Stars Flock to NYC for “Life and Trust,” Follow-Up to Hit “Sleep No More”

The hot ticket this sweltering summer week was the opening night of “Life and Trust,” the follow-up to the stunningly successful immersive theater show, “Sleep No More.”

Its predecessor has been running since 2011 and boasts its own permanent home, the McKittrick Hotel in Chelsea. So curiosity about the follow-up from the hip production company Emursive was high — resulting in a bursting celebrity guest list for the first performance.

The Faustian story about a banking tycoon on the eve of the Great Depression requires its audience to follow the action — literally — across six subterranean floors of a Financial District skyscraper.

We hear that at Thursday night’s opening, guests Murray Hill and Bridget Everett — co-stars of HBO’s “Somebody Somewhere” — ran into showbiz legend Lorna Luft on one of the staircases in the middle of the performance and stopped to chat.

We’re told about “a dozen or so audience members, who were chasing [one of the characters] Mephisto down those stairs,” got stuck behind a celebrity gabfest, causing them to lose track of the fast-moving plot.

“It wasn’t until an angry first-nighter shouted ‘Move!’ that the blockage was cleared and the show could continue,” we’re told.

Other guests at the fun opening included Talking Heads rocker David Byrne, “Black Swan” director Darren Aronofsky, “Showgirls” star Gina Gershon, Oscar winner Joel Grey, NPR brainiac Ira Glass, and fashion designer Rachel Antonoff.

Elsewhere, comedian Jackie Hoffman was spotted enjoying a particularly sexy scene between a cowboy and a guy dressed as a horse, quipping, “I haven’t seen anyone this horny over a horse since Daniel Radcliffe starred in ‘Equus.’ ” We hear there’s an even sexier scene depicting a “homoerotic boxing match.”

Also at the show were Danya Taymor, Amber Ardolino, Daniel K. Isaac, Claybourne Elder, and Montego Glover.

With such vibrant, unpredictable moments, “Life and Trust” appears set to become yet another cult hit, thanks to its deeply engaging and interactive experience. The production pushes the boundaries of theater, creating an immersive world that captures the imagination and attention of everyone fortunate enough to attend.

This show promises not just a story but an adventure, blending the lines between performer and audience in an innovative, memorable way. Given the rave reviews and the impressive turnout of notable personalities, “Life and Trust” is poised to enjoy a strong run, continuing the legacy of its celebrated predecessor.

Source: Page Six