PARANORMAL ACTIVITY Is A Terrifying Delight — Review

Here’s one thing you might not expect but I’m gonna say it at the top: Paranormal Activity is funny! Yes of course you will get your full share of screams, but playwright Levi Holloway has delivered a story that is equal parts humorous and eerie, and a ton of fun. 

Following a tour hitting major cities across the US, and currently running in London, Paranormal Activity officially opened on Broadway earlier tonight at the August Wilson Theatre and it's an impressive feat. I remember watching the original film—I was way too young—and being obsessed with the found footage franchise that relies on minimalism, and that’s where the stage show works. Its atmospheric set by Fly Davis when paired with Anna Watson’s lighting and Luke Halls’ video + projection design work incredibly well, without going overboard. 

Holloway returns to Broadway, following Grey House a few seasons back, in top form. The story is simple, Lou and James move to London for work, and I can’t really say much more… let’s just say things start to go awry. Holloway blends this modern day ghost story with themes of religion, mental health, and family in ways one might not expect. And while I think it could be tightened up a bit, it’s a smart, sharp script that allows the scares to breathe. His ability to build a strong sense of dread is admirable. 

I love being scared, and Paranormal Activity is by far the best entry for horror theatre we have seen on Broadway, perhaps ever? Illusions Designer Chris Fisher worked with Holloway and director Felix Barrett from the jump creating the story with them, and his work here is as impressive as ever, and the glee the audience gets at certain moments are of course the standout crowdpleasers. 

Barrett has assembled a top-notch ensemble who bring life to these roles that make it such a treat for the audience. This play demands a lot from its actors but Cher Álvarez and Travis A. Knight knock it out of the park. Eva Kaminsky and Shannon Cochran, I should mention, are also terrifying. 

Davis’ two story modular house design while attractive to look at, I don't think was designed for the space at all. Sitting Orchestra D in the center the other night, I had trouble seeing some moments upstairs, and if you sit on the far sides, you will surely miss others. While those seats are surely marked partial view, keep this in mind when purchasing your seats.

This is not your typical Broadway show, and I don’t expect it to find the typical Broadway audience, and how exciting. While on tour across the country, this production at numerous stops brought in the most amount of first time ticket buyers than ever before, and we need that more than ever right now. As a horror fanatic, yes I wanted them to go even further with the scares, but Barrett and Holloway have smartly devised a piece that works well for everyone and gets you thoroughly spooked. As fall and spooky season quickly approach, go get your heart rate pumping at Paranormal Activity, you surely won’t regret it. 

Paranormal Activity is now in performance at the August Wilson Theatre on West 52nd Street in New York City. For tickets and more information, visit here.