Vampire Lesbians of Sodom
Vampire Lesbians of Sodom
By Charles Busch
Directed by David M. Jenkins
Oct. 29 – Nov. 23, 2014
Thu. – Sat. 8pm, Sun. 4pm
Tickets: $28
Shimberg Playhouse, Straz Center for the Performing Arts
Distinctions
BroadwayWorld
- Best Performances of the Decade – Zachary Hines
What It's About
Jobsite joins a nationwide tribute to the master of camp, 30 Years of Charles Busch – A Celebration, in conjunction with the company’s favorite holiday!
One of the longest running plays in Off-Broadway history, Vampire Lesbians of Sodom tells the saga of two fatally seductive vampiresses, a virgin sacrifice (Coco & Homo’s Zachary Hines) and her maker (veteran Jobsiteer Summer Bohnenkamp), whose paths first collide in ancient Sodom. Their bitter rivalry endures for nearly two thousand years with stops along the way in 1920’s silent movie Hollywood and contemporary Las Vegas. Moving between histrionics of classic horror cinema and the cheerful nastiness of the backstage melodrama of manners All About Eve, Vampire Lesbians sparkles with spectacle, homage and double entendre.
Jobsite’s production of Vampire Lesbians of Sodom features live music and musical interludes heavily influenced by vaudeville, English music hall, and post-war cabaret under the music direction of J. Elijah Cho. Expect unique takes on traditional and contemporary song and dance, from the 1916 torch song “Mon Homme (My Man)” to a certain theme-song from a bayou-based supernatural soap opera.
“Busch makes it very clear that this was never meant to be performed as a traditional play but as a burlesque,” offers director David M. Jenkins. “Initially I had crazy ideas about making the whole thing sort of scandalous, but that’s not really who I am or who these artists are. Probably not what the play is, either. It’s far more silly, sexy-silly I suppose. For those that don’t know Charles Busch, if you like the tongue-in-cheek camp of a Rocky Horror, a Priscilla, or John Waters flicks, you really don’t want to miss this show.”
Some of Jobsite’s most successful and memorable productions have been focused around Halloween – from last year’s Macbeth to the monochromatic musical Gorey Stories to Clive Barker’s History of the Devil. Fans of last year’s season opener, Hedwig and the Angry Inch, will certainly not want to miss this drag-tastic romp of a burlesque that also features Spencer Meyers, who played Hedwig, as a vampire hunter hot on the heels of our heroines.
Events
We’re happy to announce a partnership with the Ybor Youth Clinic for the Fri., Nov. 7 performance of Vampire Lesbians of Sodom. $10 from every full-priced admission will be donated back to this important community organization.
Nothing escapes the demolition by laughter … The audience laughs at the first line and goes right on laughing at every line to the end, and even at some of the silences. That’s no mean achievement. – New York Times
Critic Reviews
[Zachary Hines'] drag turn in the Charles Busch cult classic is like a master class in camp ... this production is marvelous fun that should be celebrated by all local theatergoers. Definitely see VLOS for the unapologetic mindless amusement and for camp done right. But mainly see it to experience one of the best performances of the year. – BroadwayWorld
Hines is ever-animated as he goes from sad, little sacrificial lamb, to fiery, classic Hollywood vamp, to a washed up, yet headstrong Las Vegas showgirl in 0 to 60. [Bohnenkamp] is a forceful spitfire, ready to take on any who would dare stand in her way. [She] leads each new persona with much of the same assuredness [...] it’s all so outlandish, but oh so enjoyable. – Only In Tampa Bay
Get a gaggle of salty friends together. Have a couple of cocktails. Throw some sass at the cast and the energy should be repaid in full [...] light and silly, like if vaudeville got a little drunk [...] The show is not for kids, but it's unlikely to seriously offend most [...] If you swap pearls for a sense of humor, you're going to have a great time at the show. – Tampa Bay Times
Busch's campy brand of depravity was perfectly executed ... [Summer Bohnenkamp] is a sheer delight onstage as one half of the eponymous duo; managing to create a fun blend of menacing and cattiness. As her nemesis [Zachary Hines] holds his own among the other Jobsite vets. – BroadwayWorld
outlandishly funny performances ... [Hines] is impressive in drag ... [Bohnenkamp] is calm, calculating and sure of herself ... the supporting cast, in multiple roles, is good ... a fun, silly romp – Tampa Tribune
a laugh-out-loud funny satire ... perhaps the show’s greatest feat is that by injecting the narrative with a good dose of silliness instead of sensuality, [it] is able to aim its biting wit at perhaps its most apt target -- the association of vampires with sex. From penis shaped spears to the more subtle wordplay, it runs the full gamut. – The Sunlit Tome
News
Cast & Crew
- David M. Jenkins – Director
- J. Elijah Cho – Music Director, Arrangements
- Matthew Ray – Stage Manager
Cast
- Summer Bohnenkamp – Succubus / Condesa
- J. Elijah Cho – Ali / Zack / Musician
- Zachary Hines – Virgin / Astarte
- Jamie Jones – Hujar / King Carlisle / Freddie
- Spencer Meyers – Oatsie / Danny
- Maggie Phillips – Renee Vain / P.J.
- Katrina Stevenson – Etienne / Tracy
Crew
- Kaylin Gess – Scenic and Lighting Design Assistant
- Joel Haker – Sound Consultant and Engineer
- David M. Jenkins – Video Designer
- Julia Rudgers – Assistant Stage Manager
- Brian M. Smallheer – Scenic and Lighting Designer
- Katrina Stevenson – Costume Designer
Costume Construction
- Blake High School Costume Shop – Costume Construction
- Taylor Burke – Costume Construction
- Danielle Goyco – Costume Construction
Patron Reviews
Absolutely the best. The preview, even with a few mishaps, was campy, bitchy, outrageous, and a laugh a minute. The double entendres and word depravity was enthralling. Was it a he or she? Was it shape shifting? And the incarnations up to Vegas in the 80s were enthralling – excellent acting with a very talented cast. Loved the production!! Jobsite Theatre (with the huge J an T intertwined on the set) has done itself proud yet again. – Sandra Roth
Fantastic preview show – we had a great time! – Lily Wei
just got home from [preview] it was great … A MUST SEE! – Charles Hampton
Vampire Lesbians of Sodom. Go! It was so amazingly funny. I highly recommend. – Amanda Firestone
WOW What a GREAT HALLOWEEN night. THANK YOU to David Jenkins and Jobsite Theater for an amazing show. Once more Jobsite Shows us why they are one of the top theatres in Tampa Bay. What a treat the timing impeccable the cast sublime. Students and Teachers run don’t walk to see this show. Perfect example of its type. Camp done so well you will be hard pressed to find any example that comes near it outside of busch’s in NYC. Thank you David and Jobsite for bringing us this Halloween treat! – Diana Rogers
What a talented cast. Everyone did a great job. We thoroughly enjoyed the show last night. – Eric Holsinger
Kudos to all for your most recent production! Loved the use of all the music. Great job J. Elijah Cho! – Lori Pate
vampire lesbians of sodom @jobsitetheater is excellent campy fun! #mustsee –@SouthTampaLily
A must see! – @lisah
Had a wonderful time at @jobsitetheater’s Vampire Lesbians of Sodom! Go see this show! The [My Chemical Romance] cover killed me. Thank you for the wonderful night of theatre! – @j0hnnyy
The show was fantastic! I loved it, great job! Congrats 🙂 – Kim Goodman
Great time @jobsitetheater Great show … my face hurts from smiling 🙂 #NotYourTypicalMomsNiteOut” – @stampdiva
Vampire Lesbians of Sodom kicked some major ass! And @tristanmagruder got a lap dance (but was that an unrelated thought??) #lovemedead” – @turkeycreekelementary
I had so much fun tonight at Vampire Lesbians of Sodom … It was total camp, lots of laughs and a GREAT cast. Thanks again to Jobsite Theater … We had a FANTASTIC time! – Lori Singleton
You’ve got another great show on your hands! – Jonathan Harrison
Congratulations Vampire Lesbians of Sodom!! Another show stopping performance […] This show will continue to sell out … BUY TICKETS NOW!! – Carmen Lusignan
We enjoyed a campy cauldron of creepy characters last evening at Jobsite Theatre’s Opening Night of Charles Busch’s VLOS! Congrats to everyone on a great show […] a ton o’ fun! – Brian D. Frey
Another very entertaining show last night! We loved it—–sooo super funny! Thank-you! – Dawn Elizabeth Hoffman
A stage full of charisma! Super camp. I love that theater. You can walk in with wine. – Rhonda Kay
Had great time seeing Vampire Lesbians of Sodom Laughed til I cried and there was catchy tunes! Must see folks! – @brandalay
Laughed until my sides hurt watching the final preview of Vampire Lesbians of Sodom last night at @jobsitetheater. Don’t miss this one folks – @critus
