My overall impression
An explosion of theatrical inventiveness and rock and roll energy, EXORCISTIC is not your average rock musical. I came to this show expecting a rollicking, clever, horror movie send-up, and though I did get that, I also got a wildly creative, meta-theatrical mind-trip that was shocking, hilarious, and inspiring, overflowing with talent and ecstatic rock-n-roll zeal. Kudos to Michael Shaw Fisher, Michael Teoli, and the fantastic live band for the insanely catchy melodies and director Pat Towne for choreographing the madness with fluidity. In a cast this good, it’s tough to name standouts, but I’ll try: Curt Bonnem’s maniacal Captain Howdy had me laughing almost to the point of tears. Laura Sperrazza had my jaw on the floor with her vocal & physical pyrotechnics. As the addled Old Priest, Jesse Merlin is hilarious, seemingly having walked straight out of an Ed Wood film. Jimmy Swan shows vulnerability and bona-fide rock-n-roll chops as the Troubled Priest. For those who love rock, cinema, and have a taste for the weird, this show belongs at the top of your list.
