‘Thriller’ dance party and more stuff to do this Halloween!

If there’s one thing you can bank on at Halloween, it’s that the evening will bring out Vancouver’s crackerjack squads of burlesque dancers.

We’ve already mentioned the upcoming burlesque tribute to Alice Cooper. But at least two more Halloween-themed burlesque-type shows, including a variation on the Rocky Horror Picture Show, are coming up. And, if that’s not enough to get you off the couch and away from your six-pack of craft pumpkin ale, then maybe a Thriller-style dance party will do the trick.

Richard O’Brien’s The Rocky Horror Show – Vancouver’s The Geekenders “nerdlesque” troupe presents the live stage show that inspired one of the most famous cult movies ever. The 1975 musical, which went on to wow midnight movie crowds for decades after its release, was originally based on a 1973 stage show by Richard O’Brien (who later played Riff Raff in the movie). That’s the version audiences will see (more or less; apparently, some changes have been made to the language to reflect changing attitudes) Oct. 27-29 at the Rio Theatre (1660 E. Broadway). The production that features a live band as well as the singing, dancing and acting Geekenders (Star Wars: A Nude Hope) themselves. Showtimes are 8 p.m. Oct 27, 8 and 11 p.m. Oct 28, and Oct 29 at 8 p.m. Tickets $20 in advance at riotheatretickets.ca or $25 at the door.

The Lost Girls Burlesque presents Halloween Mayhem – The Lost Girls describe their fourth annual Halloween show Oct. 31 at the Fox Cabaret (2321 Main St.) as “guaranteed to be oozing with ghoulish fantasy and fiendish babes.” Performers in the Vancouver burlesque troupe include Veronica Vex, Nite Mare, Justine Sane, Junglekat, Calamity Kate, and Bunny Sumthin. Special guests include Melody Mangler and Voodoo. Tickets are $15 in advance at eventbrite.com. Lost Girls is an early show (9 – 10:30 p.m.); following the performance, the Fox is hosting Thriller, an ’80s-themed Halloween dance party. Get your tickets here.