Places Aren’t Haunted, People Are

Paranormal Activity

A smart, attractive young married couple recently moved from Chicago to London. James had been so successful at his job that the company relocated him to their Great Britain office, and even provided the couple with a stylish two-floor flat. And, thanks to the internet, his wife Lou is able to continue with her own blossoming career via online videoconferencing on Skype. Even Jim’s religious, overly-possessive mother keeps in touch with her son by phone and on Zoom, as well. As with almost everyone, the young couple are also hoping to escape some dark moments from their past and begin a new chapter together. Life seems to be going so well that Jim and Lou are even talking about converting one of the upstairs rooms into a nursery. So what could go wrong?

Gradually a number of unexpected, uncanny things begin to happen. Strange noises, lights suddenly appearing, knocking on the walls and at the doors, sudden power outages, passages mysteriously opening and closing…and then the real terror begins. 

Many theatergoers will be familiar with the highly successful and very popular supernatural horror film franchise, sparked by Oren Peli’s original movie, “Paranormal Activity.” Peli not only directed the film, he wrote, photographed, edited and produced the movie himself. The story tells of a young couple who are haunted by a supernatural presence inside their home. They set up a camera to document the unbelievable things happening to them. Sparked by the gimmick used in an earlier horror movie called “The Blair Witch Project,” the finished movie is supposedly a compilation of some recently discovered film footage. 

This live, two-hour, two-act play is a like a nightmare coming to life. It’s a collaboration between two gifted theatrical geniuses. A few years ago, Levi Holloway, celebrated company member and talented playwright at A Red Orchid Theatre, wrote a terrifying ghost play. His GREY HOUSE had a successful Chicago run. Then the play transferred to Broadway, where it starred Laurie Metcalf. Mr. Holloway eventually met with another creative theatrical artist in London named Felix Barrett. The pioneering founder of Punchdrunk, is known for his imaginative Immersive Theatrical productions, like New York’s long-running retelling of Shakespeare’s MACBETH entitled  SLEEP NO MORE. 

Now playing at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, for a limited time only, this production is an unforgettable experience that’s especially perfect for the Halloween season. PARANORMAL ACTIVITY is a tale of terror that’s guaranteed to make audiences gasp, scream, jump out of their seats and even grab the person sitting next to them. Because the story is happening live and in real time, right before the theatergoer’s eyes, it’s as if the audience is another character in the ghost story. Directed by Felix Barrett, the production is beautifully crafted and a superbly-paced tale of terror. 

The play features mind-boggling Illusions Designed by Tony Award-winner Chris Fisher; imaginative and eerie Lighting by Anna Watson; a very scary Sound Design by Gareth Fry; mesmerizing Video & Projections Designed by Luke Halls; and, almost like another character in the story, a haunted house setting, Scenically Designed by Fly Davis. The play’s mysterious premise begins right from the start. It continues to build in a series of frightening events that lead up to the jaw-dropping, shocking climax.

The brilliantly talented cast is led by Cher Alvarez (THE WINTER’S TALE, Goodman; “Grey’s Anatomy”) as Lou, and Patrick Heusinger (“Gossip Girl,” SPAMALOT, National Tour), as James. His mother, Carolanne, is played by Shannon Cochran (HARRY POTTER AND THE CURSED CHILD, Broadway; the horror film, “The Ring”), and famed London psychic, Mrs. Cosgrave, is portrayed by Chicago favorite, Kate Fry (THE CHERRY ORCHARD, Goodman; BIRTHDAY CANDLES, Northlight). Sophie Kaegi (AN INSPECTOR CALLS, Chicago Shakespeare; ELF THE MUSCAL, Paramount) is credited as Ensemble, with Caron Bunis, Caroline Hendricks, Hannah Goodman and Michael Holding as the show’s Understudies.

This North American premiere was produced by Chicago Shakespeare. See it now before it hits Los Angeles, San Francisco, and Washington DC later this season. My advice is twofold: purchase your tickets now, before the entire run is sold out; and I’d recommend selecting seats at least ten rows from stage, so you can see everything clearly (the upper floor of the stage setting is obstructed for patrons sitting in the front rows). This unbelievably frightening play and Chicago’s most terrifying production will absolutely convince theatergoers of one thing: places aren’t haunted, people are! 

Highly Recommended

Reviewed by Colin Douglas

Presented October 8-November 2 by Chicago Shakespeare Theatre in their Yard Theatre, 800 E. Grand Avenue on Navy Pier, Chicago.

Tickets are available in person at the CST box office, by calling 312-595-5600 or by going to www.chicagoshakes.com/paranormalactivity.

Additional information about this and other area productions can be found by visiting www.theatreinchicago.com