While I cannot provide a direct PDF download of the copyrighted script, I have put together a feature breakdown of the American Psycho Musical Script , focusing on the distinct versions (Broadway vs. London) and the creative structure.
Feature: Deconstructing the "American Psycho" Musical Script When the news broke that Bret Easton Ellis’s nihilistic yuppie horror novel American Psycho was being turned into a musical, reactions were mixed. How do you sing about business cards and chainsaws? The resulting script, written by Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (with music and lyrics by Duncan Sheik), is a fascinating study in adapting the unadaptable. If you are looking for the script, it is important to note that there are two distinct versions: the original London Premiere (2013) and the revised Broadway Production (2016) . 1. The Structure: A Study in Excess The script does not follow a traditional "I want" song structure. Instead, it mirrors Patrick Bateman’s fragmented psyche.
The Book: Aguirre-Sacasa’s script leans heavily into the satire of 1980s excess. The dialogue is sharp, mimicking the cadence of the novel—conversations about reservations, suits, and skincare that go nowhere. The Contrast: The script juxtaposes the mundane (dinner reservations) with the horrific. The musical numbers often act as an extension of Bateman’s internal monologue, breaking into song when his mask of sanity begins to slip.
2. The "Upd" (Update): London vs. Broadway For those searching for the script, this is the most critical distinction. The script underwent significant rewrites between the West End and Broadway transfers. The London Version (Almeida Theatre): american psycho musical script pdf upd
Darker and more operatic. Featured a distinct ending that some found ambiguous but loyal to the book's nihilism. Included songs that were later cut or reworked.
The Broadway Version (Second Stage Theatre):
The script was tightened to focus more on the satire and less on the horror. Major Song Changes: "This Is Not an Exit" was cut. "Killing Spree" was added. The Ending: The ending was altered to be more definitive regarding the reality of Bateman's crimes, attempting to resolve audience confusion from the London run. If you are reading a script, check the song list. If it includes "Killing Spree," you are reading the Broadway version. While I cannot provide a direct PDF download
3. Key Scenes and Monologues The script is famous for its "Huey Lewis" monologue adaptation. In the book, this is a wall of text; in the script, it becomes a terrifyingly comedic aria.
"Selling Out": The opening number establishes the world of Wall Street with pulsing, minimalist music. "Hardbody": A deleted song from early workshops that focused on the gym scene, often found in earlier script drafts.
4. Availability of the PDF For actors, students, or directors looking for the libretto: How do you sing about business cards and chainsaws
Licensing: The musical is currently available for licensing through major theatrical rights organizations (depending on your region). The Library of Congress: In the US, copyrighted scripts are often available for viewing in the reading room. Digital Retailers: The "Vocal Selections" book is widely available for purchase, which contains the sheet music and a condensed version of the script's lyrics, though not the full dialogue.
Summary The American Psycho musical script is a rare example of a horror adaptation that succeeds by focusing on the absurdity of the villain's life rather than just the violence. If you are analyzing the text, look for the specific cues where Bateman addresses the audience directly—a technique used to break the fourth wall and implicate the viewers in his voyeurism.