Featuring hit 1980s songs from Phil Collins, Huey Lewis and the News, The Human League and Tears for Fears, as well as original music and lyrics by Duncan Sheik, See You Sunday’s debut production of American Psycho is a bloody fun triumph!
Playing at Chapel Off Chapel in Prahran until September 21, the musical thriller is based on the controversial 1991 novel American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis, which inspired the 2000 cult film starring Christian Bale. The musical premiered in London in 2013 and opened on Broadway three years later.
Set in Manhattan during the Wall Street boom of the late 1980s, American Psycho tells the story of Patrick Bateman, a young and wealthy investment banker, whose mind begins to unravel with murderous results.
American Psycho blurs the line between reality and Bateman’s warped perception of the world. At its core, it’s a satire on capitalism, consumerism, power and excess in the 1980s, and it takes a talented cast, crew and production team to pull something like this off. It’s a tough ask that has seen other productions fail but See You Sunday has assembled a bold, fearless and incredibly hard-working team.
Musically, it excels. A particular highlight is the haunting a cappella rendition of Collin’s In The Air Tonight, while Lewis’ catchy Hip To Be Square plays out three times, much to my delight.
There are many fun surprises, especially one at the beginning of act II and a cameo from Hollywood actor Tom Cruise, who features in the novel and who, according to IMDB trivia, Bale based his performance of Bateman on in the film.
In his professional debut, Conor Beaumont gives a masterful performance as Bateman. He oozes confidence and sophistication in this commanding and complex role. Beaumont not only has to perform (often, at times, in only his tighty-whitey underwear) but also provides first person narration as we see the world unfold through Bateman’s twisted lens, as confirmed by Mark Taylor, Director and Co-Producer.
Aaron Robuck is another standout as Luis Carruthers. I was impressed with Robuck as the lead in Soundworks Productions’ Parade, and this production sees him reunite with the talented Montana Sharp (who played his wife in the 2023 production) as Jean, Bateman’s kind-hearted and love-struck secretary. Robuck additionally acts as Co-Producer and Musical Director and Sharp as Assistant Music Director.
Every actor understands the far-fetched absurdity of the material and milks it for all its worth in the best possible way – from Bateman’s toxic masculine boy’s club (Jake Ameduri as Timothy Price, Robuck, Dan Ham as Craig McDermott and Lauchlan Mant as David Van Patten) to Jordan Malone’s overbearing and demanding portrayal as Bateman’s girlfriend, Evelyn Williams.
Completing the invaluable cast is Sam Ward, Ellie Nunan, Elaina Bianchi and Carla Venezia. Matthew Hearne is listed as standby in the programme, and is scheduled to take on the Bateman role on Tuesday, September 16.
Harry Gill has put expert thought into the set design, with its stark colours, sleek lines, glossy surfaces and open spaces of modernist 1980s architecture. It contrasts with Sidney Younger’s electric and dramatic lighting choices, especially the rich neon colours on the pillars and beams.
I hate to say that murder is done well here, but there’s just no way to sugar coat it (I mean, the song’s titled Killing Spree, frankly, you get what you pay for). Sophie Loughran’s choreography along with blood effects are incredibly effective as Bateman’s homicidal tendencies spiral out of control.
A clever touch is Chris Anderson’s use of a retro television on a rolling cart, which features relevant quotes and location images throughout, as well as trailers from classic horror movies such as Possession (1981), Evil Dead (1981), Re-Animator (1985), Child’s Play (1988), The Fly (1986) and more before and after the show and during the interval. It’s an obvious nod to Bateman’s love of video, both renting and making them, and his overused quote to get out of tricky situations and conversations: “I have to return some video tapes.”
Costume designer Jessamine Moffett also keeps the cast on its toes by the sheer number of costume changes – impressive for an independent musical of this size. Period appropriate with shoulder pads, leotards, legwarmers, puff sleeves and power suits, Moffett spent months scouring op shops and vintage stores for pieces limited to red, white and blue, reflecting the American flag and its cultural obsession with image, consumerism and power.
All these tiny (yet often overlooked) details make this musical feel rich. The production is slick, stylish, savage and shocking, and is well worth a look!
4.5/5 STARS
More information and tickets available at americanpsycho.com.au
The musical features simulated sex acts, coarse language, drug and alcohol use and graphic violence so is not recommended for persons under 16 years.
TINSEL and TAP SHOES 