'American Psycho' Will Become Broadway Musical

By Zach Dionne Posted Dec 6th 2010 01:40PM

If the problematic 'Spider-Man' musical ever sorts itself out, the next Hollywood-to-Broadway production is ready for headlines: 'American Psycho,' the gruesome glimpse into a disturbed mind, first a novel by LA writer Bret Easton Ellis and later adapted into a Christian Bale Hollywood film, will hit the Great White Way.

"There are murders, and they are on stage in full view of the audience," playwright Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa told Page Six. "An ax and a chef's knife will be used. I think there's going to be a lot of blood."

Bale's unforgettable depiction of deranged Wall Street banker Patrick Bateman spirals into a series of cringe-worthy killings in the 2000 film. "Obviously, it's not for the people who want to see 'Elf,'" Aguirre-Sacasa said, referring to the Will Ferrell film's new Broadway adaptation.

The Broadway production, under work since 2008, will be titled 'America Psycho: The Musical.'

"Think about Malcolm McDowell singing songs during 'A Clockwork Orange.' He sang 'Singing in the Rain,' " said Duncan Sheik, the show's composer. He won a Grammy and two Tony Awards for songs in the Broadway musical 'Spring Awakening.'

Aguirre-Sacasa noted he hopes to include scenes like Bateman's raincoat-wearing ax murder and a wildly obsessive business card comparing luncheon. For the uninitiated, see the (unembeddable) scene at YouTube.

Great or Ghastly Fit for Broadway? Tell Us on Facebook

Tags: American Psycho, Broadway

Comments

(9)

Monday 06 December

By themeeker

Vote down Vote up Report this

Worst book ever "written". Ellis is a fraud.

By katie

well i really dont know wat all this is all about

By DrNels

If a chef's knife and an ax are the biggest weapons, then this will be toned down from the book and movie. No nail gun?

By carole del monte

I tried, but couldn't get through the book. I watched the movie because I like Christian Bale, but both are too disturbing for me to deal with. On stage? I can't imagine anything darker. That's "entertainment"?

By JBaer

Wow, what a shock. First everyone goes nuts over "Dexter," and now this. What's next, "Charles Manson: The Opera"?

By mem

Highest Rank Vote down Vote up Report this

I read the book years ago and found in morbidly enthralling as it represented the decadence of that generation. Granted it wasn't for everyone, but what is:)

I think that the decadence is too Reagan era. It will be offputting to audiences in these times. The show will tank.

Tuesday 07 December

By Theprof

This may be the worst idea ever for a musical. I thought Spiderman: the Musical was the worst ever (and the show appears to be cursed) but this idea makes Spiderman and all it's difficulties look divinely inspired.

Thursday 09 December

By Constantine

The book and the violence is representative of a greater underlying malady, bent on the preservation of the egoic self. The decadence is applicable to today and people with half a brain will appreciate the undertones of self centered obsession and inadequacy. If all you see is the violence you need to take measures towards not taking up anymore oxygen on this planet, twit.

I am very excited to see this on Broadway.

Page 1 of 1