However that is exactly what Steve Steinman's Vampires Rock show is. It has been around for a few years now gaining a loyal following, which has built up to such an extent that this independently produced show is able to fill concert halls and arenas with ease.
Even though it may sound boring on paper, in reality it is an incredible show with a full band of very talented musicians, singers, and backing dancers. All of which keep you mesmerised throughout the evening.
Over the years Steve Steinman (vocalist) who plays Baron Von Rockula has tried to keep the Dracula looks for bride story fresh and vibrant by attracting special guests to appear in the show. Last year it was ex-Twisted Sister guitarist Eddie O'Jeda who had an incredible impact on the dynamics of the show, and this year the special guest was Toyah Wilcox.
Before seeing the show, I was wondering why Steve had chosen Toyah to have a part in the show, I certainly wouldnt have classed her as being suitable for rock music, thankfully though after watching the show, I walked away in awe of Toyahs vocal ability. Even today she is able to produce an incredibly powerful vocal attack on the senses.
For those of you who have still not seen this show, the story is about a naïve singer by the name of Pandora Rosie Honeybox who turns up for an audition to become the singer for the band at the Live and Let Die club in New York.
During the auditions the club owner Baron Von Rockula (Steve Steinman) takes a great interest in Pandora and through his powers of hypnosis he manages to persuade her to become his wife.
This story unfolds whilst interjected with classic rock songs such as 'Welcome to the Jungle', 'Highway To Hell', 'Bat Out Of Hell' and 'Total Eclipse Of The Heart'. Yes at times the dialogue before the songs is quite cheesy, but witty.
With Steve being the main star in the Meat Loaf Story shows, Vampires Rock is littered with song references to Meat Loaf, for example like when Stringfellow (Baron Von Rockulas bartender) is talking to Pandora and said something along the lines of "For Crying Out Loud, I didn't think you would make it in time" or when he is explaining to her that she had better get out of the club quickly and, "run like a... Bat Out Of Hell". Admittedly the show thrives on being witty and at times cheesy, but it does it in an entertaining way, which keeps you enthralled.
Throughout the evening Baron Von Rockula talks to the crowd in such away that he makes you feel part of the show, and above all I think it is this ability to make everyone in the room feel special that gains Vampires Rock a loyal following.
Toyah Wilcox as the Devil Queen, came across as confident, at times scary, but very convincing in the part she was playing, and not only does she deserve all the praise and limelight, she has raised the profile of this show to a new level which has gained it the exposure that this show truly deserves.
In fact even though Mr Steinman has got a brilliant voice, Toyah did outshine him on the duets, her vocal ability is in a league of its own, and one can only hope that Steve tries to keep her in the show for next year.
The music is faultless, and during the interludes in-between songs when the actors stray away from the script or start to laugh, in any other show it would be criticised, however in this show it seems to fit in nicely and makes it even more enjoyable.
Unashamedly cheesy, at times witty, and great music throughout performed by a talented set of musicians, this is good family entertainment at its best. Guaranteed to leave you with a smile that stretches from ear to ear.
The only question is, who will be the special guest be next year?
article by: Luke Seagrave
published: 04/11/2008 13:11
FUTURE GIGS
sorry, we currently have no gigs listed for this act.