HOUSTON – At first glance, one might raise an eyebrow at the concept of turning author Bret Easton Ellis’ 1991 novel, “American Psycho,” into a musical, but somehow, it works.
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Christian Bale’s performance as the main character, Patrick Bateman, in the 2000 film has also, understandably, lived on in the hearts and minds of people who recall the story. The musical, which made its Broadway debut in Houston at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts in early September, blends satire into catchy songs and exceptional performances by a stellar cast.
Robert Lenzi takes on the impossible task of stepping into the shoes of the dapper, but criminally insane, Patrick Bateman. His Greek-God like physique pays homage to Bale’s performance and initially doesn’t strike fear into the audience’s eyes until much later, when we start to see his descent into madness.
Very early on, we see how Bateman needs everything in his life to be perfect. He lives in an upscale apartment, has a job on Wall Street, wears only the finest designer clothes, and don’t even get him started on his business card! And if that’s not enough, he needs the world to notice him for it. Unfortunately, Bateman’s realization that he is not the center of the universe starts to consume him.
The story is set in Manhattan, New York, in the late 1980s, but is almost reflective of modern times, by shedding light on individualism and consumerism prior to the advent of social media influencers.
This reviewer cannot emphasize how surprising it was to enjoy this performance, simply due to the improbability, but it does a wonderful job of being entertaining and enticing, partly due to its music and lyrics by Duncan Sheik.
Lenzi is also able to keep the audience engaged as the mask Bateman wears begins to slip, where on the one hand, he recognizes he is “an asset to society” but admits, “and yet, I hate my job.” So why does Bateman do it? All in a quest for “success,” where he follows “the bloody trail” to do so.
“American Psycho: The Musical” runs at the Hobby Center through Sept. 14, 2025. Tickets and more information are available on the Hobby Center’s website.