Judging by my companion whose gasps and fierce grabbing of my arm continued throughout the production, Paranormal Activity is a success in the grand tradition of ghost stories. Extremely low key, its dark and moody stage set helps create the illusion at the beginning that something unusual is about to happen.
Newlyweds Lou (Cher Alvarez) and James (Patrick Heusinger) have left Chicago for the U.K, and we learn that their exit was prompted by Lou’s apparent mental distress. James appears to support her, but it is clear he isn’t 100% on board until he begins to experience a few unsettling incidents himself. From this point on, the storyline is a bit mysterious itself, but being scared is what it’s all about. In that endeavor, director Felix Barrett and writer and restager Levi Holloway deliver the goods.
Fly Davis’ scenic design presents a two-story house with all rooms open to view. Its main floor living room and kitchen is where the majority of the action takes place, but the staircase leading to a bath and bedroom upstairs also leads to a mysterious door behind which the occupants discover terrifying things.
Lighting designer Anna Watson deserves much credit for an atmosphere that easily convinces Lou and James that they are being haunted. Throughout the house, lights flash, flicker and go dark just when the couple has a respite from fear. They call in a medium, Etheline Colgrave (Kate Fry), and her efforts at a seance fail spectacularly. There is some comic relief here, and it is brief but welcome.
A standout performance by Shannon Cochran as James’ controlling mother adds some genuine horror to the performance, and it would be a shame to reveal its details in this review. Her religious fervor ramps up the action.
Sound designer Gareth Fry compounds the startle factor with creaks, thuds, and powerful music blackouts between scenes. The prelude by Radiohead’s “Just” is a jolt in itself. Fry is joined by video designer Luke Halls who provides, in particular, a random television montage that is set off to fracture the peace of the house and the introduction to James’ omnipresent mother.
Having never seen the Paranormal Activity franchise, which has brought in millions of dollars in games, spin offs, and a cult following, I had no expectations that a stage play could duplicate what can be done in film with special effects. Illusionist Chris Fisher disabused that notion immediately with his award worthy effects. In fact, there are so many spectral moments that their subtlety and creativity allow for some genuine tension and anxiety for the beleaguered couple and the audience.
Skeptics beware! You will find yourselves immersed in the drama from the outset. The actors are believable, the special effects terrific, and the ending just creepy enough to satisfy. It may have a few unexplained holes in the narrative, but who cares! It is a fun and satisfying night at the theater.
Center Theatre Group by special arrangement with Paramount Pictures and Melting Pot. In co-production with Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, Shakespeare Theatre Company, and American Conservatory Theatre. November 13-December 7, 2025. Tickets start at $40 to $100+
