Performance Network Theatre Presents LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS 4/1-5/9

Performance Network Theatre announces its production of the musical, "Little Shop of Horrors" with book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken. "Little Shop of Horrors" will begin April 1st and run through May 9th, 2010. This zany comedy stars Broadway veteran Naz Edwards ("Souvenir"), Jason Richards ("The Fantasticks"), Aaron Moore ("The Fantasticks"), BJ Love ("Christmas Carol'd") and Courtney Myers. It is directed by Performance Network Executive Director, Carla Milarch ("The Fantasticks," "The Baker's Wife"), with musical direction by R. MacKenzie Lewis.

"Little Shop of Horrors" is based on the 1960 cult film about a floral assistant who becomes an overnight sensation by discovering an unusual plant. Catchy tunes, comic book creepiness and an R&B singing plant from outer space make this the don't-miss musical of the season!

Weekly performances are Thursday, Friday and Saturday at 8pm and Sunday at 2pm, with 3pm matinees on Saturday April 17th and May 1st.

Tickets can be ordered at the Performance Network Box Office at 734-663-0681, online at www.performancenetwork.org or by coming to the Performance Network Theatre (120 East Huron St., Ann Arbor, 48104) Monday-Saturday 11-6 or one hour before a performance. Tickets are priced at $10 - $44, with discounts available for seniors, members, students and groups.

"Little Shop of Horrors" features set, costume and properties design by Monika Essen, lighting design by Justin Lang, sound design by Ken Faulk and choreography by Phil Simmons.

This production is generously underwritten by Zingerman's Community of Businesses, with media sponsorship by Michigan Radio.

Founded in 1981, Performance Network Theatre has grown from a fledgling company to Ann Arbor's only resident, professional theatre. The Network reaches 40,000 theatre patrons and children each year through the year-round Professional Series and The Children's Theatre Network. Performance Network also presents the Fireside Festival of New Works and a series of classes on theatre-related topics. The Network provides uncompromising artistic leadership in the region and produces works that engage, challenge and inspire audiences and artists.

Naz Edwards starred on Broadway opposite Anthony Quinn in Zorba (as The Leader) and continued with Quinn on the Zorba national tour, for which her work won critical acclaim. Naz's Broadway credits also include the role of Dunyasha in the musical adaptation of Anna Karenina at Circle in the Square. She has graced the stages of many theatres across the United States and Canada, among which some of her favorites roles are Madame Giry in Ken Hill's Phantom of the Opera, the role of Mahiette in Dennis De Young's The Hunchback of Notre Dame, The Baker's Wife and Carnival. Naz starred in Funny Girl with Stephanie Block, Fiddler and Once Upon a Mattress all at Music Theatre of Wichita. Here is Michigan, Naz was seen at the JET Theatre in Side by Side by Sondheim, Coming of Age and this season's The Blank Page. She has appeared at Performance Network in Man of la Mancha, She Loves Me, The Clean House and Souvenir. Along with her passion for the theatre, Naz loves voice animation. One of her favorite characters in the wicked Queen Beryl from the cult cartoon Sailor Moon.

Jason Richards was last seen at Performance Network as Matt in 2007's The Fantasticks. A graduate of Wayne State University, Jason Made his professional debut as Mikey in the long running hit Shear Madness at the Gem Theatre and has since had the pleasure of working on many of Michigan's stages. Other favorite roles include Charlie Brown in You're A Good Man... (Meadow Brook), Brad Majors in The Rocky Horror Show(Meadow Brook Music Festival), Dave Bullanski in Joe Zettelmaier's All Childish Things (Boarshead), two years with the Gem Theatre's hit production of A Forbidden Broadway Christmas, and Eugene Jerome in all three parts of Neil Simon's Brighton Beach trilogy (JET and Meadow Brook).

Courtney Myers began acting at an early age with Jackson Civic Theater. This year marks Courtney's 20th year doing theater in Michigan. As an Associate Artist with The Blackbird Theater in Ann Arbor she has been seen in Orpheus Descending (Carol), The Glob (Maxine), A Period of Adjustment (Isabelle), The Rainbow(Sister), Betrayal (Emma), Hamlet (Horatio), and The Old Neighborhood (Jolly). Other recent productions include I Love You, Your Perfect, Now Change, and Almost Maine at The Tipping Point Theater in Northville.Aaron T. Moore, who is originally from Lincoln, NE, received his MFA in Acting from the Hilberry Repertory Theatre in May 2005. Since then he's been blessed to work with many talented people via various local Michigan theatres, including Breathe Art, Tipping Point Theatre, Meadowbrook Theatre, the Performance Network, Flanders Theatre Company, Williamston Theatre, Michigan Opera Theatre, Jewish Ensemble Theatre, and in a collection of roles at Greenfield Village.

Little Shop of Horrors with book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken will begin previews on Thursday, April 1st at 8pm. Opening night is Saturday, April 10th at 8pM. Little Shop of Horrors will play Thursdays through Fridays at 8pm, Saturdays at 3pm and 8pm, and Sundays at 2pm. The production will close May 9th.

Performance Theatre Center is located at 120 E. Huron St. in Ann Arbor, MI 48104.

The Director is Carla Milarch. The Musical Director is R. MacKenzie Lewis. The Scenic, Costume, Properties Designer is Monika Essen. The Lighting Designer is Justin Lang. The Stage Manager is John Manfred. The Choreographer is Phil Simmons. The Cast is Naz Edwards, Jason Richards, Courtney Myers, Aaron T. Moore, B.J. Love, Sharon Brooks, Sharriese Hamilton, Diviin Huff.

The first preview is a Pay-What-You-Can performance with a suggested donation of $10. Previews Fri, April 2 at 8pm, Sun, April 4 at 2pm, & Thurs, April 8 at 8pm will be priced at $25/$27. Preview Sat, April 3 at 8pm will be $33/$35. Opening Night Fri, April 9 at 8pm is $42/$44. Thursdays at 8pm are $30/$32, Fridays 8pm and Sundays 2pm are $35/$37. Saturdays, April 17 and May 1 at 3pm will be $28/$30. Saturdays at 8pm will be $42/$44. Premium seats are $2 more per seat. To order tickets call 734-663-0681, Monday - Saturday,11am-6pm or visit www.performancenetwork.org.

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