Where the stage meets the motel experience Hitchcock’s Psycho at the Playhouse! Hosted by Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan

Psycho (1960), directed by Alfred Hitchcock, is a landmark psychological horror film that redefined the genre. The story follows Marion Crane (Janet Leigh), who embezzles money and seeks refuge at the secluded Bates Motel, run by the enigmatic Norman Bates (Anthony Perkins). What begins as a suspenseful encounter soon spirals into a chilling tale of deception and madness, culminating in one of the most iconic scenes in cinematic history.

The evening will be hosted by Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan.

A dedicated Hitchcock scholar and fan, Playhouse artistic director Mark Shanahan taught a course on Hitchcock at Fordham University for over 21 years on Monday nights when the theatre was dark. He is always eager to share his love for the movies of this most celebrated director.

CALLING ALL HITCHCOCK FANS!

This October, just as Halloween season rolls in, join me at the Playhouse as we check in to the Bates Motel for a special screening of Psycho!

I’ll kick things off with a pre-show “treasure hunt” of details to watch for, and after the film we’ll gather for a lively post-show chat to make sure you never look at this wonderfully devilish classic the same way again. From behind-the-scenes stories and Hitchcockian lore to hidden moments you may have missed, we’ll dive into why this film has been scaring us silly since 1960.

I love getting together for these Playhouse movie nights and I’m thrilled whenever I get to share my passion for classic films with all of you. If you came to my talks on Rear Window or Jaws, you know how much fun it is to revisit a classic with fresh eyes. And if you’ve seen Psycho before – bring a friend who hasn’t, and watch them light up (or jump out of their seat!).

After all, this is Psycho! The granddaddy of modern horror movies from the Master of Suspense, himself.

So unpack your bags in Cabin Number One, and settle into your red seat right here at the Playhouse.

And when you get home afterwards, go ahead and take that shower… if you dare.

– Mark Shanahan