Exorcistic at The Box NYC is billed as “a parody within a parody.” That makes sense, as the cast appears to be getting together for a dramatic script reading. This pretense leads the cast and audience on a wild ride through demonic possession, jocularity, catty clerics, and bawdy badinage.
Hubris-Free Take-Off
Exorcistic is a rock ‘n roll, hubris-free, hilarious take-off of the 1972 film The Exorcist. The music is thumping, toe-tapping, and diverse. Solos and harmonies fit magically within the storyline. The lighting and sound are perfectly managed, and the costumes and sets blend well with the staging trappings. The actors frolic about the theater, from the balcony, and about the audience as they create a truly multi-dimensional, intimate experience. The premise of the production and script is clever and effective, and the cast barely escapes demonic possession.
Comfy seating at The Box NYC for a performance of Exorcistic. Photo by Edward Kliszus
The Box is a perfect place to explore what many consider the ultimate off-Broadway theater experience. In addition to edgy stage fare, a tasty menu, and drinks, seating is intimate with hidden cubbies, over-stuffed sofas, and a balcony. The service staff were attentive and welcoming.
Cinema 1
This stage version played off of references to the original film and book. Some may recall the excitement when The Exorcist film opened at Cinema 1 in New York City in December 1973. People lined up around the block, waited hours to enter the theater, and a few offered $100 bribes to security staff to move them up in the line. It was reported that moviegoers vomited, others fainted, and some left the theater nauseous and trembling during the film. There were heart attacks, a miscarriage, and a half dozen or so new psychiatric ward patients in a Chicago hospital. The film was also condemned by religious leaders, who believed it portrayed evil glorifying the Devil and satanism.
The movie provides rich content for a perfect comedy musical!
Emma Hunton in a scene from Exorcistic. Photo by Nathan Hoyes
Emma Hunton
Emma Hunton played the lead character of the 12-year-old victim of satanic possession. She was powerful, hilarious, captivating, breathtaking and acrobatic. Her continual switching from a human to a satanically possessed speaking voice was riotous and marvelously malevolent.
Satanic Acrobatics by Emma Hunton in a scene from Exorcistic. Photo by Edward Kliszus
Craft and Artistry
The cast put their heart and soul into every part. Their dedication, energy, craft, and artistry reminded me of what Konstantin Stanislavski famously said: “There are no small parts, only small actors.” He meant that every role in a production has unique significance and deserves the same level of professionalism and attention from actors. Ultimately, it was the collective effort and dedication of the cast of Exorcistic that contributed to a fabulous performance. Bravo!
Runtime two hours with one intermission. Adult Content.
A standing ovation for the cast of Exorcistic at the Box in NYC. Photo by Edward Kliszus
EXORCISTIC
Presented by HRS Productions and Orgasmico Theatre
Book, lyrics, and music by Michael Shaw Fisher
Produced by Emma Hunton
Executive/Associate Producers Alli Miller-Fisher and Chadd Mcmillan
The CAST of EXORCISTIC
Emma Hunton, Lindsay Heather Pearce, Brian Logan Dales, Leigh Wulff, Jesse Merlin, Marissa Jaret Winokur, Nick Bredosky, Kim Dalton, Mitchell Gerrard Johnson, Gabby Sanalitro, Tyler Olshanksky.
Each night features a rotating coterie of special guest performers, including Jamie Cepero, Mari ssa Rosen, Jillian Schiralli, Gerard Canonico, Jordan Donica, Nick Cearley, Jade Jones, Matt DeAngelis, and many more!
EXORCISTIC Production Team
Chadd McMillan, Alli Miller-Fisher, Camal Pugh, Elmo Zapp, Michael Teoli, Kelly Stavert, Michael Zumbrun, and Jim Bates.
BAND
Assistant Musical Director, Keyboard and Band Leader Kazuki Tokaji
Guitars – Uros Raskovski, Federico Orlandini (Cover)
Bass – Jose Perez
Drums – Christopher Eric Kissick
The BOX NYC
189 Chrystie St
New York, NY 10002
The show starts promptly at 7:30 p.m., with doors opening at 6:30 p.m
The show runs from October 8th through October 23rd
Tickets can be purchased here
View the trailer for EXORCISTIC here
To listen to the cast album of EXORCISTIC: The Rock Musical, click here
Follow EXORCISTIC on IG: @exorcistic_musical
Readers may also enjoy reviews of Twisted, Hedda Gabler, Love, Sex and Real Estate, Oratorio for Living Things, and The Life at City Center.
