Sirens, flashing police strobe lights, blazing flames, warning signs, creepy bellows . . . such a collection of omens would perhaps intimidate some to run for cover, maybe find a crucifix and a wreath of raw garlic for protection.
Yet all was harmless entertainment themed after a post-doomsday wasteland where zombies party, dark overlords rule and the undead are a happy bunch that raise cash for a handful of organizations that keep Houston interesting.
All was harmless entertainment themed after a post-doomsday wasteland where zombies party, dark overlords rule and the undead are a happy bunch that raise cash.
The 200 plus soulless corpses who dared enter East End's Frenetic Theater to join FrenetiCore's and Houston Zombie Walk's second annual "Apocalypse Ball" encountered a half art showcase, half wild costume party in benefit of the sixth annual Houston Fringe Festival, set for Oct. 2 to 6, and to raise awareness about the upcoming Houston Zombie Walk, titled "The Rocking Dead," on Oct. 19.
The late night soiree included selections from FrenetiCore Dance's sold out Rite of Summer spectacle, sexy presentations by the Houston Burlesque Revue, daring fire choreography courtesy of ChinaCat Dance and bizarre feats by Jim Mackenzie, whose ability to shove long scissors up his nostrils had onlookers cringing in awe.
In between the wild performances, party goers perused visual art by Rachel Harmeyer and hubby Bret, Kyle Fu and artists of Zen Art Space, while Classical Theatre Company's Blair Knowles played fortune teller for the evening.
Sustenance donated by Zombie Zin, Bud Light, Saint Arnold Brewing Company, Glazers, Naked Grape, Canopy, Ninfa's and Zeapod Cakery, whose three-layer harlequin-gone-wrong indulgence took the cake (pun intended), bolstered the throng of young philanthropists to party strong until midnight.
Rising from the ashes were zombie chief Darren Tompkins in formals, FrenetiCore Dance artistic director Rebecca French, Mollie Miller, Adam Walker, Greg Dean, James Glassman, Paul Pettie, Kari Govin, David Nguyen, Kim Stoilis, Vinny Huckaba, Rachel Stodder, Dave Kellogg and Steve Hager.
ChinaCat Dance performing at the Apocalypse Ball.
