Photo Flash: LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS at Dante Hall Theater: Behind the Scenes!

"Little Shop of Horrors," the musical hit, will "plant" itself at Atlantic City's historic Dante Hall for a limited run of performances starting Friday, Oct. 28 at 8 p.m., just in time for the Halloween holiday.

The production team is fast at work on bringing the show to "blooming" life and here are a few sneak peeks behind the scenes!

A deviously delicious Broadway and Hollywood sci-fi smash musical, "Little Shop of Horrors" has devoured the hearts of theatre-goers for over 30 years. Lyricist Howard Ashman and composer Alan Menken (of Disney's The Little Mermaid, Beauty and The Beast, and Aladdin) are the creative geniuses behind what has become one of the most popular shows in the world.

The meek floral assistant Seymour Krelborn stumbles across a new breed of plant he names "Audrey II" - after his coworker crush, Audrey. This foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore promises unending fame and fortune to the down-and-out Krelborn, as long as he keeps feeding it, BLOOD. Over time, though, Seymour discovers Audrey II's out-of-this-world origins and intent toward global domination.

Show times are: Fridays-Saturdays, Oct. 28-29 and Nov. 4-5, at 8 p.m.; and Sundays, Oct. 30 and Nov. 6 at 2 p.m.; also Wednesday-Friday, Nov. 9-11, 8 p.m. Tickets are $25, with discounts available for senior citizens and Stockton students. Visit stockton.edu/dante for more information.

Little Shop of Horrors is presented by JRL Productions in association with Musical Theater International and Dante Hall Theater. Dante Hall is located at 14 N. Mississippi Ave., Atlantic City, N.J.

The show will feature Eddie Varley in the role of the hapless florist, Liz Maurer as the glamorous and ill-fated Audrey, Galloway Township favorite Rich McMahan as the harried shopkeeper, Mr. Mushnik, Michael Zlabinger as Orin, the dangerous dentist, and Rick McIver will bring to life the vocals of Audrey II.

JRL Productions is proud to introduce Divinia Davis, Christy Simpson and Natasha "Tashie" Postal in the roles of Crystal, Ronnette and Chiffon, and they are all joined by ensemble member Anthony Chiaro.

This theatrically beloved show will feature the creative skills of some of South Jersey's most celebrated artists, led by producer and set designer, Joseph Lazarus. The Dante Hall production will feature a fantastic new Audrey II, built and brought to life by animatronic master, Eric Princz, with wigs and costume elements by Patricia DelSordo, sassy choreography from Cynthia Domino and musical direction by Teresa Minnix. Rosemary Selah, as stage manager and associate director, rounds out the creative team.

JRL Productions is a full service theatrical Production Company offering over 25 years of creative experience in set, lighting, staging and theatre and film design. JRL Productions' mission statement has been to develop, support and expand theater in the South Jersey region and beyond.

Located in the heart of the historic "Duck Town" neighborhood of Atlantic City, Dante Hall was originally built in 1926 by St. Michael's Catholic Church. Dante Hall served the community of the neighborhood as a church hall, school gymnasium and community theater until it closed in 1988. In October 2003, Dante Hall reopened after a complete renovation, funded solely by the Casino Reinvestment Development Authority (CRDA). In 2011, Stockton acquired the venue, allowing it to continue serving Atlantic City and surrounding communities as a home for the performing arts. By providing quality programming and performances to local communities, Stockton University and Dante Hall Theater aim to strengthen New Jersey's efforts in restoring Atlantic City as a cultural and family destination.

Photo Credit: Anthony Chiaro

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