William Peace University Theatre Presents LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS This Weekend

William Peace University, a private four-year university located in downtown Raleigh, is proud to announce its Theatre Company will perform Howard Ashman's cult-classic, horror/sci-fi/comedy, Little Shop of Horrors in Kenan Hall located in Main Building at 15 East Peace St. The event is being held from tonight, Nov. 13 to Sunday, Nov. 16, and is directed by visiting Broadway Director and four-time Tony Award winner, Michael Bush.

Little Shop of Horrors is a laugh-out-loud musical featuring a flesh-eating plant from space, a man who gets more than he bargains for, and rousing doo-wop music reminiscent of the 60s. The production features a cast of talented student actors, new choreography from Amy White, M.F.A., Assistant Professor of Theatre and Musical Theatre, a pit orchestra directed by faculty member Matt Hodge, M.F.A., alongside faculty member Michael Santangelo, M.M., and accompanied by Drew Lile on guitar, John Simonetti on bass, and Dale Baker on drums.

The musical follows Seymour Krelborn, a floral assistant on Skid Row, who purchases a mysterious and exotic plant with an insatiable need for human flesh. As Seymour seeks the affection of his buxom coworker, Audrey, he battles for control over his progressively bloodthirsty plant, Audrey II, who quickly grows beyond what Krelborn imagined, turning into a foul-mannered, R&B singing, uncouth carnivore. Though Krelborn gets his 15 minutes of fame, he soon realizes he bit off more than he could chew with Audrey II.

The cast includes William Peace Theatre Company actors: Lindsey Sherrin '17 as "Audrey," Dustin Walker '17 as "Seymour," Jarrett Bennett '17 as "Mushnik," Delphon L. (D.J.) Curtis, Jr. '16 as the voice of "Audrey II," the announcer and as a "Wino," Tanner Callicutt '18 as "Orin"/"Berstein"/"Mrs. Luce"/ "Skip Snip"/"Walker," Trea Brady '16 as "Ronnette," Julie Davis '16 as "Chiffon," Ara'Via Moore '16 as "Crystal," Melvin Gray '16 and Luis Beltran '16 as puppeteers, and Grace Gibbins '18, Melvin Gray '16, Hannah Marks '17, Rosemary Richards '17, and Bobby Simcox '18 as "Citizens of Skid Row."

"Being born and raised in North Carolina, and having spent most of my adult life working professionally on and off Broadway, I jumped at this opportunity to direct Little Shop of Horrors for William Peace University," Bush said. "I am filled with gratitude that I have been able to spend my life working professionally in the theatre and that I have been taught so much by so many great artists, and I feel it's time for me to pass it forward. Working with this talented bunch of students and faculty has given me that and more."

"We're very excited to have such an accomplished professional right here on campus, working hands-on with our students," said Debra M. Townsley, Ph.D., President of William Peace University. "We believe in preparing our students for success by connecting them with industry professionals. This is just one example of that."

"It's been really fun working with a director from Broadway," Gray said. "We've learned a lot and are excited to perform for the community."

Show times run from 7:30 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., with the exception of Matinee shows on Saturday, Nov. 15 and Sunday, Nov. 16, from 2 p.m. to 4 p.m. Tickets cost $15 for adults, $10 for senior citizens, Alumni, and faculty and staff, and $5 for students and children. Seating is general admission.

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