Bram Stoker's famed and fanged beast has sure turned into a sexy sucker within the past 50 years. The vampire has gone from the gaunt and pallid look of Bela Lugosi to the sleek, smooth-skinned suavity of Brad Pitt, and now everybody wants to be a bloodsucker. And why not? They're hot, they're immortal, and you should see how they move in Scorpius Dance Theatre's A Vampire Tale, opening Friday, October 28, at Phoenix Theatre's Little Theatre, 100 East McDowell. The story follows a young woman who's fascinated with vampires and desperate to join their world. She eventually loses her soul, but not before a lot of sexy dance sequences and a climactic piano duel. Additional performances are scheduled on Saturday, October 29, and November 4 and 5. Showtimes are 7:30 and 9:30 each night. Tickets cost $20. Call 602-266-9698 or visit www.scorpiusdance.com. -- Niki D'Andrea
Rapping Paper Heart
Putting the hip in hop
THU 10/27
If the idea of local hip-hop brings to mind images of a spoiled suburban kid in an oversize Raiders jacket spewing really bad end rhymes, then you haven't seen Bookie (pictured) from the local group Survivalist. On Thursday, October 27, Phoenix's own urban rhyme master will perform along with Illicit Dynasty, Tri-Ballin, Heat, and a number of other Phoenix artists in a gig sponsored by Southwest Hip-Hop. The show at the Paper Heart, 750 Grand Avenue, will have you speaking in rhyme, or at least wishing you could. Showtime is 8 p.m. The cover is $5. Call 602-262-2020 or visit www.thepaperheart.com. -- Rebecca Zumoff
Fright Clubs
Sex kittens in the city
SAT 10/29
Scottsdale nightclubs are strictly "dress to impress," but on Halloween weekend, the golden rule of after-hours attire is "dress to distress." Axis/Radius and Suede's Ghost Ball, scheduled for 8 p.m. Saturday, October 29, to 2 a.m., includes spins from five DJs and performances by '80s cover bands Fast Times and Metal Ikon. A total of $3,000 will be awarded to costume-contest winners in various categories, including "Sexiest" -- think glittered pasties and micro-minis for that one. The block party is expected to draw 10,000 guests, at least half of whom we're sure will be bona fide hotties in heels and thigh-highs. Admission is $20 to $30. Call 480-970-1112. -- Wynter Holden
