The rumored reason for the show's removal from Second Stage's season was attributed to Act 4 Entertainment, a production company known best for film development, pulling the rights. The New York Times e-mail interviewed David Johnson, Act 4's founder, for in depth information on a potential direct-to-Broadway move.
In Johnson's interview with the Times, he confirmed that Broadway producers Jeffrey Richards and Jerry Frankel were, "in negotiations...to become fellow lead producers for a Broadway run next fall. Mr. Johnson said he believed the show was in strong enough shape to go right to Broadway without testing it first with audiences and critics at Second Stage."
The musical thriller, set during the height of the 1980's era of Wall Street greed, premiered at London's Almeida Theatre last fall, where it played an extended, sold-out run.
Rupert Goold (Macbeth, King Lear, Enron), who directed the critically acclaimed London premiere, was tapped to stage the canceled Off-Broadway engagement.
“We are disappointed that we will not be producing American Psycho this season, but the rights holders, Act 4 Entertainment, have decided to not move forward with the production at Second Stage," 2ST artistic director Carole Rothman said in a statement. "We will be announcing a new production in its place in the coming weeks." The dark pop musical has a book by Aguirre-Sacasa ("Glee," "Big Love," Spider-Man: Turn off the Dark, Good Boys and True), with music and lyrics by Grammy and Tony winner Sheik. Ellis' 1991 novel was previously adapted for the screen in 2000, starring Christian Bale.
The London premiere featured BAFTA Award-nominated "Doctor Who" star Matt Smith as serial killer Patrick Bateman. Read London reviews of American Psycho here.
Here's how the musical is billed: "26-year-old Patrick Bateman is sophisticated, rich and devastatingly handsome. He's got a sculpted body, a model-gorgeous girlfriend, a to-die-for apartment, and a Wall Street job in 1980s New York City. In short, his life's killer. There's just one snag in this dark vision of the American Dream...Patrick can’t get the blood out of his $5000 suits."
The London premiere of American Psycho was an Almeida Theatre and Headlong co-production in association with David Johnson and Jesse Singer for Act 4 Entertainment by special arrangement with Edward R Pressman.
