‘American Psycho’ musical to make U.S debut in New York

“American Psycho,” the stage musical version of the infamous Bret Easton Ellis novel, will make its U.S. debut in New York in an off-Broadway production from the Second Stage Theatre. The production is scheduled to begin performances in February 2015.

The musical, which debuted in 2013 in a co-production by the Almeida Theatre and Headlong in London, was adapted for the stage by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa and features a score by Duncan Sheik. As with the British production, the staging in New York will be directed by Rupert Goold, artistic director of the Almeida.

Ellis’ 1991 novel told the story of Patrick Bateman, a young, narcissistic financial executive who leads a double life as a murderer.

The book received widespread criticism for its explicit descriptions of Bateman’s killings. But it was successful enough to inspire a movie adaptation starring Christian Bale as the physically ripped protagonist.

The London staging starred “Doctor Who” veteran Matt Smith as the homicidal hero. (No casting has been announced for the New York run.) The British production received mixed reviews.

The New York production is schedule to officially open in March, though no specific dates have been set. Second Stage said its upcoming season also will include a new play by Neil LaBute, titled “The Way We Get By,” and a production of Terrence McNally’s “Lips Together, Teeth Apart.”

Twitter: @DavidNgLAT