Photo Flash: Westchester Bway Theatre's 'Little Shop'

Westchester Broadway Theatre presents the classic spoof-horror musical Little Shop of Horrors from August 9th through September 29th, with press night on August 16th.

"Little Shop of Horrors is a zany, fun filled, Faustian tale about a timid florist shop worker who raises a plant that takes a carnivorous delight feeding on human blood. Composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman, based the hilariously creepy musical on the low-budget 1960 cult film The Little Shop of Horrors. The movie, directed by Roger Corman, included a 23-year-old Jack Nicholson amongst a cast of unknowns. The catchy musical score, composed by Menken in the style of 1960's rock -'n- roll, doo-wop and early Motown, includes several show-stoppers including 'Skid Row,' 'Somewhere That's Green,' and 'Suddenly Seymour,' as well as the title song 'Little Shop of Horrors.'" state press materials.

Little Shop of Horrors is directed and choreographed by Ardsley's Patricia Wilcox (Aida and many others at WBT).  Eric Santagata portrays the love-sick Seymour who risks all for the girl of his dreams, Audrey, played by Julie Connors. The voracious plant is brought to life by two performers. Puppeteer /designer, Bill Diamond is encased in his foam rubber cocoon of a puppet every night swaying and lip-sinking as it rants, bellows and rocks out with the voice of Terri White.   Bob Arnold is the miserly florist shop owner, Mr. Mushnik.  Gary Lynch plays Audrey's sadistic dentist boyfriend. Kimberly Hamby, Talana Deshaies, and Jalynn Steele are the Ronnettes, a skid row Greek chorus of sorts, and David Patrick Ford, Joel Briel, and Molly Mastrangelo, round out the cast in various roles.

Photos by John Vecchiolla

 
Eric Santagata (Seymour) and Julie Connors (Audrey) performing "Suddenly Seymour"

Eric Santagata (Seymour), Julie Connors (Audrey) and Bob Arnold (Mr. Mushnik) performing "Closed For Renovations"

Eric Santagata (Seymour) performing "Grow For Me"

The Company of Little Shop performing "Da Doo"

Audrey II (the plant) and Julie Connors (Audrey) performing "Suppertime"

(Clockwise from left): Talana Deshaies Julie Connors, Kimberly Hamby and Jalynn Yvonne Steele performing "Somewhere That's Green"