Cleveland Play House Hosts LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS Blood Drive Today

The upcoming Cleveland Play House (CPH) production of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS mixes the beats of Motown with the quirkiness of B-movies, while following the power-hungry plant (Audrey II) in its lyrical and hysterical quest for blood. In a similar vein (pun intended), CPH is sponsoring a blood drive with Lifeshare Community Blood Services in support of National Blood Donor Month. Interested donors may come to the Allen Theatre at Playhouse Square (1407 Euclid Avenue) any time from Noon - 4 p.m. today, January 14th.

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, Cleveland Play House's fourth production of its 100th Season, tells the story of Seymour, a nerdy floral clerk with a knack for plants, but not much else. However, one peculiar plant he's tending might just be his ticket to fame, fortune - and the girl of his dreams. There's only one teeny - but 'growing' - problem: This plant has an unquenchable thirst for blood. The screamingly funny, gleefully twisted musical runs in the Allen Theatre at Playhouse Square from Jan. 9 - Feb. 7.

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS hits the stage during National Blood Donor Month this January. With harsh conditions in the winter, traffic accidents and other weather-related issues increase, and hospitals and doctors' offices need more donations in January than any other month. However, this is also the time of year when fewer people donate blood. LifeShare Blood Centers hosts blood drives and takes in-house donations at its four locations in Elyria, Lorain, Middleburg Heights, and Canton to provide blood to medical centers in the area. Northeast Ohio's branches of LifeShare supply over half of the blood donated to University Hospitals. The company accepts donations at its neighborhood centers and also holds mobile blood drives (such as the one Jan. 14 in the Allen Theatre) seven days a week.

Interested blood donors can register at www.lifesharedonor.org and click "Find a Drive." Donation sessions usually take about 45 minutes per person. LifeShare will provide snacks and juice to those who donate blood. CPH will award a "Buy One - Get One Free" voucher for tickets to select performances of LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, along with a free thank you gift (while supplies last), to those who donate blood. You must be at least 17 years old and weigh 110 pounds to donate. Sixteen-year-olds can participate with their parents' permission. For more information about who can donate, visit www.lifeshare.cc.

LifeShare Community Blood Services is a community-focused nonprofit organization committed to providing a safe and adequate blood and component supply for patient healthcare in Northeast Ohio. With a deep understanding that donors are our most valuable community resource, LifeShare strives for excellence in customer care. LifeShare is guided by the philosophy that community blood donations should benefit community patients, and that blood centers must be responsive to the community that supports them.

Cleveland Play House, recipient of the 2015 Regional Theatre Tony Award® and founded in 1915, is America's first professional regional theatre. Throughout its rich history, CPH has remained dedicated to its mission to inspire, stimulate and entertain diverse audiences in Northeast Ohio by producing plays and theatre education programs of the highest professional standards. CPH has produced more than 100 world and/or American premieres, and over its long history more than 12 million people have attended over 1,600 productions. Today, Cleveland Play House celebrates its centennial while performing in three state-of-the art venues at Playhouse Square in downtown Cleveland.

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS will take place in the Allen Theatre at Playhouse Square. Tickets range in price from $20-$100 each. To order single tickets, call 216-241-6000 or visit clevelandplayhouse.com. Groups of 10+ save up to 40% off single ticket prices; call 216-400-7027.

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