Nu Sass Productions presented a Halloween-themed comedy burlesque for two nights only called Dr. Vagenstein’s House of Whorrors. The self-described “boo-lesque” show was performed by the local singing burlesque troupe The Sirens of Sin at the Comedy Loft in DC to a packed crowd. The performance area was in the upstairs space, past the bar, in a long room that had a lower tier with tables and chairs crammed in. A platform stage was erected in the far corner, with a dark backdrop covering each of the stage’s walls, illustrated with a spooky, science lab theme. The room was full and the mood was very lively, with tons of energy and expectation. ‘Dr. Vagenstein’s House of Whorrors’ show art courtesy of Nu Sass Productions. The storyline was very loosely based on Frankenstein with assorted characters borrowed from other monster movies, like Mothman and Swamp Thing. Host Jesse Blathers (Jack Rabbit) played a news anchor of sorts, sitting off to the side and setting up each scene. Leo Lovegood was Field Reporter Jack on assignment to look into the bizarre stories of creature sightings in the DMV, all appearing to originate from the secret lab of Dr. Vagenstein (played by Jules Galore). Jack meets a myriad of these mutated life forms and discovers that Dr. Vagenstein is creating them for her own pleasure and sexually deviant interests. Adding to the suspense is the disappearance of Jack’s coworker, (Ghost) Joanne (Carmina Nirvana), who was the previous investigator on the same case but mysteriously disappeared and was never heard from again. As each character was introduced, they had featured songs from a mixed bag of hits like Lizzo’s “Truth Hurts,” Chappell Roan’s “Feminomenon,” and Taylor Swift’s “Who’s Afraid of Little Ol’ Me?” The numbers were performed in a karaoke-esque manner but with some altered lyrics to fit the theme. My favorite being Dr. Vagenstein’s “Mon-ster” adapted from Cabaret’s forceful “Mein Herr.” The collage of disfigured beings also included Lady Rocket as the Bride of Vagenstein, Venus Star-Trap as Abby Normal/Swamp Thot, Emerald Sprankers as Mothman, and Zaza Galore as The Werewolf. Plus, what scary beast story is complete without a Monster Hunter? Ruth Bader Sinsburg fortunately filled those shoes with confidence, strength, and a streak of carnal curiosity. The tone of the show was very playful and light. No one took themselves too seriously and everyone, performers and audience alike, was there just to have a sexy, good time. The script, co-written by Emerald Sprankers, Ruth Bader Sinsburg, and Green Bay Greta, was chock full of sexual innuendos, tongue-in-cheek comments, and punny language. And there were many memorable moments, like Ghost Joanne’s operatic and lamentful covering of Mozart’s “Lacrimosa.” And The Werewolf’s (Zaza Galore) hilarious version of Kesha’s “Cannibal.” The Sirens of Song’s Dr. Vagenstein’s House of Whorrors was a fun experience, with a lot of leg and even more laughs. Many in the crowd had dressed up for the occasion in different costumes and corsets, waiting for the talent to bare their … hearts. If you are looking for deep and insightful theater with emotional depth and introspection, then this group is not for you. But if you want a unique experience, and a bawdy and silly good time, then Nu Sass Productions’ recent showing was the spot to be. Running Time: Approximately two hours, with one 15-minute intermission. Dr. Vagenstein’s House of Whorrors played October 6 and 13, 2024, presented by Nu Sass Productions performing at The Comedy Loft of DC – 1523 22nd St NW, Washington, DC. For more information and future events produced by Nu Sass or performed by the Sirens of Song, visit their website. 18+ only. CAST Jules Galore as Dr. Vagenstein; Leo Lovegood as Field Reporter Jack; Jack Rabbit as Host Jesse Blathers; Ruth Bader Sinsburg as the Monster Hunter; Lady Rocket as the Bride of Vagenstein; Venus Star-Trap as Abby Normal/Swamp Thot; Emerald Sprankers as Mothman; Carmina Nirvana as Ghost Joanne; Za za Galore (no relation to Jules) as The Werewolf CREATIVE TEAM Written by Emerald Sprankers, Ruth Bader Sinsburg, and Green Bay Greta; Director: Jules Galore; Technical Director: Bryan Arminio; Set Design & Audience Pre-show Entertainer: Joe Largess SONG LIST “Truth Hurts,” Leo Lovegood, re-written lyrics also by Leo, orig. Lizzo “What’s This,” Leo Lovegood, re-written also by Leo, orig. “What’s This” from Danny Elfman and Nightmare Before Christmas “Pheminomenon,” rewritten lyrics also by Monster Truther, orig. Chappell Roan “Los Ageless,” rewritten by Monster Truther, orig. St. Vincent Mothman’s re-write of Taylor Swift’s “Who’s Afraid of Little Ol’ Me?” Werewolf’s rendition of Kesha’s “Cannibal” “Spooky,” Abby Normal orig. by Mike Shapiro and JR Cobb DrV’s “Mon-ster,” orig. “Mein Herr” from Cabaret DrV’s rewritten from Duff’s “Mercy” “Ghost Joanne,” rewritten Lacrimosa Mozart “Ghost Joanne,” rewritten Tori Amos “Happy Phantom” “Swamp Thot” (Abby Normal) rewrite of Absofacto’s “Dissolve” “Monsters Back” rewrite of “Backstreet’s Back” by the Backstreet Boys