American Idol Sells His Soul

Constantine Maroulis, the American Idol finalist and Tony-nominated actor, will star in the new vampire rock popera, Blood/Love, taking place on Monday, January 15 at Joe's Pub (425 Lafayette Street) in NYC.

Joining him on stage for the one-night-only, two-performance, event will be Jelani Remy (currently starring in Broadway's Back To The Future) and the Grammy-nominated Courtney Reed (currently in Broadway's Moulin Rouge!). The show’s creator, Carey Sharpe, will star opposite Maroulis in the lead female role.

Directed by Daniel LeClaire with musical direction by Nicholas Connell, Blood/Love spins a tale of love, friendship, heartbreak and betrayal. Audiences are plunged into the world of “The Crimson,” a gothic and decadent nightclub where ageless vampires consort among the living. Among them is Valerie Bloodlove, Satan's former queen who has been banished to roam the earth for eternity. Despite the unwavering encouragement of her vampire confidants, Cleo and Ezra, Valerie’s exile from hell leaves her in despair and longing for a deeper purpose in death. She fortuitously meets a troubled human named Anzik.

Anzik, played by Constantine Maroulis, has traded his soul to the devil in exchange for supernatural musical talents and fame. He now bears the burden of a wish turned to a curse and may not survive his Faustian bargain unless the fallen queen can somehow save him from the king of all demons.

“After three years of development, we are thrilled to premiere Blood/Love in New York City,” says Carey Sharpe. She conceived the idea for Blood/Love in October 2019 and wrote the show with Dru Decaro, Erin Boehme, and Adam “Snake” Kobylarz. “New York theatre-goers are in for a real spectacle as we transform the historic Joe’s Pub into an immersive vampire world.”

Director Daniel LeClaire, an actor who performed in the original touring casts of The Book of Mormon and Hairspray!, agrees. “Blood/Love shines a light on a dark underworld that has never been seen before," he says. “Constantine and the rest of the cast are simply spellbinding in their roles.”

Constantine Maroulis rocked his way from American Idol to Broadway fame in Rock of Ages and Jekyll and Hyde. His third studio album, Until I’m Wanted, released in 2020. Last year, he released the hit singles "Daydream" and "Comeback". He lives in New Jersey with his daughter, Malena.

Courtney Reed is best known for originating the role of Princess Jasmine in Disney's smash Broadway hit Aladdin, in which she received a Grammy nomination. She made her Broadway debut in Mamma Mia! and was part of the closing company of the Tony Award Winning Musical, In The Heights. Ms. Reed is currently starring on Broadway in Moulin Rouge!.

Jelani Remy has starred in numerous Broadway shows including Ain’t Too Proud, Smokey Joes Café, The Lion King, and Cabaret. He is currently starring on Broadway in Back To The Future.

Erin Boeme and Timothy Lanier are understudies for the lead roles and will also provide backing vocals. Jonathan and Oksana Platero (Dancing With The Stars, So You Think You Can Dance?) are the show's choreographers and will appear as key dancers.

There will be two performances on Monday, January 15: 5:30pm (doors open at 5pm) and 9:30pm (doors open at 9pm). Joe's Pub is located at 425 Lafayette Street (at Astor Place). Tickets for Blood/Love at Joe’s Pub are $20 to $30 each (plus a two drink or one food item minimum, per person) and available here.