An immersive vampire rock Popera takes over the Croisette, setting the stage for a potential 2026 NYC debut.
In a cinematic twist on traditional stagecraft, Blood/Love made a striking entrance into the cultural zeitgeist with a memorable live experience during this year’s Cannes Film Festival. Staged on May 17 at the opulent Villa des Étoiles, just steps from the iconic Carlton Hotel, the production offered a fresh take on what it means to premiere theater on a global scale.
Blurring the line between performance and presence, this one-night-only theatrical event fused vampire mythology, rock opera vibes, and couture aesthetics into a largely immersive world. Created by visionary artist Carey Sharpe, the event felt more like a portal—one that invited guests into the pulsing, sensual universe of Blood/Love.
“This isn’t just a show, it’s an experience,” said Sharpe. “To announce our New York run of Blood/Love during Cannes, in this way, feels like a natural fit. We wanted to create a full-body experience where emotion, fashion, and fantasy could resonate in every corner. This show stands apart, and launching it in this way aligns with what we aim to embody with the production.”
Sharpe’s ambitious concept came alive in both form and feeling. Grammy-nominated musician Dru DeCaro added emotional depth to the evening with an electrifying set of original songs, scored live through the villa’s candlelit halls and velvet-draped rooms. His music became the heartbeat of the evening—raw, melodic, and deeply evocative.
As the main performance gave way to the night’s second act, the villa transformed into a lavish after-dark fantasy. Andrea Fabrizii, known for his work as A&R and Catalogue Curator at CAM Sugar, curated a cinematic DJ set that kept the energy elevated as guests sipped bespoke cocktails and indulged in casino-style games under the glint of French chandeliers. A curated selection of wine, courtesy of Massa Wine and Château Les Preyres, enhanced the sensory experience with refined, French sophistication.
The guest list featured A-list pedigree and avant-garde flair. Academy Award winner Cuba Gooding Jr. and Yellowstone’s Ian Bohen brought Hollywood gravitas, while Selling Sunset stars Jason Oppenheim and Jessica Vargas added a dash of Netflix glamour. International style icon Hofit Golan, music artist Shannon K, Lady Victoria Hervey, and producer Maria Soccor contributed to the night’s rich tapestry of fame and fashion. Actress Elizabeth Guest’s appearance with her parents, Pamela and Nicholas Guest, added a touching, multigenerational element to the affair.
Adhering to a dress code that encouraged attendees to “Dress to Slay,” guests embraced the theme with high-drama fashion statements: corseted gowns, moody palettes, and editorial-level beauty that transformed the villa into a catwalk within a dreamscape. Gothic elegance was on full display, with every corner of the venue acting as an extension of the show’s fantastical aesthetic.
In a festival famed for opulent premieres and global cinema, Blood/Love carved its own lane, suggesting a new genre of theatrical marketing that speaks directly to the senses. Rather than traditional press tours, the production announced itself through a visceral experience, demonstrating that the power of performance can extend far beyond the proscenium.
“This isn’t theater as usual,” as one attendee remarked. And that’s the point.
After receiving attention from Secret Los Angeles, Cultural Daily, and BroadwayWorld, the buzz surrounding Blood/Love continues to grow as it eyes its 2026 New York debut. Its Cannes outing wasn’t just a teaser—it was a statement. A glimpse that, in the right hands, the boundaries between stage and screen, event and experience, can blur beautifully.
At Cannes, Blood/Love didn’t just entertain—it left a lasting impression. And as Broadway prepares for its arrival, the Croisette may find itself forever marked by its brush with the darkly divine.
