88 Photos of Theatre Bizarre’s Sexy Deviltry and Decadence

Our photographer in Detroit, Marcie Killian-Connally of Pink Moon Photography, suggested that this yearly event would be an ideal Halloween seasonal offering. She has great taste and takes great photos.

Since finding its permanent home at Detroit's Masonic Temple (the largest in the world), Theatre Bizarre has been offering progressively grander and more decadent events to those lucky enough to get a ticket. In late October each year, thousands of elaborately clad and eager attendees fill the carved stone hallways of the labyrinthine tower as they move throughout the night from one indescribable performance to another. The biggest challenge facing Theatre Bizarre has always been capacity. And now it has solved the problem in grand style.

The Grand Preview Gala offers a whole new, far more intimate Theatre Bizarre experience. With just a few hundred attendees (as opposed to the thousands who attend the main event), the night is an elegant affair with an open bar, strolling dinner, and valet parking included in the price of admission. Gala guests enjoyed selected performances from past shows, highlights from this year's show, and exclusive sets created especially for that night only. Costumed attendees followed a trail of fire-eaters, burlesque performers, and musical acts on the evening's path through the transformed historic site.

"The event is based on a world we have created over the years," explains Theatre Bizarre's creative lead, John Dunivant. "What started out as a backyard party with a bunch of friends has turned into a critically acclaimed, enveloping production that has been referred to as a 'cultural institution' by the Miami Foundation. We have also received grants from the Kresge Foundation, the Knight Foundation, and others. We will honor these grants and recognition and continue to push forward to create a new and immersive experience unlike anything else in the world."

This year Theatre Bizarre hosted two spectacular weekends. Two consecutive Fridays in October (the 12th and 19th) saw the exclusive Gala Masquerade. The Historic Event was held on the two consecutive Saturdays, October 13 and 20. Check the Theatre Bizarre site so you can make plans for next year. Be sure also to go to the FAQ page; it makes a great read.