"American Psycho - The Musical" - Original Cast Soundtrack Album edges closer....

The cast album of "American Psycho - The Musical" has been in the works for quite a while - in fact, we wrote about it here in March - but it seems as though the end may be in sight. If you follow Duncan Sheik on Twitter (and you really, really should) then you're probably aware that all the cast bar one have been recorded.  That one remaining?  Matt Smith.

Of course, with "Pride and Prejudice and Zombies" and "Terminator: Genisys", Matt's been very busy - however, today we finally got a rather nice piece of news.  The Almeida Theatre tweeted details of their Christmas show and, in response, Duncan Sheik tweeted this:

It can't just have been me who did a little air punch upon reading this?  I loved the show - I wish I'd managed to see it more than once - and the thought of hearing Matt singing "This is Not an Exit" again in crystal clarity gives me a lovely warm glow of happiness.

My headphones are ready, Mr Sheik.  Bring it on home.

Duncan Sheik Interview - "American Psycho" West End Transfer "In The Fall"

Duncan Sheik spoke to the KFOG Morning Show and seemed to confirm a West End transfer for "American Psycho".  He said "it looks like we're doing a West End transfer in the Fall - and, if that goes well, we'll bring it to America."  He also says that Matt is a "sweetheart" and did an "amazing job".  Obviously, no word on whether it'll be the same cast so that's a "wait and see" but Duncan DID say that he's "really excited to get back there and work with Matt again".  

You can listen to the full interview here:

Soundcloud - Duncan Sheik - KFOG

"American Psycho - The Musical" - Some New Images

A few more images have emerged from "American Psycho - The Musical" - plus a larger version of a very popular image.  They're below (you can also find them in the Coppermine Gallery) - right click and open in new tab/window for larger versions:

Review - "American Psycho - The Musical"

It's an intriguing concept - a musical version of something as controversial as "American Psycho" certainly raises eyebrows - but it's a concept that works ... and works superbly.  In fact, it works so well that I believe it lends clarity to the book - which is a remarkably ambiguous novel.  You sort of had two options in the book - either Patrick really killed those people or it was all in his head.  The musical isn't as ambiguous - and I very much appreciated that.

On first entering the theatre, what immediately struck us was that the Almeida Theatre is small - it seats just over 300 - and, as such, you really feel that you are a part of this experience, that Patrick is talking to YOU.  Patrick will make eye contact with and speak to the audience - asking one person if they liked his painting, for example.   The musical is more immersive because of this first person narrative - you're not an uninvolved watcher, you are instead WITH Patrick as he shows you what "being Patrick Bateman" means to him.  It's not just Patrick who involves the audience - Paul Owen's first appearance is walking down one of the theatre aisles and shaking hands with various audience members.

The set is gorgeous - so wonderfully 80's and the stage itself has rather neat "turntables" either side so new sets can be moved into place quickly.  It also allows people and objects to casually cruise around on them - brilliant during nightclub scenes etc.  Is it just the Almeida that has this?  I don't know if this is a normal thing with West End theatres (hey, I'm from Penzance...we don't get out much).  With a gorgeous set, stylish clothes and a flawless looking cast, the rest of the production had to be up to snuff - and it was.  The music (by Grammy and Tony Award winner, Duncan Sheik) was perfect - not a duff note anywhere.  It was a mix of 80's songs such as, obviously, "Hip to be Square", "True Faith" and "Everybody Wants to Rule the World" with new compositions such as "Not a Common Man", "Clean" and, my personal favourite, "This Is Not An Exit".

I expected "American Psycho - The Musical" to be a bit odd, possibly gory and violent.  The killings were done very well - with blood red projections on the scenery - and they had an unreal quality about them which was a good link to the fact that it was all happening in Patrick's head.  The only time you saw blood was following Paul Owen's murder - when Patrick appeared wearing the blood splattered rain coat and holding an axe.

What I didn't expect was that this production would be witty, extremely stylish and very thought-provoking.  I didn't think I would laugh during this - but there are some very witty lines and moments such as the now infamous business card scene, Patrick determining to kill Luis and then practically running away when Luis declares he's in love with him, etc.  It was also thought-provoking in that their obsessions with appearances and material gain still hold firm today - it's still identifiable.  It isn't "out of time" - it's most definitely up-to-date - worryingly so.

It's all very well having a good production - but you need a good cast to carry it off.  They struck gold here.  The cast are just superb.  I would single out two of the ladies for special kudos.  First,  Susannah Fielding who plays Patrick's girlfriend, Evelyn Williams.  Her character was vacuous and shallow - and Ms Fielding pulled it off with great aplomb.  Secondly, Cassandra Compton who played Patrick's secretary, Jean.  We all knew that Jean was in love with Patrick, which garnered a lot of sympathy from the audience and, in the wrong hands, Jean could have been insignificant or cloying.  She wasn't.  She was Patrick's redemption - and Ms Compton blew us away with her voice - she absolutely has the voice of an angel.

The casting of Patrick Bateman was all-important.  The main character who is on stage for 99% of the production.  Casting Matt Smith in the role of a psychopathic serial killer (who has to sing) raised some eyebrows.  It was probably a gamble on both sides but one that has paid off in spades.  Having read the book, I never really clicked with the Christian Bale version of Bateman...I thought he was too manic.  In Matt Smith, we have a Patrick Bateman you can believe.    He's creepy and intense, shallow and obsessed and, although he's not exactly what you would call a sympathetic character, you find yourself caring about him and feeling sorry for him especially when everything starts to unravel.  Matt's singing is remarkably good - he holds his own very well - and, in particular, his rendition of "This is Not an Exit" is utterly gorgeous.  Before this I never would have thought that Matt Smith could really sing and dance.  Trust me, he can - in fact, he's quite a fluid dancer.  I have to mention the body (it seems to be quite the talking point on social media).  Bateman is "ripped and toned" - and the moment Matt rises on stage wearing nothing but an eye mask and white underpants, the fact that there were some whimpers and gasps from people around us really says it all.

Matt Smith obviously put an awful lot of work into this - and I don't just mean the body, although 9 weeks of intensive training apparently went in to that particular transformation.  He's not a professional singer or dancer so presumably was heavily coached and trained for those aspects of the role.  On top of all that he still had an awful lot of lines to learn and a character to absorb.  Honestly, my admiration for him knows no bounds - and you have to wonder if there's anything he CAN'T do.  He took my breath away - what an absolutely incredible actor he is.  

I really, really want to see this show again.  It was delicious and sublime.  So many scenes are burned onto my mind - that body, the nightclub killings, the sex scenes (yes, he has a threesome with Luis' girlfriend, Courtney and a giant pink teddy bear but him having sex with a dead body in a nightclub was worryingly hot) and, of course, the gorgeous songs. Unfortunately, there's not much chance to see it again unless it transfers to the West End or something.  It finishes at the Almeida on 1 February and you can queue for day or return tickets: more information here.  In the meantime, keep your fingers crossed for a Cast Soundtrack release or even a DVD recording.  

Rating:  11 out of 10 - more than perfect.  

  

New - Almeida Theatre - American Psycho ipad App

The Almeida Theatre now have an ipad app called "Almeida Theatre Publications".  The initial app is free and once you've downloaded and opened it, you're given the opportunity to purchase - for £1.49 - the American Psycho "publication".

This consists of what appears to be the theatre programme itself (I obviously haven't seen the programme) with the tracklist - plus two playable tracks:  "You Are What You Wear" (no Matt singing but you do get to hear him talk) and "Mistletoe Alert (again, no Matt).  It also has an essay about Patrick Bateman by Mary Harron, a "catch up" with Bret Easton Ellis and a lovely interactive map of New York which enables you to click on various places for more info such as "The Four Seasons" which comes up with "Well, I do have an early lunch with Cliff Huxtable at the Four Seasons" etc.

Other features of the app include an article by music journalist Paul Morley about Patrick Bateman and the music of the 80's, the Mr Porter photos, some rehearsal photos and a really terrific article about the "Making of a New Musical" which features quotes from the writer, some early set design concepts, a page of the musical score and a page of the script with handwritten notes on it.  There's a video interview with some of the cast (no Matt), a Spotify mixtape of 80's tunes selected by the cast and brief biographies of cast and crew.

Worth the £1.49?  Oh, you bet it is.

This ipad app is currently only available in the UK and you can download it and get more information here:

Almeida Theatre Publications - ipad app

Alternatively, of course, you can simply search in the ipad app store for "Almeida Theatre Publications".

"American Psycho" - Matt Smith - Larger, HQ Production Stills

Courtesy of matt-smith.org, below are some larger, hq production stills from "American Psycho" - as usual, right click and open in new tab/window for larger versions:

"American Psycho" - Large, HQ Press Night and After Party Photos

Courtesy of matt-smith.org, below are some large hq photos from the "American Psycho" Press Night and after party.  As usual, right click and open in new tab/window for large versions:

"American Psycho" - First Night Photos

Courtesy of mattsmithfan.org, below are a few first night photos from "American Psycho - The Musical".  As usual, right click and open in new tab/window for larger versions:

"American Psycho" - What the Reviews Say....

Well, last night it was the infamous "Press Night" for "American Psycho - The Musical" so what did the critics have to say?

First off, a couple of blogger reviews from earlier previews:

Gareth James called the staging "masterly" and had this to say about a certain Mr Smith:

Matt Smith doesn’t have a great voice, but it’s good enough for a psychopath! His acting is great though; manic enough but restrained enough too. 

West End Whingers gave it 5/5 and were rather impressed by certain aspects:

And who knew Smith was so ripped? When and how did he get into this kind of shape? We first see him rising through the stage floor in tighty whities and, for the more prurient who appreciate such things, there are other moments when he appears similarly déshabillé.

Mark Shenton - theatre critic for "The Stage" and "Sunday Express" took to twitter to give his first impression:

Staged with arresting, cool style by Rupert Goold, AMERICAN PSYCHO has the arrestingly cool, surprisingly buff Matt Smith in title role. That's guaranteed a complete sell-out for AMERICAN PSYCHO; but this is more than just a hot ticket but a red hot, alluring & alarming show.

Jonathan Baz was another who gave it 5/5 and was, again, full of praise for Matt:

Smith represents perhaps the most inspired casting of recent years. Where the eponymous Doctor is at best semi-detached from society, Bateman’s mind is truly a world apart from his surroundings and when it comes to detachment, nobody does it better than Smith. His antic disposition early on sets him apart from his banker buddies and as his reason ebbs away, Smith perfectly captures Bateman's mental decline, never once losing focus nor resorting to cliche. His signature number Clean is a clinically chilling performance from an actor not usually associated with melody.

The Independent gave it 4/5, called it "diabolically slick" and noted about Matt:

His compelling Patrick is more opaque and much less manic than Christian Bale in Mary Harron's excellent movie. He wears his beauty as a mask; the lack of colour in his singing voice becomes part of Bateman's blankness.

The Mirror absolutely loved the performance - "a stylish feast" - and praised the choreography, the cast and the production.  As for Matt:

A ripped “hard body” in the distorted world of high finance, drugs, easy sex and narcissism Smith's character is as ugly on the inside as he is buffed and toned handsome on the outside.

Smith hasn't the traditional musical theatre voice but that adds to his telling of a man striving for meaning to his life above and beyond superficial pleasures during a performance which he's barely off stage for a moment. 

As the vain mass murderer of Manhattan - a role light years from Doctor Who – Smith kills it.

Another 4/5 from The Guardian who praise Matt's "beautifully defined performance as the deluded hero":

Inevitably the stand-out performer is the excellent Matt Smith who, with his square jaw and clean-cut aspect, perfectly embodies Bateman's preoccupation with appearances. 

But he also has the capacity to suggest there is a strange emotional vacancy and spiritual hollowness within this solitary fantasist. Without enlisting our sympathy, he makes Bateman wholly believable.

The London Evening Standard continued the 4/5 trend, remarking on the possibility of a West End transfer and, of course, singling out Matt's performance:

A musical version of Bret Easton Ellis’s gruesome cult novel American Psycho sounds like the punchline of a sick joke. But this skilful interpretation is built around a superb performance by Matt Smith, who serves up an intriguing blend of nihilism, cold vanity and twisted charm.

Well done to Matt and the rest of the cast and crew of "American Psycho" - personally, I can't wait to see it in January.

"American Psycho" - Standing Ovation for Matt Smith

The Press Association have issued a press release regarding the "Press Night" performance of "American Psycho" at the Almeida Theatre, London.  It includes comments from Matt plus Billie Piper and Lenny Henry:

Doctor Who star Matt Smith was given a standing ovation for his portrayal of a serial killer on the first night of a new musical stage adaptation of American Psycho.

Smith, 30, wowed the audience, which included stars of stage and screen, with his all-singing, all-dancing performance at London's Almeida Theatre.

The controversial Bret Easton Ellis novel, published in 1991, was made into a film starring Christian Bale as psychopathic investment banker Patrick Bateman in 2000.

This is the first time the tale of the 1980s spree-killer has been told on the stage.

Smith, who will bow out of his BBC1 role as the Doctor in the Christmas special to be replaced with Peter Capaldi, said the stage production directed by the Almeida's artistic director Rupert Goold was "exciting".

"It's been a wonderful role to get to play," he said at the after party of the show's press night. "It's really exciting to work with Rupert, and a good start to life at the Almeida.

"I was pleased with the reaction - they were up on their feet, which is something.

"I'm so proud of the cast and all the work everyone's done."

He had previously appeared on stage in The History Boys at the National Theatre. Its new artistic director Rufus Norris was among those in the audience.

While some scenes of brutal murder, sex and the use of drugs are unsuitable for younger fans of Smith, those at the Almeida tonight were full of praise.

Fellow Doctor Who actor Billie Piper said: "I loved it, I absolutely loved it. It's a great night out.

"I feel enormously thrilled and proud of everyone I know who's part of it.

"I love that it's been made into a musical. It's inspired. It feels like it should have been a musical all along, as it gives such character and personality."

The music is very strongly rooted in the 1980s, featuring songs by Genesis and Huey Lewis and the News, many of them sung by Smith in his surprisingly soulful voice.

Piper added: "You can't beat the 80s. This feels like the beginning of something really long-running. It has a real punch."

Comedian and actor Lenny Henry said: "Matt Smith held the stage incredibly well. And how fantastic to have something like this at the Almeida.

"It has the same energy as something like the Jerry Springer musical - it shouldn't be a musical, but it works."

Sophie McShera, who plays Daisy in Downton Abbey, said: "I thought it was absolutely brilliant. I really enjoyed it. I loved all the singing and thought all the performances were so cool."

Bianca Jagger and Janet Street-Porter were also in the audience.

The musical thriller runs until February 1 and could transfer to the West End and Broadway.

The Almeida Theatre and Headlong are the co-producers of American Psycho, in association with Act 4 Entertainment.

Smith's co-stars in the musical include Ben Aldridge, Charlie Anson, Jonathan Bailey, Katie Brayben, Cassandra Compton, Holly Dale Spencer, Susannah Fielding, Simon Gregor, Holly James, Lucie Jones, Tom Kay, Gillian Kirkpatrick, Eugene McCoy and Hugh Skinner.

New Images - Matt Smith - "American Psycho"

With tonight being "Press Night" at the Almeida Theatre (and break a leg, guys - hope it goes well) then expect more images to be released.  Another batch have emerged via What's On Stage - they're not large photos but right click and open in new tab/window for bigger versions.  Please note, all images from "American Psycho" are now also accessible via the "Stage" tab above.