It is going to be a bloody good time.
A campy mash-up of slasher films and 1960s beach movies will make a splash in Park Slope this month. The Piper Theatre’s free outdoor production of “Psycho Beach Party,” opening at the Old Stone House on July 14, has a frothy blend of genres that is shore to draw in audiences of all stripes, say organizers.
“This is very ironic, sarcastic takeoff on the ’60s beach films with a little camp horror thrown in — and it’s a little sexy,” said Kim Maier, executive director of Old Stone House. “It’s very funny — more funny than horror.”
The play follows Florence “Chicklet” Forrest, a teenage girl desperately trying to fit in with the popular surfer crowd of Malibu. But she has multiple personalities, and worries that one of her alter-egos might be responsible for the bodies that start piling up on the beach.
Even those who have seen the play before — or the 2000 film version — will be surprised by the ending of the play, Maier said. Playwright Charles Busch, who also wrote “Die, Mommie Die!” and “Vampire Lesbians of Sodom,” made some changes to the script for this first outdoor production of “Psycho Beach Party.”
“The show is all about drawing out the suspense and never knowing what will happen next,” said Maier. “It’s the original play with some updates from the playwright himself — he made updates to his script for this show.”
This is Piper Theatre’s 12th summer performing at Old Stone House. The outdoor shows usually draw about 400 people, who spread out blankets and chairs in front of the stage, making a full evening of the event, said Maier.
“People can their bring picnic and blanket and enjoy the bay breeze. It’s a very chill scene,” she said.
The productions are always free, in a bid to make going to shows more attractive than many
“We think about what is and what’s not accessible for theater in New York City,” said Maier. “There was a time where it cost $75 to see a play in Manhattan — that’s not accessible at all.”
Those who attend the show will be able enjoy a beachy atmosphere. The only thing that will be absent is the beach itself.
“We have a fantastic, immersive stage setup — waves, seagulls, canvas, beach surf scene, concession stand,” said Maier. “Everything but sand.”
“Psycho Beach Party” at the Old Stone House [336 Third St., between Fourth and Fifth Avenues in Park Slope, (718) 768–3195, www.oldst
