AI-written summary of reporting by Westport Journal. No human editor reviewed this. AI can misread or omit facts — read the original, linked below.
ABSTRACT

A stage adaptation of the 'Paranormal Activity' film franchise has opened at Broadway's August Wilson Theatre in New York, according to a review by critic Susan Granger published in the Westport Journal.

Westport Journal

'Paranormal Activity' opens on Broadway at August Wilson Theatre

'Paranormal Activity' opens on Broadway at August Wilson Theatre
Sep 3, 2026, 4:58 PM

A stage adaptation of the 'Paranormal Activity' film franchise has opened at Broadway's August Wilson Theatre in New York, according to a review by critic Susan Granger published in the Westport Journal.

Context

Playwright Levi Holloway wrote the new, original ghost story, which director Felix Barrett — known for 'Sleep No More,' adapted from 'Macbeth' — staged alongside illusion designer Chris Fisher, whose credits include 'Stranger Things' and 'Harry Potter and the Cursed Child.'

The production centers on a young American couple, James (Travis A. Knight) and Lou (Cher Alvarez), who have relocated from Chicago to London and begin experiencing what they believe are supernatural occurrences in their new home. Supporting characters include James's evangelical mother Carolanne (Shannon Cochran) and a British psychic named Etheline Cotgrave (Eva Kaminsky).

The creative team also includes lighting designer Anna Watson, scenic designer Fly Davis, and sound designer Gareth Fry. According to the review, the theatre is darkened and plays loud rock music as audiences enter, and the production features jump scares, deliberate misdirection, and extended silences.

The original 'Paranormal Activity' film was released in 2007, directed by Oren Peli, and cost $15,000 to produce. According to producer Jason Blum, the film grossed nearly $200 million worldwide. Seven sequels followed; an eighth installment is scheduled for release in May 2027. The Broadway production runs through Jan. 3, 2027.

All Perspectives
Critic Susan Granger: Granger writes that the show has 'audiences shrieking from the get go' and that there are 'jump scares aplenty, accompanied by clever misdirection, and long stretches of agonizing silence that allows the audience to dread the worst.' She recommends mid-orchestra or mid-front mezzanine seats for the best sight-lines and most immersive viewing, and says revealing more of the plot 'would spoil some of the many magical surprises.'
Position not represented in the source reporting: Production team and cast.
Gaps & Unknowns
  • The source does not state the original film director's name consistently — the text spells the name 'Orin Peli' while the widely used spelling is 'Oren Peli'; it is unclear which is the source's intended rendering.
  • The source does not include any response or comment from the production's creative team, producers, or cast.
  • The source does not state ticket prices or box-office figures for the Broadway production.
  • The source does not state when the Broadway production officially opened or began previews.
  • The source does not identify the producers of the Broadway production.
Sources & Further Reading
  1. Westport Journal — original

Read the original at Westport Journal

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