On the surface, American Psycho: The Musical is about a young, wealthy investment banker who lives a secret life as a crazed serial killer in late 1980s New York City.

If you dig a bit deeper into the satire, American Psycho really explores themes like consumerism, materialism, identity, ascetic perfectionism and violence.

“The show feels timeless because so many of those themes still apply to our world today,” actress Bianca Mio told the JHV.

“I think we are presenting the audience with a mirror to how our society still exists and functions to this day.”

Mio, who grew up in the Los Angeles Jewish community, will play the role of Christine in Houston Broadway Theatre’s production of American Psycho: The Musical, Sept. 2-14 at The Hobby Center.

Bianca Mio plays Christine in Houston Broadway Theatre’s production of American Psycho: The Musical.

“There are a lot of comedic and satirical elements to our show, which is what makes the show fun and entertaining, but what I really appreciate about the show is how it explores and critiques the ugliness and deterioration of humanity in modern society.”

American Psycho is a bold and razor-sharp musical from Tony Award-winner Duncan Sheik (Spring Awakening) and Roberto Aguirre-Sacasa (Glee, Riverdale, Pretty Little Liars). The show is based on the best-selling novel by Bret Easton Ellis and the hit 2000 film, American Psycho.

The Houston production is directed by Joe Calarco and features a new script and revised score from Aguirre-Sacasa and Sheik. The show stars Robert Lenzi as Patrick Bateman.

For Mio, a 2024 University of Michigan theatre graduate, this is her first professional production. Along with the key role of Christine, Mio also plays Hardbody Waitress and Hardbody Trainer.

“What I love about Christine is how smart and tough she is despite being at the bottom of the food chain as a prostitute,” Mio said.

“In the show, she goes through a lot and endures significant violence, but I don’t think she is weak or powerless. I have had fun stepping into her shoes because I love how complex she is.”

Sheik and Aguirre-Sacasa rewrote the production and worked directly with Houston Broadway Theatre – which is in its second season – to bring it to life.

“Premiering this bold, all-new, revised production of American Psycho at Houston Broadway Theatre marks a major artistic milestone for our organization, and it’s an incredible honor to collaborate directly with the show’s original creators,” Houston Broadway Theatre president Tyce Green said.

“Their decision to entrust HBT with this newly revised script and score speaks volumes about the caliber of work we strive to deliver. This exciting new chapter of American Psycho is an extraordinary opportunity for Houston audiences to experience a daring, newly re-envisioned musical in its debut staging.”

Sheik and Aguirre-Sacasa are expected to be in attendance to see the show reimagined.

“I couldn’t be more excited that Houston Broadway Theatre is bringing American Psycho to bloody life in Houston,” Aguirre-Sacasa said.

“I’m particularly thrilled to be working with director Joe Calarco and the first-class team at HBT on a revised version of our musical, which builds on everything we’ve learned about this piece from its London and Broadway incarnations.

“It’s an audacious undertaking, but truly inspiring, and I’m grateful to the bold, risk-taking company at HBT for giving us this incredible opportunity.”

For Milo, she can’t wait to get on stage in front of a live audience on opening night.

“I am just so excited. I think audiences are going to definitely get a kick out of it,” she said.

“I hope the show will resonate with audience members and they can walk away entertained, but also with some personal reflection on society.”

American Psycho: The Musical will be at The Hobby Center for Performing Arts Zika Hall from Sept. 2-14, with shows Tuesday-Thursday at 7 p.m., Friday at 7:30, Saturday at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m. and Sunday at 2 p.m. and 7 p.m. Tickets are on sale now at houstonbroadwaytheatre.org.