Illusionist Teller, Composer John Tavener, Designer Scott Pask Join Creative Team of L.A. Exorcist

By Kenneth Jones
31 May 2012

Scott Pask
Scott Pask
Photo by Monica Simoes

The Exorcist, the new stage version of the horror story, will have illusionist Teller — of the duo Penn and Teller — as its creative consultant, Geffen Playhouse announced. Playwright John Pielmeier's take on the William Peter Blatty novel begins performances July 3 in Los Angeles.

As previously reported, the cast under the direction of Tony Award winner John Doyle (Sweeney Todd, Company) includes Brooke Shields and Richard Chamberlain as Chris MacNeil and Father Merrin, respectively, David Wilson Barnes as troubled young priest Father Damien Karras and Tony Award nominee Harry Groener as director Burke Dennings. UCLA School of Theater, Film and Television graduate Emily Yetter plays the young Regan MacNeil, who is possessed by the devil.

In addition to Teller, whose work with Penn Gillette has been seen on Broadway (Penn & Teller: The Refrigerator Tour, Penn & Teller) and Off-Broadway (Penn & Teller Rot in Hell), on television and in venues around the world, the production has also enlisted spiritual-music composer Sir John Tavener (read more at johntavener.com).

The newly announced production team also includes Tony Award-winning scenic and costume designer Scott Pask (a three-time Tony Award winner), lighting designer Jane Cox and sound designer Dan Moses Schreier.

The world premiere of The Exorcist, which also features the previously announced Stephen Bogardus as Dr. Strong, Manoel Felciano as Father Joe, Tom Nelis as Dr. Klein and Roslyn Ruff as Carla, opens July 11 for a run through Aug. 12 in the Geffen's Gil Cates Theater.

Production stage manager is Adam John Hunter; assistant stage manager is Young Ji.

For more information, visit geffenplayhouse.com.