A stage adaptation of The Exorcist — one that draws inspiration from the original novel rather than the famed horror film — has taken over the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles.

The cerebral, stripped-down production has been adapted for the stage by John Pielmeier, best known for his acclaimed play Agnes of God and the screenplay for the subsequent movie.

Having helmed operas like Madama Butterfly as well as acclaimed revivals of Stephen Sondheim's Company and Sweeney Todd, director John Doyle said his goal for The Exorcist is to present a fresh interpretation of William Peter Blatty's 1971 novel. The story follows a young priest struggling with a crisis of faith as he joins an elder cleric to minister to a young girl possessed by an evil spirit.

"You're always going to get audience members who are wanting to get what they first saw," Doyle said, referring to fans of the memorable 1973 William Friedkin film who might be drawn to his stage version.

"My job is to tell the story as if it's never been told before."

Pielmeier has "done a wonderful job of capturing the true essence of the novel, the mystery of faith," Blatty told the New York Times.

The play stars veteran actor Richard Chamberlain as senior cleric Father Merrin, opposite David Wilson Barnes as the tormented younger priest Damien Karras. Brooke Shields appears as Chris MacNeil, an actress and mother of the possessed girl Regan (portrayed by UCLA graduate Emily Yetter).

The production team also includes Tony-winner Scott Pask, who created the set and costumes, composer John Tavener and illusionist Teller, one-half of Penn & Teller, as creative consultant.

The Exorcist, which began previews this week, continues at the Geffen Playhouse in Los Angeles through August 12.

With files from The Associated Press