‘The Exorcist’ The Stage Play? Bring Your Poncho

A stage version of The Exorcist? Yes, indeed. First, I have to say that The Exorcist is one of my favorite movies, even though it still scares the crap out of me. Maybe it's the fact that I went to Catholic school my entire life or that I was taught theology by Texas' resident exorcist, but it really affected me. I also think that the book is one of the scariest things I've ever read. Now, the tale of a little girl possessed by the demon Pazuzu has made it's way to the London stage. The production stars Richard Chamberlain as Fr. Marin and Brooke Shields as Chris McNeil. In other words Alan Quartermaine and the girl from Blue Lagoon take on Satan.

While I'll certainly see it if it comes to Broadway, it is a strange choice for a live show. Does your ticket come with a poncho like at a Gallagher show for all the pea soup vomiting? Will they have the little girl actually pee herself on stage? If my mom comes to visit me in New York would I feel comfortable taking her to see something where a prepubescent girl stabs herself in the vagina with a crucifix 20 feet away from us? Probably not. Still, it's probably better than Spiderman: Turn Off The Dark.