There’s a lot going on in “American Psycho,” the 2013 musical based on Bret Easton Ellis’s 1990s novel, which also inspired a cult-favorite film starring Christian Bale.

The musical iteration is making its Central Florida debut at Theater West End in Sanford in a snazzy production that highlights the strengths of the show while also drawing attention to its failings.

Theater West End’s production is bolstered by eye-catching design and a strong and committed cast, especially the three leading actors — but hampered by the fact that adapter Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Theater’s “Good Boys and True,” TV’s “Riverdale” and “Glee”) doesn’t fully commit to horror, comedy, social messaging or shock value. He tries to have it all, and that ultimately dilutes the power created by each of those genres.

Dilutes, yes, but doesn’t destroy: There’s also plenty of success in all the areas listed above. If the tone of the writing wobbles here and there, director Derek Critzer has a clear vision with the consumerist tone he sets through the production’s design. His handle on the show’s pace isn’t quite as strong as the second act starts to lag, but that provides more time to study the eye-popping set.

A bank of TV sets — the old-school box type — provides a backdrop to the action, displaying live video, scene-setting details and other imagery. The actors strut their stuff on a series of catwalks — perfect for these self-absorbed characters — that pulse with lights. The costumes, including trippy neon aerobics outfits, reinforce the idea we’re in the 1980s. So does the score, which mixes songs popularized by the likes of Phil Collins, New Order and Huey Lewis with original electronica music by pop star Duncan Sheik.

The plot follows Patrick Bateman, a Wall Street investment banker and serial killer. Feeling isolated from those around him, he focuses on achieving status for himself as he traverses through shallow and emotionless relationships with colleagues and lovers.

Although the story is set some 40 years ago, it’s still relevant now — perhaps even moreso. Patrick laments how seeing the success of others with their brand-name trappings makes him feel worse about himself and even more disconnected from humanity. Isn’t that the trap of social media for many today?

And, with seemingly constant news of mass shootings, there’s something particularly chilling about watching killer Patrick walk through life with no one being the wiser to his mental state — a point emphasized by seating some audience members on the stage.

A bank of old-school TV sets provides an eye-catching backdrop to Theater West End’s production of “American Psycho,” and guests can sit in special onstage seats among the action. (Courtesy Mike Kitaif via Theater West End)

Perhaps this hits home so strikingly because the social-messaging aspect of the show comes through most successfully. The killings themselves aren’t particularly shocking though the blood is handled theatrical flair and the horror is somewhat offset by the comedy — but the social insight is truly scary.

It’s exemplified, in a treat for theater fans, by multiple references to “Les Miserables” that brilliantly underscore Patrick’s shallowness and inability to translate fictional empathy into real life.

Laurel Hatfield is in fine form as the vapid girlfriend of Patrick Bateman (Chris Monell) in Theater West End’s production of “American Psycho.” (Courtesy Mike Kitaif via Theater West End)

Chris Monell has the necessary charming smile as Patrick, but also successfully conveys the killer’s soullessness with amoral brightness. His tics become more pronounced as he retreats further and further from humanity, adopting an almost pathetic air of bewilderment.

Other cast members display equal skill: Laurel Hatfield, who excels in playing shrewd and capable women, here plays against type and shines as Patrick’s love interest — vapid, self-obsessed and brand-conscious. She’s a delight, as is Jordan Grant, as Patrick’s lovesick and simple office assistant.

The secondary roles are well-cast, particularly Woodrow Helms as a “friend” of Patrick’s with an ingratiating manner, and the ensemble members augment the feeling that although Patrick is surrounded by people, he feels alone.

Jordan Grant brings an air of sadness to her role as the title character’s devoted assistant in Theater West End’s production of “American Psycho.” (Courtesy Mike Kitaif via Theater West End)

The performers also execute Chris Payen’s choreography with skill. Payen deftly mixes throwback vibes of the era with jerky — sometimes almost robotic — moves that seem as unsettled as the protagonist while mirroring his tics and dehumanizing his surroundings. It’s a neat trick in this blood-spattered tale.

Follow me at facebook.com/matthew.j.palm or email me at mpalm@orlandosentinel.com. Find more entertainment news and reviews at orlandosentinel.com/entertainment or sign up to receive our weekly emailed Entertainment newsletter.

‘American Psycho’

Length: 3 hours, including intermission
Where: Theater West End, 115 W. 1st St. in Sanford
When: Through Nov. 2
Cost: $25 and up
Info: theaterwestend.com

Chris Monell (center) leads the cast of Theater West End’s production of “American Psycho.” (Courtesy Mike Kitaif via Theater West End)

https://www.orlandosentinel.com/2025/10/19/american-psycho-review-sanford/