What do you do when you have a creative passion that’s been simmering in the background, waiting to be unleashed? For Carey Renee Sharpe, a former nurse and mom of two who also happens to be a violinist and singer, the answer was simple: write and star in her own original vampire musical. BLOOD/LOVE, a sultry pop opera, made its debut in New York this spring, and it’s a show that will leave you breathless and eager for more.
Meet the Creator: Carey Renee Sharpe
At 42, Sharpe has had a career that’s spanned over a decade, taking care of others as a pediatric critical care nurse. But after a major life change, she found herself in desperate need of a creative outlet to fill her own cup. And so, BLOOD/LOVE was born. With the help of her co-writer and Grammy-nominated musician Dru DeCaro, Sharpe worked for five years developing the musical, melding her real-life experiences with her favorite classic vampire lore to create something totally and completely original.
From Vampire Lore to Musical Theater
Sharpe’s journey as a first-time musical theater creator is a fascinating one. She’s drawn from her own experiences as a woman navigating the world, and her love of classic vampire lore. “I’ve heard the term ‘mid-life awakening’ instead of mid-life crisis, and I have certainly experienced that, both in my professional and personal life,” she shares. Per Sharpe: “Valerie has reinvented herself many times over, but she still longs for something more.” This sense of longing and searching is at the heart of BLOOD/LOVE, a show that will resonate with anyone who’s ever felt like they’re searching for something more.
The Birth of BLOOD/LOVE
So, how did Sharpe go from being a nurse to creating a vampire musical? It’s a story of passion and perseverance. “After spending over a decade taking care of others, I was in desperate need of a creative outlet to fill my own cup,” she admits. “It sounded really crazy in the beginning,” but Sharpe knew that she had to take the leap. And so, she did. Working with DeCaro, Sharpe spent five years developing the musical, pouring her heart and soul into every detail. The result is a show that’s both a love letter to vampire lore and a deeply personal exploration of what it means to be human.
The Vampire Pop Opera
BLOOD/LOVE is a decadent romp, with a stage designed to look and feel like the city’s hottest club. The show follows the world’s first vampire, Valerie (Sharpe), as she searches for meaning on a milestone birthday: her 1,000th. It’s a chance to explore the world of vampire lore in a way that’s both familiar and fresh, with a dash of rock and pop thrown in for good measure. And with Valerie’s violin playing live on stage, you’ll be on the edge of your seat from the opening notes to the final bow.
Why You’ll Love BLOOD/LOVE
So, what makes BLOOD/LOVE such a must-see show? For starters, it’s a chance to experience something entirely new and original. With a fast-paced 83 minutes, you’ll be entertained and captivated from start to finish. And with a post-show after-party and DJ set, you’ll have the chance to mingle with the cast and crew and really make the evening your own. It’s the perfect excuse for your next much-needed mom’s night out, or a chance to treat yourself to a night of unforgettable entertainment.
Get Ready to Sink Your Teeth In
BLOOD/LOVE runs through May 10, so be sure to get your tickets soon. With a sultry pop opera that’s both a love letter to vampire lore and a deeply personal exploration of what it means to be human, this show is not to be missed. And with Sharpe’s years of formal training as a violinist and singer, you’ll be treated to a performance that’s both stunning and unforgettable.
Meet the Cast and Crew
With a talented cast and crew behind BLOOD/LOVE, you can be sure that you’re in for a treat. From the producers to the musicians, everyone involved in this show has poured their heart and soul into bringing it to life. And with a chance to meet the cast and crew after the show, you’ll have the chance to really make the evening your own.
Conclusion
So, what do you do when you have a creative passion that’s been simmering in the background, waiting to be unleashed? For Carey Renee Sharpe, the answer was simple: write and star in her own original vampire musical. BLOOD/LOVE is a show that will leave you breathless and eager for more, with a decadent romp of a story, stunning violin playing, and a chance to experience something entirely new and original. Get your tickets soon, and be sure to sink your teeth into this unforgettable night of entertainment.
Practical Tips for Following Your Creative Passion
So, what can we learn from Carey Sharpe’s journey as a first-time musical theater creator? Here are a few practical tips for following your own creative passion:
- Take the leap: Sharpe’s journey is a testament to the power of taking a chance and following your heart. Whether it’s writing a musical or starting a new business, it’s never too late to take the leap.
- Be persistent: Sharpe worked for five years developing BLOOD/LOVE, pouring her heart and soul into every detail. This kind of perseverance is key to bringing your creative vision to life.
- Draw from your experiences: Sharpe’s love of vampire lore and her own experiences as a woman navigating the world are woven throughout BLOOD/LOVE. Drawing from your own experiences is a great way to add depth and authenticity to your creative work.
- Take risks: Sharpe’s decision to create a vampire musical was certainly a risk, but it’s paid off in a big way. Taking risks is often necessary to create something truly original and unforgettable.
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