Before you send your children out to play next October,
beware of your neighbors.
The Cimmerian group that brings you Theatre Bizarre has spread their rapacious feelers over three additional lots beside the Michigan State Fairgrounds bringing them closer and closer to you. Fulfilling you its annual promise, “a thrill to the obscene from dusk till dawn.”Theatre Bizarre began nearly 10 years ago as a combination of Halloween parties Ken Poirier, Matt Pomroy and artist John Dunivant were involved in. Originally called the “Carnival of Carnage,” the masquerade party for friends was spread over five city lots, owned by Poirier; and the three began building Dunivant’s vision of a “dilapidated early 20th century carnival midway,” Pomroy described .
They built a stage with a stage with a sign that read
THEATRE BIZARRE that blew over by the end of winter.
In 2001 they decided to build a much larger, permanent stage and open it to the public and sold tickets at Dally in the Alley, which they still do today. This time the event would be known as Theatre Bizarre.
The event grows every year, with a core group of dedicated helpers who build the grounds from bottom to top. “The actual night of the party is magic,” said Pomroy. “But what I love most about Theatre Bizarre is the time spent putting it together.” This year, the freestanding art installation spanned 10 city lots all art directed by John.
A man of many skills, Dunivant paints, sculpts, designs and does film - he won a Rob Zombie short horror movie contest with his “The Things That Ate Detroit.” Every year he directs the entire project inspired from his dark and wild imagination. “Taking you in the mind of the killer,” according to him. You have to see it to believe.
“Each year John pushes the design to new heights and we all make it a reality,” said Pomroy, who promotes the event and books many of the shows. “It amazes me sometimes what we all go through and sacrifice to make it happen and although each year pulling something this size off becomes more daunting none of us would be elsewhere.”
Some highlights this year included super sensual burlesque artist Roxi Dlite; Mucca Pazza, a 30-piece “circus punk marching band” that was really awesome! Cult of the Psychic Fetus, The Back CCs (NYC) and Crud.
“Each year John pushes the design to new heights and we all make it a reality,” said Pomroy, who promotes the event and books many of the shows. “It amazes me sometimes what we all go through and sacrifice to make it happen and although each year pulling something this size off becomes more daunting none of us would be elsewhere.”
Some highlights this year included super sensual burlesque artist Roxi Dlite; Mucca Pazza, a 30-piece “circus punk marching band” that was really awesome! Cult of the Psychic Fetus, The Back CCs (NYC) and Crud.
And the ‘Thrillerific Roaster Coaster,’ available to the public for the first time.
“I don’t think something on this scale could happen anywhere but Detroit,” said Casey Miller, a stage manager and coordinator for Theatre Bizarre. “It’s so big, loud, bright and well done. Nobody leaves disappointed.”
“It’s an event for our friends and family. A crazy wonderland,” Dunivant said.
Don’t miss the upcoming production of ‘Wonderland,’ the ‘neo-vaudeville’ remake of the Lewis Carroll's classic this winter. They’ll be taking over Hasting's Street Ballroom for three nights, beginning New Years Eve.
Tickets on sale at http://www.whooareyou.com/
“I don’t think something on this scale could happen anywhere but Detroit,” said Casey Miller, a stage manager and coordinator for Theatre Bizarre. “It’s so big, loud, bright and well done. Nobody leaves disappointed.”
“It’s an event for our friends and family. A crazy wonderland,” Dunivant said.
Don’t miss the upcoming production of ‘Wonderland,’ the ‘neo-vaudeville’ remake of the Lewis Carroll's classic this winter. They’ll be taking over Hasting's Street Ballroom for three nights, beginning New Years Eve.
Tickets on sale at http://www.whooareyou.com/
-MCB's Ronit Pinto