Capri Scarcelli | a&e editor
Sept. 30, 2021
Get crazy! Get ‘psycho!’ Red Masquers’ Psycho Beach Party is coming to a stage near you (Genesius Theater, of course).
Running from Oct. 7-23 Thursdays-Sundays, the ‘Psychotic’ cast and crew is delighted to present their first mainstage production since Covid-19.
Written by Charles Busch, Psycho Beach Party (2000) is a comedic nod to psychodramas, beachy vibes and slasher films — all joked about in the title itself.
Featuring sophomore Susan Betten as leading character “Chicklet,” the play follows a young teen who more than anything wants to fit in with the surfer crew. However, interspersed with breakdowns and blackouts, many of the supporting characters inquire whether she is to blame for the mysterious murders on Malibu Beach.
Excitedly preparing for their debut, the Red Masquers have posted snippets of surprises on their TikTok: @redmasquers.
On the account, the actors give a sneak-peak at the casting, costuming and overall energy of the show.
“This show is a campy, beachy, ‘Rocky-Horror-Picture-Show-esque satire, and it’s absolutely the most ridiculous hour and a half of my entire theater career,” Betten said. “Playing ‘Chicklet’ and doing the costume design of the show has been the most exciting experience I’ve had in my 10 years of theater, hands down.”
Director Jill Jeffrey said the cast has been “amazing to work with,” especially with the turning point of the “Covid-hiatus” the Genisius theater experienced.
“I am so excited to be a part of this season on the Genesius stage,” Jeffrey said. “‘Psycho Beach Party’ is fun and weird and filled with ‘what just happened’ moments everywhere in almost every scene. Audiences should come prepared to be part of the show.”
Premiering 8 p.m. Thursdays-Saturdays and 2 p.m. on Sundays, Psycho Beach Party brings forth an interactive element to the theater that the audience has missed out on during the pandemic. In addition to their regularly scheduled showings, a special-edition midnight showing will be held Oct. 9., with a possible second midnight showing on Oct. 16th.
Tickets will be available at the door and for online purchase, free for Duquesne students.
