Dark movie theaters and creepy basements have long been favorite spots for fans of supernatural horror. However, the new Broadway show Paranormal Activity challenges this notion by proving that a Broadway theater can also provide spine-tingling scares. This production made its debut on Tuesday night at the August Wilson Theatre, where the audience, including myself, experienced plenty of hair-raising moments.
The theater’s ambiance contributes heavily to the experience. The dim lights and intense sound effects work together to immerse the audience in a world of fear. The atmosphere is so enveloping that you might find yourself grasping a neighbor’s arm for comfort. Though Broadway has seen horror shows before, Paranormal Activity distinguishes itself with the direction of Felix Barrett from the British company Punchdrunk. Known for his masterful handling of horror, Barrett uses the intimate, domestic settings characteristic of the Paranormal Activity franchise to terrify audiences effectively.
This production, based on an original script by Levi Holloway, is carefully choreographed. It expertly balances moments of intense fear with quieter scenes that reveal characters’ vulnerabilities. While it may not deliver the constant spectacle of big productions like Harry Potter and the Cursed Child, the focused setting in an English house and the interactions between a young couple, played by Cher Álvarez and Travis A. Knight, create an engaging narrative.
The performance gradually reveals a complex set designed by Fly Davis, with Anna Watson’s lighting enhancing the dramatic unfolding of the scenes. As the story progresses, the arrival of a medium, played by Eva Kaminsky, leads to an escalation of eerie occurrences—a shift in the set and haunting appearances—all of which raise the stakes for the young woman at the center of the plot.
The narrative culminates in a surprising twist that challenges the audience’s understanding but ultimately aligns with the story’s logic. This show remains true to its genre roots and does not resort to self-parody, a fate that many long-running horror franchises suffer. Instead, it presents an analog tale driven by psychological realism, creating a deeply unsettling experience.
I first saw the production at Chicago Shakespeare Theater with the same cast, and though the August Wilson Theatre adds distinctive qualities, it also presents challenges like the bright exit signs that disrupt the intended atmosphere.
Paranormal Activity explores the idea that the past is never truly forgotten, delivering a performance that is both chilling and poignant. It plays at the August Wilson Theatre, located at 245 W. 52nd St., New York. More information is available at paranormalbroadway.com.
Reviewed by Chris Jones, Tribune critic ([email protected]).