What do you get when you combine a horror movie marathon with a mischeivous burlesque show? You get Nexus Rhinestone Massacre: A Burlesque Homage to Horror Movie Marathons. Produced by Eerie Events and helmed by Adelaide burlesque baddie Evie Eerie, a killer lineup of Adelaide’s finest burlesque performers pay homage to some of the most iconic horror films of all time through the devilishly delicious art of burlesque. Under the guidance of our charismatic late-night horror host, Mark Metaphor, this evening promises a spine-tingling blend of frights and delights. As the smoke machines and blacklights set the mood and the audience’s anticipation grows, we are invited to revel in a night of thrilling performances that blend sensuality with spookiness.
Mark Metaphor takes the stage as the “Macabre Master of Ceremonies”, donning a comical mishmash of Halloween costumes from years past. His endearing humour and playful references to each act’s horror inspiration set the tone for the night. With a keen ability to hint and allude to the films that each performance nods to, Mark skillfully navigates the audience through this thrilling lineup, making each transition smooth and engaging. His presence as the host adds a touch of warmth and personality, making the entire evening feel like a cozy, albeit eerie, gathering of horror enthusiasts.
Evie Eerie makes a haunting entrance from the back of the crowd, embodying the menacing Jason Vorhees from Friday the 13th. Clad in a rhinestone-encrusted hockey mask and a green military jacket with black jeans, her initial appearance is as chilling as it is mesmerising. Set to Alice Cooper’s He’s Back (The Man Behind the Mask), Evie stalks the stage with an air of eerie anticipation. Her teasing striptease reveals a two-piece set splattered with red glitter fake blood, culminating in a suggestive floor routine with her rhinestone machete. The act crescendos as she proudly removes her Jason Vorhees mask, embodying the horror icon with both sensuality and spine-tingling allure.
Duchess De Vil brings the sinister doll Annabelle from The Conjuring to life with a chilling performance set to Blue by The Birthday Massacre. Dressed in a white silk dress with red detailing and hair in plaits with red bows, an eerie monologue from paranormal investigator Ed Warren is delivered with an unsettling grace before she takes her place in a rocking chair. Her transformation from doll-like movements to cheeky dance sequences is so devilishly delightful to watch. As the act progresses, she discards her dress to reveal an ensemble of red sheer fabric and ouija-themed pasties, culminating in a macabre display of destruction with a teddy bear. Duchess’s final moments, writing a note with a red crayon and rocking ominously in her chair, leave an indelible impression of eerie elegance.
Vivienne Von Coffin’s portrayal of Baby Firefly from House of 1000 Corpses is a whirlwind of seductive energy. Entering from the audience, Vivienne chases a rabbit-clad character, creating an atmosphere of chaotic fun. As the soundtrack transitions from Run, Rabbit Run! to Rob Zombie’s aptly named House of 1000 Corpses, Vivienne reveals a nude-colored corset adorned with rhinestones. Her sultry floor work and playful use of a blade to slice open her corset and bra straps adds a layer of provocative drama. Vivienne’s performance is a testament to the power of combining horror and sensuality with artistic flair and gives a whole new meaning to the word “slasher”.
Dorian Courtisan delivers a burlesque twist on Freddy Krueger from A Nightmare on Elm Street. Their performance, set to I Touch Myself by Divinyls, is a playful yet sultry exploration of the iconic character. With a signature red and black striped top, matching stockings and claw-like glove, Dorian’s act involves a polished floor routine and a clever reveal of red teardrop-shaped rhinestoned pasties. The act’s highlight is a humorous and passionate embrace with Evie Eerie aka Jason Vorhees, nodding to the iconic spinoff Freddy vs. Jason, which adds an extra layer of comedic charm.
In a second act, Dorian embodies Herbert West from sci-fi horror flick Re-Animator based on the original story by H. P. Lovecraft. Performing to Weird Science by Oingo Boingo, Dorian’s entrance is illuminated by a striking blacklight effect, setting a lab-themed scene as they brandish a syringe of neon green liquid whilst wearing a neon slime splattered long white lab coat. The transformation from mad scientist to a seductive, blood-splattered entity demonstrates Dorian’s finely tuned skills in characterisation and storytelling. The act includes a playful interaction with a fake cadaver and ends with Dorian sporting long, lime green locks with matching green glittery pasties, culminating in a passionate dance with their undead creation, making for a memorable and creative homage to the horror genre.
Phoebe Ophidia’s portrayal of Jennifer Check from Jennifer’s Body is a tantalising tribute to the film’s iconic prom killing scene. The act opens with a daring lighter trick, followed by a teasing striptease that reveals a white lace ensemble. As the music transitions to Kill Of The Night by Gin Wigmore, Phoebe’s devilish floor routine and interaction with her prom date victim add an extra touch of theatricality. The act climaxes with Phoebe devouring a red jelly heart atop a silver platter, smearing fake blood all over herself and licking her fingers in a seductive nod to Jennifer’s monstrous appetite.
Letitia Stitch’s drop dead sexy portrayal of Ghostface from Scream is a masterclass in spooky slasher-themed seduction. Adorned in a rhinestone-studded Ghostface mask and a long black cloak, Letitia creates a chilling atmosphere with her fake knife (plot twist – also rhinestone encrusted) and slow, sensual reveals. The act’s highlight is the removal of her cloak and stockings to reveal a striking black and red lingerie ensemble with complete with red rhinestone blood droplets. The performance’s grand finale includes a humorous and dramatic return to the stage, showcasing Letitia’s ability to blend horror with burlesque in a captivating manner.
Diana Divine’s interpretation of Ash Williams from The Evil Dead is a comedic yet thrilling reenactment to watch. Accompanied by Heatherbell as Ash’s possessed girlfriend Linda, the performance starts with a dramatic struggle over the Necronomicon, aka the Book of The Dead. Diana’s dramatic transformation into a demonic entity with a red demon’s claw was beautifully chaotic and wild to watch – just like The Evil Dead movies. The high-energy finale, featuring the iconic chainsaw, adds a touch of theatrical flair. With Heatherbell’s reverent assistance as a supporting character and Diana’s triumphant performance as protagonist, this act becomes a memorable highlight of horror burlesque.
Saskia’s out of this world (quite literally) performance as the Xenomorph from Alien is a spectacularly creative act that combines horror with humour. Beginning with a recreation of the “Chestburster” scene, Saskia’s transformation into a burlesque Alien Xenomorph will leave you somewhere in between terrified and turned on – not to mention in complete and utter awe. The act’s finale, which sees Saskia crack open an Alien egg to pour green neon slime all over herself whilst illuminated under blacklight, offers a visually stunning and memorable end to the night. Saskia’s ability to blend physicality with thematic elements makes their performance a thrilling conclusion to the evening’s lineup of horrors (and hotties!)
For die-hard horror fans and horror-curious newcomers alike, Nexus Rhinestone Massacre is a thrilling celebration of all things mischeivous and macabre – with a sexy burlesque twist. This burlesque homage to horror films masterfully blends fright with flirtation, creating an unforgettable experience that will send shivers down your spine. Kudos to Evie Eerie and the team at Eerie Events for assembling such a stellar cast and delivering a spine-tingling performance that sets the stage for the spooky season. As a part of Feast Festival, Eerie Events’ next production, Nice ‘n’ Eerie Burlesk: A Queer Love Story to the Spooky Season, is being held on November 14th at Nexus Arts – stay tuned for tickets being released on the Feast Festival website soon!
Nexus Rhinestone Massacre
Date: Friday 13 September | 7:30pm
Location: Nexus Arts, Lion Arts Centre, 68 North Terrace, Adelaide SA 5000
Rating: ★★★★1/2
The Adelaide Insider 