The Setup: A Haunting Premise That Promised More
Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s adaptation of Paranormal Activity, written by Levi Holloway and directed by Felix Barrett, brings the blockbuster horror franchise to the stage with a moody and immersive twist. The story follows newlyweds Lou (Cher Álvarez) and James (Patrick Heusinger), who move from the U.S. to England seeking a fresh start, only to find themselves shadowed by unsettling, unseen forces.
Set within a two-story house built entirely onstage, this production invites the audience into a world where psychological tension meets theatrical illusion. It’s an ambitious effort that tries to merge cinema-style horror with live performance, a risky fusion that, unfortunately, doesn’t always pay off.
The Standouts: Acting and Production Shine
There’s no denying the craftsmanship on display.
- Cher Álvarez delivers a nuanced performance, balancing fragility and fear with authenticity.
- Patrick Heusinger’s transformation from skepticism to terror feels grounded and believable.
- Supporting players like Shannon Cochran and Kate Fry add texture to the ensemble, anchoring the story with emotional realism.
The technical direction is world-class. The scenic design by Fly Davis creates a convincing domestic space layered with secrets. Lighting by Anna Watson, sound by Gareth Fry, and projections by Luke Halls turn this home into a character of its own. The illusions by Chris Fisher are among the best in recent memory; sleek, startling, and beautifully executed.
Where It Falters: A Flat Storyline and Slow Burn
While the atmosphere is expertly built, the storytelling loses momentum early on. The pacing drifts, the dialogue stretches, and the emotional stakes never quite reach the intensity promised by its premise.
Character development feels thin, leaving audiences to rely more on the spectacle than the substance. For a piece that trades on fear, there’s surprisingly little that lingers once the lights come up. A few moments hit hard—but others miss entirely, relying too heavily on the audience’s imagination to fill in the blanks.
In short: Paranormal Activity looks terrifying but rarely feels it.
A Note for Theatergoers: Choose Your Seat Wisely
The stage setup—while impressive—comes with visibility challenges. Seats in the middle rows 1–7 (especially lower level) have limited sightlines to the upstairs portion of the set, where crucial scenes unfold. If possible, choose seats further back or slightly off-center for the whole immersive experience.
The Final Take
Paranormal Activity at Chicago Shakespeare Theater is a visual triumph wrapped around a narrative that never fully ignites. The artistry behind the production deserves applause, yet the storytelling lingers in shadows that even the best stagecraft can’t fully illuminate.
For fans of theatrical innovation and eerie ambiance, it’s worth witnessing. For those seekingan intenselyy emotional or narratively gripping horror experience, this one may leave you wanting more.
Final Verdict: 2 out of 4 stars – beautifully staged, but the haunting never quite reaches the soul.
Venue: The "Paranormal Activity" play, an original stage story set within the film franchise, is currently having its North American premiere at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater. Written by Chicago playwright Levi Holloway and directed by Felix Barrett, the play runs from October 8 to November 2, 2025, offering an immersive horror experience that critics describe as a lesson in live, minimalist terror. https://www.chicagoshakes.com/productions/2526-paranormal-activity/
