The previously announced production of the new Duncan Sheik/Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa musical adaptation of American Psycho, scheduled by Off-Broadway's Second Stage Theatre for February 2015, has been wiped from the calendar.
"We are disappointed that we will not be producing American Psycho this season," said Second Stage's artistic director Carole Rothman, "but the rights holders, Act 4 Entertainment, have decided to not move forward with the production at Second Stage."
The producers had hoped for a successful Off-Broadway run and then a move to Broadway. It is not known why Act 4 decided to withdraw its approval.
The show grabbed attention in London because of the source material (Bret Easton Ellis's celebrated novel) and murderous subject matter, and because of the presence of Matt Smith, just off his turn as TV's "Doctor Who," in the title role.
Reviews were mixed. Variety said Sheik's songs "lack drive" and that the production "never really allows us to believe that Patrick [Bateman] is a reliable narrator." On the other hand, the Guardian hailed "Rupert Goold's stylish production" and called Smith's performance "beautifully defined."
Casting hadn't yet been announced for the planned Off-Broadway production. Now Second Stage won't have to find a new, sleek, sinister Patrick Bateman. But the company does have a hole in its schedule to fill. Its next production, Terrence McNally's Lips Together, Teeth Apart with America Ferrera, begins October 7, with Neil LaBute's The Way We Get By on the program for spring 2015.
