American Psycho: A Musical Thriller reminds us that sometimes the scariest monsters don’t lurk in the shadows, they strut Wall Street in Armani.
See You Sunday’s debut production manages to walk the line between dark satire and visceral horror. Under the direction of Mark Taylor, it will have you in laughter and unnerved in the same minute.
Based on Bret Easton Ellis’s notorious 1991 novel (it is still level one restricted in Australia!), we follow the inner thoughts of chillingly precise and apathetic Wall Street banker Patrick Bateman, played by Conor Beaumont.
Bateman is obsessed with wealth, status and perfectionism. Beneath the polished surface, we witness his descent into madness and violence.
In a killer professional debut, Beaumont commands the stage with charm and menace. He captures the magnetism and repulsiveness of Bateman with his delivery and physicality brilliantly.
Beaumont’s vocals are also exceptional; his voice lends itself well to the ‘80s vibe of the soundtrack by Duncan Sheik, particularly in numbers like Cards and Not a Common Man.
The ensemble around him shines as sharply as the Armani suits they parody. The show relies heavily on satirical caricature, and the cast leans into this with relish.
As Timothy Price, Jake Ameduri has the gift of physical comedy and great timing to land farcical jokes that would otherwise seem tacky.
Sam Ward, as both Paul Owen and Detective Kimball, brings a sly superiority that fuels Bateman’s envy.
As a sweet foil to Patrick’s madness, Jean is played poignantly by the powerhouse vocalist Montana Sharp.
Jordan Malone plays the other leading lady, Evelyn Williams. She takes the role to hysterical over-the-top heights, particularly in If We Get Married as she grows increasingly impatient with her empty ring finger.
Chapel Off Chapel is the perfect intimate setting for this production. The close proximity means you cannot escape Bateman’s gaze or his bloody mess.
The set design by Harry Gill is minimalistic and modernist, just as every ‘80s New York yuppie likes it. The retro media on stage is a genius touch, immersing the audience in the time period and Bateman’s inner mind.
As we enter the venue, there is an eerie showing of a classic ‘80s horror film on a vintage television screen. It moves around the set throughout the production, offering up clips and bone-chilling quotes that set the tone for each scene.
Coupled with electric lighting choices from Sidney Younger, the set feels alive with the tension of Wall Street and Bateman’s unravelling mind.
Costumes by Jessamine Moffett are a highlight; every power suit and puffed sleeve is as theatrical as it is authentic. Moffett scoured op shops and vintage stores to discover red, white, and blue pieces that reflect the American flag and its cultural obsession with consumerism and power.
American Psycho: A Musical Thriller delivers an evening that is chilling, unsettling, and witty. It holds a mirror up to our obsession with image, wealth, and power, daring us to confront what lurks beneath those Burberry raincoats.
American Psycho: A Musical Thriller runs to 21 September at Chapel Off Chapel. 12 Little Chapel Street Prahran Vic 3181.
Tickets: https://chapeloffchapel.com.au/show/american-psycho-the-musical/
Website: https://www.americanpsycho.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/seeyousundayinc/
Photo credits: Matthew Chen
The performance is suitable for ages 16 and up. Please read the content warnings at the ticket booking link.
