Artist Spotlight >>>
Cast of Love Is Dead

If you come to the Historic Masonic Temple on a weeknight, there’s always a chance you can find a small congregation of creatives working on anything from personal craft projects to stage plays to guitar lessons. Lately, a rowdy band of cosplayers, actors, artists, and models have taken over the Red Room at the HMT to collaborate on a group art project unlike anything they’ve taken part in before.

 

Love Is Dead is an immersive art experience that showcases horror and tragic romance in literature, film, and pop culture. Invited guests are ushered into a Living Art Gallery where scenes from some of their favorite horror classics come alive. Once inside the Gallery, guests can take photos (no flash, please), interact with certain scenes, or simply sit and watch the show unfold.

 

The Living Art Gallery takes over an hour to explore, but the evening isn’t over yet. Love Is Dead ends the night with a splashy horror-themed runway show featuring models and designers from all over the state of Michigan. Guests will get a front-row seat as models take the runway by storm in hand-crafted, DIY garments inspired by horror’s greatest–Bram Stoker, Mary Shelley, Stephen King and more. The Love Is Dead fashion show is honored to be featuring CRUNE, an occult-inspired horror dance music group from Detroit who will be playing a live set as our models walk the runway.

 

But don’t take this writer’s word for it. We interviewed a few of the cast members from Love Is Dead–Brightyn Henika who plays the sinister Dr. Jekyll AND Mr. Hyde, Brittney Buchinger who has stepped into the iconic role of the Sea Witch from Hans Christian Andersen’s the Little Mermaid, and Krissy Longoria, who plays a Vampire Bride with infectious allure. All three of these artists have plenty to say for those who still have questions:

 

What interested you the most about taking part in Love Is Dead?

 

Brightyn: Aside from the name itself, the idea of being able to put a fresh and exciting spin on some of the most well-renowned tales and stories.

Brittney: As a cosplayer I love the opportunity to bring my art and creative characters to life and being able to share those creations with people is amazing.

Krissy: Truthfully, working with Randi (the director) and the HMT. Aside from that, the options and creativity are an opportunity I couldn't miss!                    

 

How has Love Is Dead challenged or inspired you as an artist?

 

Brittney: The biggest challenge has definitely been piecing together a concept in my brain as opposed to just cosplaying an existing character with my own twists. I'm taking multiple versions of a character and creating my own new version which has really brought me great creative challenges.

Brightyn: It's pushed me to expand my horizons with both ideas and mediums, as well as creating cool combinations! My looks had me creating things in 4 different mediums to bring them together, and it's cool to let that be part of the process.

Krissy: Getting out of my comfort zone or the "norm". Having the freedom to bring something to life in a way we feel the characters is an honor.

 

What do you love about your character or runway look?

 

Krissy: I love exploring my own sensuality! Again, getting out of that "acceptable norm" in all ways possible.

Brightyn: The dualities of both! Being Jekyll and Hyde, as well as Hansel and Gretel (on the runway), and showcasing so many facets, emotions, and personalities into them allows for so much movement, acting, and expression!

Brittney: The base concept behind choosing my character and creating her was a dress I owned. I love that I took a dress and surrounded a whole character concept around one central piece of clothing. I can't wait to bring this edgy version of this character out for everyone to enjoy.

 

What do you hope guests take away from this experience?

 

Brittney: I hope guests have an amazing experience with everything this show has to offer and leave wanting more. This will be a very fun, new experience coming to Bay City and I hope it brings everyone out to have a fun night.

Krissy:  I hope people walk away completely in love with art, passion, and themselves. 

Brightyn: I hope they feel inspired and captivated by being able to experience such a cool event!

 

Love Is Dead is directed by Randi Dalton and premieres Saturday, March 1st at 7pm at the Historic Masonic Temple in downtown Bay City. Tickets are on sale now and there will be no tickets sold at the door–so get them while you can. This event is 21 and up.