illusion designer Chris Fisher, the illusionist behind Harry Potter and the Cursed Child on Broadway, creates plenty of riveting moments that will have you fully invested in what will happen next.
Contributing to the production’s unfettered tension, Gareth Fry’s mesmerizing sound design ranges from a steely and hollow hum to sudden rings to what can be likened to a deafening and reverberating wind tunnel.
This engaging cast is so in sync and polished that they will make you almost forget you are watching a horror stage play. Cher Álvarez as Lou Singer and Travis A. Knight as James Singer are incredibly charming as a newly married couple who have just moved into a house in London. Playful with a dynamic sense of humor, Álvarez and Knight demonstrate a heartwarming and genuine connection as they embrace and warmly support each other.
Shannon Cochran is impressive as James’s religious and pushy southern mother who only wants what is best for her son and Eva Kaminsky is captivating as an eerie and insightful famous podcaster Etheline Cotgrave. Kaminsky was understudying for Andrea Syglowski that night.
Paranormal Activity boasts many darkly funny moments while also delving into serious issues such as depression, trauma, secrets, marital challenges, spiritual warfare and much more with a wealth of unpredictable twists and turns. At one point, this fully invested audience (including me) was at the edge of our seats rooting on the characters and united in the action. Although I came alone to the production, I did not feel alone with this intense and excited crowd.
Isn’t that what live theatre is all about?
Levi Halloway’s Paranormal Activity Live on Stage continues its pre-Broadway run live and in person at Emerson Colonial Theatre in Boston, Massachusetts through Thursday, July 30. Click here for more information and for tickets.
