WBT to Present Little Shop of Horrors, August 9-Sept. 29

Westchester Broadway Theatre will present 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.

"Seymour Krelborn, a quintessential nerd who mops floors in Mr. Mushnik's failing skid row flower shop, is broke, shy, and hopelessly in love with Audrey. He begins to nurture a 'strange and interesting new plant' which has the magical ability to draw in customers and the attention of the girl of his dreams. Soon, Mushnik's Flower Shop is a success and Seymour is a local celebrity. But there's something very peculiar about the horticultural oddity - it thrives on the kind of plant food that is not always easily available - human blood. Soon the plant, which Seymour has named Audrey II, grows into a giant, ill-tempered, R&B singing carnivore who offers Seymour fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite. It finally reveals itself to be an alien creature poised for global domination!"

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 will be brought to life by two performers. Puppeteer /designer, Bill Diamond will be 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 will play Audrey's sadistic dentist boyfriend. Kimberly Hamby, Talana Deshaies, and Jalynn Steele will be 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.

Set Design is by George Puello and Steve Loftus, with Costumes by Gail Baldoni, Lighting Design by Andrew Gmoser, Sound Design by Jonathan Hatton, Stage Management and Properties by Victor Lukas.  The Associate Producers are Lisa Tiso and George Puello. Assistant Choreographer is Michelle Weber. Puppets are built and operated by Diamond Studios.

Little Shop of Horrors had its world premiere on May 6, 1982 at the WPA Theatre before settling into a long run at the Orpheum Theatre, opening July 27, 1982 and playing for 2209 performances  This original production, directed by Ashman, was critically acclaimed and won several awards including the 1982-1983 New York Drama Critics Circle Award,  the Drama Desk Award, the Outer Critics Circle Award, and the London Evening Standard Award all for Best Musical. When it closed, it was the third-longest running musical and the highest-grossing production in off-Broadway history. Seymour Krelborn was played by Lee Wilkoff and Audrey was played by Ellen Greene.  A hit film version with Greene and Rick Moranis and a 2003 Broadway revival followed.

Visit www.broadwaytheatre.com for tickets and more information.

Photo - Audrey II