The critics weigh-in on Broadway's latest show.
The theatrical incarnation of Bret Easton Ellis' 1991 novel 'American Psycho' has finally arrived on Broadway after a critically acclaimed stint in London. And while critics in the West End loved it, New York reviewers have mixed feelings about this supposed horror musical.
Benjamin Walker stars in 'American Psycho'
Starring Benjamin Walker as the sadistic titular character Patrick Bateman, the musical has been directed by Rupert Goold and opened at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre On Broadway yesterday (April 21st 2016). But, in many theatre-goers minds, it just hasn't lived up to the expectation set by such predecessors as Stephen Sondheim's 'Sweeney Todd'.
'This psycho is neither scary nor sexy, nor is the show in which he appears', said the New York Times, who remained unimpressed by the near nudity, catchy dance numbers and brutal violence. The Wall Street Journal similarly said that it was a 'one-joke show that drowns its message in red sauce and fake emotion'. Washington Post were even more blunt with their lack of enjoyment: 'A theatergoer might conclude that the darkest, most diabolical desire of Patrick Bateman, the musical's clean-cut lethal weapon, is to bore his victims to death', they concluded.
More: 'American Psycho' goes to Broadway
Still, even those who loved it had their criticisms. New York Daily News praised the 'wicked wit, catchy ear candy and sexy cast', but admitted that the novelty wore off after a while. 'Euphoria sinks once corpses pile up', they claimed. But for all its negatives, the LA Times maintain that when it works 'it does so with tremendous flair'.
And there were those that left the Schoenfeld Theatre thoroughly blown away. 'American Psycho' was 'darkly wonderful' with a leading man who 'manages to make his Bateman charming, evil and funny' according to Associated Press - a sentiment that USA Today agreed with, adding that 'Benjamin Walker's witty, terrifying Patrick - disturbingly sexy, then unexpectedly moving - holds us rapt throughout'.
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