Murderous Starlets, and can we talk about A.I?

The Story Behind “Murderous Starlets”

Murderous Starlets was more than just a show; it became a phenomenon. It did so well that it inspired countless characters and ideas I created afterward. The whole experience was like a creative explosion, and honestly, I’m still in awe of what we pulled off. Not only was it nominated for What’s On Dubai’s Best Dinner Show, but it also set the tone for what my immersive theater shows could look like.

Murder at the Burlesque was my first immersive musical, and Murderous Starlets became the culmination of all the trials and errors I learned from that experience. This was also the show where the Louboutin team came to scout, leading to the show I created for them, which became its own creative milestone.

Set in a 1930s Hollywood "Film Noir" bar on the Paramount Pictures backlot, Murderous Starlets was packed with drama, intrigue, and that old-school glamour that just pulls you in. It wasn’t just about the story—it was about making people feel like they were stepping into another world. A strict dress code and pre-show communications were just the teaser for what lay ahead.

How “Starlets” Came to Life

After the success of Murder at the Burlesque, Inna the marketing director and the bonnie to my Clyde pushed me, we wanted to go bigger, better, and way more detailed. With Starlets, we didn’t just build a show; we built a world.

Booking confirmation and dress code.

I specifically wrote a role for Eleonora Barbarecini after she told me she was available it was her availability to join that inspired the genre and tone of the show. Her talent demanded a character as dynamic as she is. Inna, the marketing genius behind Paramount Hotels’ opening team, was my biggest supporter throughout Murderous Starlet creation and entire run. She motivated me, pushed me to make the show the best it could possibly be, and was there every step of the way. Without her marketing, Murderous Starlets wouldn’t have achieved the level of success it did.

Eleonora Barbarecini as Valentina De Luca

The venue, Flashback Speakeasy, transformed completely into a fictional bar called Guido’s a bar that used to be a speakeasy on the Paramount Pictures lot. I replaced every portrait in the restaurant with custom ones I filmed and edited myself. These weren’t just decorations they were alive, moving portraits dripping with clues. Each portrait revealed something about the character it represented.

Valentina was caught mid-song. Lucy was slipping off her wedding ring. Misty was reading papers about being cut out of Guido’s will. Rose, the most mysterious of all, was rubbing her stomach while holding a rose a subtle nod to her affair with Guido and their secret. At the center was Guido’s portrait, with that same rose from Roses's portrait casually placed on his table. If you looked closely (or long enough), Lucy might even pop up to whisper something in his ear and walk away.

This show was also where Alaska my assistant on paper but I called her my daughter, she asked me if I could start writing her into the performances after she asked if she could be in them. I created a silent role for her to help her practice improv skills. She played a silent screen actress who knew who killed Guido but couldn’t speak or write, adding another layer of mystery and engagement for the audience.

Alaska is Daisy

The Cast That Made It Work

The cast of Murderous Starlets was a big part of what made it unforgettable. Each actor stepped into their larger-than-life roles, bringing their own flair. Since the show ran for so long, multiple actors had the chance to shine, giving the roles new dimensions with every performance.

First and foremost, Eleonora Barbarecini. I wrote the character of Valentina De Luca specifically for her. Eleonora has this regal energy and a voice that stops you in your tracks. Every time she sang, it felt like the entire room was holding its breath. She was Valentina, and she had to sing "Maybe This Time" from Cabaret. She did, and it was a massive highlight of the production.

Lexie, a fan favorite since Burlesque, returned and brought her unmatched charm. LaRudche, who had been a season favorite as Roxy in Burlesque, stepped into the role of Rose and delivered a performance that was both heartbreaking and hilarious. She really brings a different energy into the room.

Monique, who has been in every show I have directed under the "Murder at the Speakeasy" show series, played the role of Misty Corleone, fiery and full of life as always. The bombshell Ayesha Reid, ultimately took on the role of Lucy. Ayesha came on the last three months of my show "Burlesque" and I was hooked, her improvisational skills and character interpretation are such a unique style of acting, she somehow always maintains her fresh humor, yet completely becomes the character she portrays. Jade Kimberly, my understudy queen, took on every starlet at one point or another and nailed it every single time. Watching her versatility was like watching a masterclass in adaptability.

And then there was Aiden as Guido Corleone, the murdered face that launched the story. His commanding presence made him the perfect centerpiece, even though his character’s fate was sealed from the start.

Reimagining “Starlets” as a 1930s Film

Years after the show ended, I decided to revisit Murderous Starlets and imagine what it would’ve looked like as a 1930s film. Using AI, I created a trailer that captured the essence of the show—the characters, the mystery, the drama. What would’ve taken months of production only took hours, and seeing it all come to life again felt surreal.

Now, I want to bring Murderous Starlets back and explore how AI can expand its storytelling even further. My dream is to reunite the original cast for a special show one day.

Why “Murderous Starlets” Stays With Me

What makes Murderous Starlets so special isn’t just the story, the cast, or even the venue—it’s the way all these elements came together to create something bigger. Every single detail mattered. Every song in the soundtrack was meticulously chosen to have meaning and add depth to the story.

I poured everything into this show, and it gave back tenfold. From the immersive design to the moving portraits to the way the cast brought these characters to life, it felt like lightning in a bottle. And seeing how much people loved it? That’s the kind of thing you never forget.

The best part? This isn’t the end of the story. Whether it’s through a relaunch, a digital adaptation, or something completely unexpected, Murderous Starlets is still evolving. This is just the beginning.