Genre Horror Place premiered Geffen Playhouse | First performance 3 July 2012 | |
Written by John Pielmeier (play)
William Peter Blatty (novel) Date premiered 3 July 2012 (2012-07-03) Playwrights William Peter Blatty, John Pielmeier Similar Agnes of God, Hangmen, Wonderful Town, Sweeney Todd: The Demon B | ||
The exorcist wins adapted screenplay 1974 oscars
The Exorcist is a play by John Pielmeier based on the novel of the same name by William Peter Blatty, and is part of The Exorcist franchise. The story centres around a young girl, Regan, who has been subject to demonic possession. Her mother, Chris, seeks out to the church to perform an exorcism.
Contents
- The exorcist wins adapted screenplay 1974 oscars
- Production history
- Characters and cast
- Critical reception
- References
The play made its world premiere in July 2012 at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles before making its UK premiere at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre in October 2016.
Production history
In February 2008, American playwright John Pielmeier expressed an interest in adapting William Peter Blatty's novel of the same name into a play and soon met with Blatty. He then began working on a script for the play, in which the first draft was completed in ten days.
The play had its world premiere at the Gil Gates Theater at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles from July 3 until August 12, 2012. It was directed by Tony Award winning theatre director, John Doyle, designed by Scott Pask, lighting design by Jane Cox, sound design by Dan Moses Schreier with music by Sir John Tavener. Teller (of magicians Penn & Teller) served as creative consultant. The production starred Brooke Shields as Chris, Richard Chamberlain as Father Merrin and David Wilson Barnes as Father Damien.
In 2016 the play made its UK premiere at the Birmingham Repertory Theatre, produced in association with Bill Kenwright and by (arrangement with Ben Sprecher and Stuart Snyder) from 21 October to 5 November. A brand new production was directed by Sean Mathias, designed by Anna Fleischle, lighting design by Tim Mitchell, music and sound design by Adam Cork, video and projection design by Duncan McLean with illusions by Ben Hart. The cast featured Jenny Seagrove as Chris, Peter Bowles as Father Merrin and Adam Garcia as Father Damien. Sir Ian McKellen provided the pre-recorded voice of the devil.
It was reported that West End, Broadway and global productions are planned, dependent on the success of the Birmingham production.
Characters and cast
Critical reception
The Los Angeles production received mixed reviews from the critics, but the audiences responded enthusiastically. Due to this, Pielmeier has stated that he has made a major re-write on the script in preparation for a second production.
The Birmingham production received mixed to positive reviews from the critics and audiences.