Almost a year and half ago, two artistic geniuses,
@levihollow and Felix Barrett, invited me to join Paranormal Activity. Our producer, Simon Friend, who birthed the idea to bring this impossibility to life, brought me (somehow!) the UK to add a small hand in bringing the play to life. We first premiered
@leedsplayhouse summer of ‘24. Rehearsing in London on the magical
@punchdrunkint campus where Levi and Felix refined this wonderful and electric script and watching them fine tune and calibrate each moment was a joy and education in and of itself. We had gorgeous run that felt like lightning every night. Now I’m with the North American premiere company and I’ve had the luxury to work with not one, but TWO different and extraordinary casts. Each wildly talented, nuanced and breathtaking. I’m surrounded by teachers. Every artist on and offstage brings such a wealth of knowledge and mastery of craft. Fly Davis’ set and costume designs,
@theatreillusion ‘s illusions, Anna Watson’s lighting, Gareth Fry’s sound design. Our stage managers’ Herculean efforts in rehearsals and performances, the local stagehands… I’m blown away, day after day, that I get to be a part of this experience. It is the epitome of taking a village. Come and see us in LA, DC and San Fran. And go see my colleagues when they open on the West End in December. I love this play and think you will, too. I think everyone leaves with the feeling of “I didn’t know that was possible” and “this is what theatre is all about.” It’s thrilling. It’s fun. Beautifully written and directed. It has brought and continues to bring audiences that have never seen live theater. And best of all… you leave talking about the illusions, the effects, and the scares… but you wake up contemplating the story and the relationships. It imprints and lingers.
Much love,
ph
