My overall impression
Last weekend I had the pleasure of attending the final performance of Exorcistic: The Rock Musical Parody Experiment. Albeit, I always make a point of attending the Orgasmico Theater Company’s performances and each every time have found the writing, the performances, and the overall production superbly done, I must admit that this show in particular was entered into with some reserve. The Exorcist is, and always has been, my favorite film. A parody must both entertain in its own right, while also paying proper respect and homage to its source material. For Exorcistic to ride that line, and do it without disappointment when delving into a work that I hold in such high regard, seemed a daunting task.
My reservations, however, were wholly unfounded. In following the story of a theater company attempting its own doomed and tragic parody experiment of this cinematic legend, Exorcistic offered up a fun, engaging story of its own. It both displayed a genuine affection for the source material, while offering its own commentary on the classic, and presenting new and entertaining characters whose arcs, presented in vignettes as they broke character from the parody within the show, offered up new material with which to engage.
And all of this is to say nothing of the excellent musical performances and original songs through which the story was told. From the talented writing of Michael Shaw Fisher to the great soundtrack and the absolutely superb performance of Laura Sperrazza as the young star portraying Regan — er Megan — this was a show not to be missed.
If you’re a fan of the Exorcist, or just looking for an entertaining evening of experimental theater, if this show gets an encore run, make sure not to miss it.
