American Psycho

Musical

Writers: Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa Duncan Sheik

Overview

Show Information

Music
Lyrics
Based on the Play/Book/Film
Based on 1991 novel American Psycho by Bret Easton Ellis
Category
Musical
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
2012
Genres
Dark Comedy, Horror
Settings
Contemporary, Fantasy/Imaginary, Multiple Settings
Time & Place
Wall Street, New York City, 1989
Cast Size
large
Orchestra Size
Small
Dancing
Some Dance
Licensor
Ideal for
College/University, Large Cast, Mature Audiences, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre, Star Vehicle Male
Casting Notes

Includes adult, young adult, mature adult characters

Synopsis

It is 1989. Wall Street greed is at its peak, and investment banker Patrick Bateman is determined to achieve the highest echelon of status in his image-driven, yuppie world. Restaurant reservations and swanky business cards are identifiers of success in his crowd, and Patrick meets his nemesis in Paul Owen, a rival banker who seems to have it all. But as Patrick enjoys the luxuries of consumerist greed, he feels increasingly disconnected from his world until his homicidal impulses can no longer be controlled. On his 27th birthday, Patrick commits his first murder--and takes off on a psychotic killing spree, taking out Paul, prostitutes, and anyone who even mildly annoys him. Patrick expresses his murderous desires to his fiancee Evelyn and his best friend Tim, but no one seems to hear, or even see, his torment. Patrick becomes one of the serial killers that have intrigued him for so long, and even yearns for the fame and notoriety that those killers possessed. Based on the novel by Bret Easton Ellis, American Psycho is an intriguing and disturbing take on yuppie disillusionment and greed set to a 1980s rock score.

Lead Characters


American Psycho guide sections