A.C.T. makes "Paranormal Activity" feel real
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Girl, don't go up those stairs. Photo: Courtesy of Kyle Flubacker/American Conservatory Theater
It's been a while since I've screamed in the theater, but a theatrical adaption of "Paranormal Activity" isn't standard fare for San Francisco — especially with live poltergeists in the mix.
Catch up quick: The play, which premiered on the West End in December 2025, is loosely based on the "Paranormal Activity" film franchise, which reimagines the haunted house genre through security cameras and found footage.
- The stage adaptation swaps cameras for a traditional proscenium set — a London flat that's home to a young couple newly moved from Chicago.
- But (plot twist!) our young expats have haunted pasts and that trauma begins physically manifesting around the house.
Zoom in: The play is at heart a traditional two-act double header — a young couple away far home, tense dialogue, moments of tenderness.
- But overlaying these scenes are fantastic moments of stage trickery.
- In a film, you might question whether you saw that shadow in the corner, but when a whole theater gasps with you, the scare feels much more real.
Fun fact: The illusions were dreamt up by Chris Fisher, who previously worked on stage productions including "Harry Potter & The Cursed Child."
- I won't spoil them here, but there's enough clever stagecraft to keep you on edge.
My thought bubble: I'm a massive scaredy-cat and went in expecting more of a gimmicky production, but was impressed with the emotional gravity brought by the two lead actors.
- Still, I would like to apologize to my entire row for scream-swearing in that theater.
Yes, but: What began as soundscapes between scenes to build tension started to feel more like cover for noisy scene changes as the play wore on.
- I also had a great seat in the middle of the orchestra but heard reports from folks in the balcony that sight lines were not as good.
The bottom line: This is a sharp, crowd-pleasing production and a must-see for folks who love the cathartic thrill of a horror movie.
If you go: "Paranormal Activity" plays at the Toni Rembe Theater until March 22.