VOCALIZING VAMPIRES & THE UNDULATING UNDEAD
BITE ME! SUCK ME! ROCK ME!
From Dracula to Dark Shadows, vampires have always been an entertainment staple during the Halloween season. This year, it’s the all-original “popera” Blood/Love with book and music by Carey Sharpe and Dru DeCaro, and additional music by Concord Records’ artist Erin Boehme and Adam “Snake” Kobylarz. The original concept of this entertaining vampire-themed tale from director and producer Daniel LeClaire is by Sharpe, a former pediatric critical care nurse who stunningly takes on the lead role Valerie Bloodlove, slithering and seducing everyone in the gothic nightclub setting.
Mortal superstar Anzick (Brennin Hunt)
After living across thousands of years, and rather than continuing to feed off the blood of humans, Valerie decides it is time to take another mate to overcome her eternal loneliness. On the brink of despair, she has a chance encounter with mortal superstar Anzick, portrayed by tantalizing rock guitarist Brennin Hunt, whose skintight leathers don’t just draw in Valerie but us as well (costumes by Michael Ngo). Their chemistry lights up the stage, but will mortal Anzick agree to be re-born as a vampire to spend eternity with her?
Vampire Valerie Bloodlove (Carey Sharpe) is looking for love and lust
You see, he has his own deal with the devil, bestowed with supernatural musical talent, complete with success and stardom, in exchange for his eternal soul (the self-centered and money-hungry Banks is portrayed by Daniel Franzese from Mean Girls). Valerie finds a kindred spirit and a motivation to carry on — but is now forced to choose between love and survival, drawn to someone who also bears the burden of a wish turned into a curse.
Cam Anthony as Demetrius
Along the way to making her decision, a slew of vampires visit to party at the bar (and dance in the aisles) to lure Valerie and Anzick one way or the other, featuring twenty-five songs performed by singers who know how to strut their stuff and share it to the hilt vocally, accompanied by an onstage rock band (DeCaro, guitar; J Ryan Kern, keys; Daniel Curcio, bass; Joshua “Shua” Mayo Sharpe, drums). The cast also features Cam Anthony (The Voice winner season 20) as Demetrius, who is paired with Erin Boehme as Cleo, both Valerie’s most loyal attendants. The three vampires harmonize beautifully, and there’s awesome choreography by married couple Jonathan & Oksana Platero, who perform the most stunning pas de deux with lifts that seem to challenge gravity.
Anzick (Brennin Hunt) makes a deal with Banks (Daniel Franzese)
Along with the triple-threat lead performers, the talented ensemble includes Yaina Peguero, Alexander J. Brown, Katie Lee, Magdalena Fialek, Pauler Lam, and Timothy Lewis (featured as Mr. Sunshine), all of whom performed and danced within inches of my aisle seat. And yes, it took all my willpower to not reach out and grab a handful of Hunt’s “leather.”
Choreographers Jonathan & Oksana Platero
A word of advice: This production skews to a younger crowd, given the loud music and apparent emphasis of letting drinks get the best of you. It’s certainly a party atmosphere for anyone who loves vampires, but definitely leave the kids at home. And without a printed program, I really did not recognize any of the cast members by name prior to scanning the online program. And without lyrics, sometimes words are lost.
Cleo (Erin Boehme) and Demetrius (Cam Anthony) entertain Valerie (Carey Sharpe)
Vampires roam among patrons, so I encourage you to dress appropriately, as the addition of even a few more vampires helps enliven the night’s mood, which begins in The Crimson’s cocktail lounge with signature craft cocktails. Afterwards, a moonlit DJ after-party rocks out in The Lair, the Crimson’s night club where patrons can mix and mingle with the cast. Loud music, drinks, and dancing rule the evening!
Demetrius (Cam Anthony) gets the party started at the bar
Fusing vampire lore, pop music, choreography, and nightlife into one entrancing musical experience, Blood/Love offers an ultimate night out in Hollywood this Halloween Season.
Valerie (Carey Sharpe, seated on bar) with her draconian companions,
Demetrius (Cam Anthony) and Cleo (Erin Boehme)
photos by Times 10
Blood/Love
The Crimson, 6356 Hollywood Blvd,
ends on November 2, 2024
90 minutes, no intermission
recommended age is 13+
Thurs-Sat at 8; Wed at 8 (Oct 30)
for tickets, visit Blood/Love