NEW YORK — The cast of Broadway’s newest horror‑themed production, Paranormal Activity, says the show’s unsettling atmosphere is intentional, designed to make audiences feel as though the supernatural events onstage could happen at any moment.
Spooky set and surprise scares
Actor Travis Knight, who plays James, explained that the detailed set resembles a cozy home, but “anything can happen. You don’t know where the next thing is coming from.” Co‑star Cher Alvarez, portraying Lou, added that the theater itself seems to have a mind of its own. “Yes, it is,” the pair replied when asked if they’ve experienced anything unusual in the building.
Alvarez recounted moments when objects appeared to move on their own, noting that “plants have fallen out of nowhere, especially right before intermission.” The cast jokes that the venue may even be haunted, a notion that only adds to the show’s allure.
Personal meaning and cultural pride
For Alvarez, the production carries personal significance. She expressed pride in bringing elements of her own heritage to the character of Lou, saying, “I’m really proud of my culture, and it’s great that people are seeing themselves represented on stage.”
Audience participation fuels the experience
While Paranormal Activity is not an interactive performance, audience reactions are a key part of the evening. Alvarez noted, “You’re constantly flirting with breaking because these audience members are so beyond a part of the show. But we truly welcome it. We love it.”
Knight credited the set design and lighting for allowing theatergoers to project their own fears onto the darkness, and Alvarez highlighted the sound design’s role in keeping viewers on edge: “It’s incredibly overstimulating, but we want to kind of pull the rug out from under you.”
Even the actors get spooked
Backstage antics sometimes backfire. Alvarez laughed about an attempt to scare Knight that ended with her startling herself instead, underscoring the playful, eerie atmosphere that surrounds each performance.
Overall, the cast says the constant surprises make every show feel fresh, delivering exactly the kind of thrilling experience that fans of the supernatural crave.
Original reporting: Brookhaven News – ABC7 New York — read the source article.
