The Enduring Allure of the Vampire in Contemporary Entertainment
Though myths of the undead returning to cause harm can be traced back to antiquity, the concept of the vampire – originating from the Serbian word “vampir” – gained prominence in Eastern European folklore during the early 18th century. This evolved into the image of an undecomposed reanimated corpse with fangs, rising at night to feed on the blood of the living, and potentially turning victims into vampires themselves. Currently, the vampire theme is experiencing a resurgence on stage and screen, with several new productions captivating audiences.
A Resurgence of Bloodsuckers
The 2025-26 season has seen a notable revival of vampire-themed works. Ryan Coogler’s critically acclaimed horror film, Sinners, has garnered multiple award nominations. Off-Broadway, Carey Renee Sharpe’s Blood/Love: A Vampire Pop Opera is playing a limited engagement at Theater 555 through May 10. Broadway audiences are anticipating The Lost Boys, a new musical based on the 1987 Warner Bros. Film, with previews beginning March 27 at the Palace Theatre and an official opening on April 26.
Further enriching the landscape, the Laurie Beechman Theatre in NYC hosted script-in-hand readings of two works-in-development this month: Black Watch Theatre Company’s “monster musical comedy” The Trouble with Dead Boyfriends by Annie Pulsipher and Alex Petti, and Weird Noises Media Group’s “barely historical musical” Vlad and The Impalers by Marc Erdahi and Ben Shooter. Industry presentations were too held for Vlad and The Impalers.
Behind the Scenes: Insights from Creators
Rachel Klein, director of The Trouble with Dead Boyfriends, and Marc Erdahi, creator of Vlad and The Impalers, shared their perspectives on the renewed interest in vampire narratives.
Do You Believe in Vampires?
Rachel: Oh, absolutely – at least that’s what I told myself when I pried myself out of my coffin this evening to stalk about in the night!
Marc: I reckon there are energy vampires and people who think like vampires: cunning, manipulative, and excessive. But I don’t think there are actual vampires. They are, although, a brilliant archetype and metaphor and sometimes allegory for exploring darker aspects of human nature.
Development and Inspiration
Rachel became involved with The Trouble with Dead Boyfriends in 2024, drawn to the story and characters. Marc Erdahi sought an anachronistic historical figure to reimagine, inspired by works like Hulu’s The Great and the comedic style of Monty Python.
The Appeal of the Subject Matter
Rachel, a self-described “horror head,” was captivated by the script’s cleverness and its themes of female friendship and self-discovery. Marc Erdahi saw the story of Vlad the Impaler as a relevant commentary on tyranny and the manipulation of historical narratives.
Plot Summaries
The Trouble with Dead Boyfriends follows Madison, a cheerleader who dabbles in black magic to find her perfect love, inadvertently summoning undead suitors – a Victorian vampire, a zombie, and a ghost – and forcing her and her best friends to confront their demons. Vlad and The Impalers reimagines the legend of Dracula as a Eurovision-style song contest, exploring themes of celebrity culture and “fake news.”
Why Vampires Now?
Rachel Klein believes the enduring appeal of vampires lies in their allure, mystery, and the historical weight they carry. Marc Erdahi suggests that vampires reflect our darker instincts and offer a fun lens through which to explore contemporary issues.
Hopes for Audiences
Rachel hopes audiences will enjoy the fun and electric energy of The Trouble with Dead Boyfriends and appreciate its message of friendship and self-agency. Marc Erdahi aims to entertain with Vlad and The Impalers, offering a humorous escape while subtly prompting reflection on the dangers of tyranny.
As Rachel and Marc noted, the vampire continues to fascinate and inspire, proving its enduring place in the cultural landscape.