The Fourth Walsh

Chicago Shakespeare Theater and American Conservatory Theater, by special arrangement with Paramount Pictures and Melting Pot in co-production with Center Theatre Group, presents the North American premiere of PARANORMAL ACTIVITY.

Lou and Jimmy recently moved to London. They are looking for a fresh start after Lulu’s ‘difficulties’ in Chicago. As the couple settle into their new home, the presence of the past creeps in. An overbearing mother-in-law. Lou’s anti-depressants. Jimmy’s drinking. Something or somebody is causing them to question everything and each other? Is it real or delusion that haunts them?     

Upon arrival, Chicago Shakes sets the tone for a fright fest. The Yard is dimly lit and filled with low murmurings of dark noise. The show starts abruptly with snippets of loud music. The curtain raises to reveal a charming two-story flat with multiple rooms.  A loving and amicable couple (played by Cher Alvarez and Patrick Heusinger) are navigating the first years of marriage. He overshares with his mom. She doesn’t like London weather. He wants to start a family. She is struggling with her mental health. In between these ripples of domestic discord, the electricity falters. It all feels very ordinary until it doesn’t.

The first abrupt disturbance in the dark has me spontaneously clasping hands with my playdate. Knowing its a ghost story keeps tensions high and adrenaline escalating. The subtly of the storytelling blurs the line between real life and nightmare. Based on Paramount Pictures’ indie film “Paranormal Activity” by Oren Peli, the masterfully creative team of Levi Holloway (playwright and restaged) and Felix Barrett (director) transform a horror film into a staged life performance. Their expert design team (Fly Davis -Scenic and Costume, Anna Watson – Lighting, Gareth Fry – Sound, Luke Halls – Video, Chris Fisher – Illusions) magnify the suspense and disbelief. Their gloomy conjuring makes the shock factor off the charts.

PARANORMAL ACTIVITY is like sitting -on the edge of your seat- through a haunted house. Everything you’re experiencing and feeling… heart-thumping, leg-shaking, breath-holding, gasp-shuddering is amplified by all these strangers in surround sound. It scared the bejeebies out of me… and that didn’t end at the curtain!       

RATED R for disturbing content and horror.

Running Time: Two hours includes an intermission

At Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier

Based on Paramount Pictures’ “Paranormal Activity” films

Written by Levi Holloway

Directed by Felix Barrett

Restaged by Levi Holloway

Performances are:

Tuesdays, Wednesdays, Thursdays, Fridays, Saturdays at 7 p.m.

Saturdays and Sundays at 2 p.m.

Thru October 12

For more information or tickets

Production photos by Kyle Flubacker

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