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The
North Coast Repertory Theatre continues its 24th Season of
live theatre with the musical comedy “Little Shop of
Horrors” with book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music
by Alan Menken. The production opens on Thursday, May 15 at
8:00 PM with a benefit performance for the cast and crew.
The
play follows the story of Seymour Krelborn, a down-and-out
skid row floral assistant, who becomes an overnight sensation
when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving
for fresh blood. Soon “Audrey II” grows into an
ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore that
offers him fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing
appetite, finally revealing itself to be an alien creature
poised for global domination.
One
of the longest-running off-Broadway shows of all time, “Little
Shop of Horrors” was based on the 1960 black comedy
film “The Little Shop of Horrors,” directed by
Roger Corman. The musical had its world premiere in 1982 in
New York and was the highest-grossing production in off-Broadway
history. The show received the New York Drama Critics Circle
Award for Best Musical, the Drama Desk Award for Outstanding
Musical, and the Outer Critics Circle Award. “Little
Shop” was revived on Broadway in 2003.
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Director
Xande Zublin-Meyer has been active in theatre
in Humboldt County for over twenty years as teacher,
actor and director. Much of that time has been
spent working with young people in local schools.
She is the director of Instantaneous Theatre,
a youth theatre group she created over ten years
ago. She has appeared on stage at NCRT and with
Humboldt Light Opera as well as in Shakespeare
in the Park in Arcata. “Little Shop”
is the fifth production she has directed at NCRT.
Previous directing credits include “Something’s
Afoot,” “Cabaret,” “Chicago”
and “Kiss Me, Kate.”
Zublin-Meyer describes the production as “lots
of fun as it gently spoofs horror movies of the
1950’s. The music is wonderful and the comic
bits are generously sprinkled throughout. On a
more serious note, this play shows us how small
transgressions can start a person on a slippery
slope to perdition. It’s about the perils
of being weak and in love in a corrupt world.”
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Scenery for “Little Shop” was constructed by theatre
students at HSU, working under advisor Jody Sekas, HSU faculty
member. “We are delighted to have the HSU students work
with us on this production’” explains NCRT Artistic
Director Michael Thomas. “The students receive valuable
experience in scenery design, budget and construction in an
established community theatre and we receive the fruits of
their labor and knowledge—a wonderful set for our production.
Truly a win-win situation. We are so pleased to be partnering
with the University.”
The
talented cast of thirteen actors features Christopher Hatch
as Seymour, Brandy Rose as his girlfriend Audrey, Gene Cole
as floral shop owner Mr. Mushnik, Pryncz Lotoj as the voice
of Audrey II and Kathleen Marshall, Chyna Dale and Jenner
Cohune as the DooWop Girls. The ensemble cast also includes
Erik Rhea, Rigel Schmitt, Anders Carlson, Monica Schallert,
Alison Ehrstrom and Silas Knight. Scenery was designed by
Calder Johnson, costumes by Darcy Daughtry, and lighting by
Joe Castro. Katie Pratt will stage manage the production.
“Little
Shop of Horrors” opens on Thursday, May 15 with an opening
night gala that includes a champagne reception after the show.
This performance will also serve as a benefit for the cast
and crew. All seats for opening night are $15.00. The performance
on Friday, May 16 will be a benefit for Youth Services Bureau;
tickets are $15 and up. The performance on Saturday, May 17
will be a benefit for the Arcata Arts Institute; tickets are
$20.00. After opening weekend, the run will continue Thursdays,
Fridays, and Saturdays through June 14 with regular ticket
price of $15.00 for all seats. All evening performances begin
at 8:00 PM. There will be two matinee performances at 2:00
PM on Sundays, June 1 and June 8. NCRT is located at 300 Fifth
Street, Eureka. For reservations, group rates, or more information,
please all 442-NCRT.
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| Kathleen
Marshall as Ronnette, Christopher Hatcher as Seymour |
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| Christopher
Hatcher as Seymour, Gene Cole as Mr. Mushnik, Brandy Rose
as Audrey (L to R, above) |
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| Brandy
Rose as Audrey, Christopher Hatcher as Seymour (above) |
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| Erik
Rhea as Orin, Chyna Dale as Crystal, Jenner Cohune as
Chiffon, Kathleen Marshall as Ronnette (L to R) |
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