Long before Elvira, TV’s first horror host, Vampira, titillated and terrified 1950s America.

Now, 20-time award-winning fringe ghoul Ingrid Garner resurrects this fascinating forgotten icon, and the mercurial life of her creator, Maila Nurmi, in an electrifying multimedia performance!

Join us for an evening of Hollywood legend followed by a B-Movie screening!

“Fans of horror, camp, the counter culture and the golden age of Hollywood will all find shivers of delight! ” — Orlando Sentinel

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A HOLLYWOOD HORROR STORY

Written & Performed by Ingrid Garner

SYNOPSIS

(60min) (Recommended Ages 18+)

Since her humble beginnings as the daughter of Finnish temperance evangelists, Maila Nurmi felt like an alien in post-war America. In an era where women were expected to land the supporting role in a nuclear family, she was determined to become a star in her own right. After years of languishing as a failed actress and housewife, she wins the costume contest at the “Bal Caribe” masquerade, dressed as Morticia from “The Addams Family” cartoons. Little does she know that a young TV producer in attendance has been desperately searching for a host for his late-night horror films. Thrilled by the gig, but unwilling to steal Charles Addams character, she concocts a new persona.

A true Cinderella-meets-Frankenstein tale, she stitches together a creature from her dark idols: the Evil Queen in “Snow White”, Norma Desmond in “Sunset Boulevard” and the pin-up models from BDSM magazines. During Hollywood’s most pivotal year, Vampira satirizes the ideals of 50s femininity while orbited by the likes of James Dean, Marilyn Monroe, Marlon Brando, Liberace, Orson Welles, Elvis Presley and Anthony Perkins.

While Maila’s fame was short lived, Vampira has been endlessly exhumed by each new generation of misfits she inspired. From the Beatniks and Bohemians to, later, the Goth, Punk, and queer communities. Today, as the corset of mid-century conservatism returns to stifle those who defy conformity, Maila’s punk parable screams a thrilling reminder about the power of individuality and rebellion.

CONTENT WARNINGS: Burlesque, Sexual Content, Death, Eating Disorders, Swearing, Quick and extremely vague reference to sexual assault, brief flashing lights and loud sounds.

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REVIEWS:

“Garner’s inspirational interpretation of the iconoclast against mid-century domesticity will make you wanna go out and ”terrorize normalcy” yourself.” — Orlando Weekly

“Top-Tier” — Orlando Theatre Review

“Spectacular” — Eat More Art Vegas

★★★★★ “Oh my god, what an amazing show!” —League of Cincy Theaters

"Dazzling in every regard" —Alberta Youth Theatre Collective

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Contact the host of the Bug Theatre