Review: Exorcistic – The Unauthorized Rock Musical Parody

By Justin D Williams

The Exorcist is hailed as one of the scariest movies of all time. What happens when you take that story, make it meta, fourth wall-breaking, and add some rocking music? You end up with Exorcistic- The Unauthorized Rock Musical Parody. Storming into the Asylum NYC, I had the pleasure of going to the opening night, and I loved every minute of this play. This show is one part horror parody, one part glam rock opera, and one part satirical theater experiment. Rather than a straightforward spoof of William Friedkin's 1973 classic, the Off-Broadway play goes on with a play within a play structure. This caught me off guard in the best way because, in the beginning, it felt like they were still getting ready. Then, as time goes by, you realize that this is indeed the play. The show hits all the beats from the film, such as the possession of the young girl Reagan (MEGAN!!), correction Megan, and her mother's frantic pleas for help, and of course, the priests called to battle evil. I won't spoil the play, but I will say the use of what's real, what's part of the show, and the effective use of fourth wall breaking works very well. The horror beats, the backstage tension, rivalries, and the meta interludes give the show a unique presentation not seen in a show on Broadway and Off-Broadway right now.

Emma Hunton as Megan O'Neil

The success and enjoyment are credited to everyone, from the cast, music production, and direction. Emma Hunton slays as Megan; she's fearless, contorting, and able to play various characters of Megan at the drop of a dime. She flips from rock goddess vocals to possessed demon instantly, yet it's actually scary how easily she slips from one extreme to another. Ethan Crystal as Father Garras is funny and has amazing chemistry with Leigh Wulff, who plays Kate O'Neil, the mother of Megan. She grounds the show with her diva energy, really nailing the Hollywood glamour. I have to mention the rest of the cast: Steven Vutts, Jesse Merlin, Jaime Lyn Beatty, Richardson Ciseneros-Jones, and Hannah Bonnet were all amazing.

The play is directed by Chadd McMillan and Ali Miller-Fisher. The show embraces camp and chaos with no apologies. The staging leans into the Asylum NYC intimate space, pulling the audience to the actor. Actors enter through aisles, use props near you, and it's a very immersive experience. Pea soup flies, Megan levitates, and spider-walks all pulled off very well. Finally, it won't be a musical without the music, which is a delirious blend of glam rock, punk, straight-up metal, and cabaret by Michael Shaw Fisher. One of my favorite songs is "Your Mother Sucks C**ks in Hell," one of the most famous lines from a film becomes a song, and you have to see the number to really appreciate it. My words won't do it justice. The songs fit well with the tone, theme, and concept of the show. There will be at least one song that will stand out for your ears.

Exorcistic: The Unauthorized Rock Musical Parody is loud, chaotic, messy and glorious. Emma Hunton's fearless performance, guided by direction that embraces camp without restraint and fueled by a set of songs that revel in shock and satire. This is wickedly fun night out for horror fans, theater fans and of course fans of The Exorcist.