Photo Flash: First Look at Kelrik Productions' LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS

With the world seemingly spinning out of control with wars, earthquakes, tsunamis, budget crises, unemployment, economic strife, and political upheaval, what better time to produce an 'end of the world' satire complete with a Motown style score and a giant carnivorous plant from outer space bent on devouring mankind. Come enjoy an evening of macabre laughs and Doo-Wop songs with Kelrik's latest musical comedy LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS, playing April 5 - 21 at Unity. BroadwayWorld has a first look at the cast in action below!

When a socially awkward floral shop clerk named Seymour (Erik Austin) finds a bizarre new plant after a solar eclipse, he and his colleagues quickly discover that this odd looking seedling may be the key to drawing new customers into their floundering Skid Row flower shop.

Naming the Venus Flytrap-looking plant Audrey II (Gary Borjan/ Arash Shahabi) in honor of the quirky and beautiful store clerk with whom he is enamored, Seymour begins to nurture the little plant with the one thing he learns it wants to eat - Seymour's own blood!

As the shop thrives due to the predominately displayed strange looking plant in the window, so does Audrey II - into a giant, deep throated, blood sucking carnivore with nefarious designs of world domination. Now enjoying everything he ever desired - fame, money, and the affection of his beloved Audrey (Kelly Barrett) - Seymour must decide if he can sacrifice it all in order to save the world from this alien plant and its sinister spores.

Laced with dark humor LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman is one of the most beloved American musicals of all-time. The music in the style of early rock and roll, doo-wop and early Motown, includes several show-stoppers including Skid Row (Downtown), Somewhere That's Green, and Suddenly, Seymour, as well as the title song. LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS premiered Off Broadway in 1982 before enjoying a successful run on Broadway and in London's West End, eventually inspiring a film version by veteran puppeteer Frank Oz.

LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS is directed by Kerry Mayling with Lacey McNamara as Musical Director and Jeff Larsen as Choreographer. The design team includes Mark Hughes (Scenic), Zach Sudiian (Lighting), Keith Wetzel of Costume Capers (Costumes) and Lester Wilson (Props). Other cast members include Mike Mesker as Mr. Mushnik, Bret Boyle as Orin, Chloe Davis, Caitlin Tobin and Jessica Quandt as the Doo-wop trio, with Jasmine Harris, Lester Wilson, Jeff Larson, Katie Cheung and Mitchell Ralston as the Ensemble.

Tickets for LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS are on sale now and may be purchased online at kelrikproductions.org or in person at Cheap Thrills, 563 Higuera Street in downtown San Luis Obispo. Performances are Fridays and Saturdays at 8 pm and Sundays at 2 pm. Ticket prices are $20 for all seats.

Performance run time is 2 hours with one 15-minute intermission. Little Shop of Horrors contains comic horror violence, mild language and sexual references. Parental guidance suggested for children under age 10.

Photo Credit: Sandra Cortez Photography

Kelly Barrett, Erik Austin and Mike Mesker

Erik Austin and Kelly Barrett

Erik Austin