Ford's Theater Presents LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS 3/12-22

The Ford's Theatre Society continues its 2009-2010 season with "Little Shop of Horrors" by Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, March 12 to May 22, 2010. One of the most popular musicals of all time, "Little Shop of Horrors" tells the story of the well-meaning flower shop employee Seymour Krelborn and his wisecracking carnivorous plant, Audrey II. Seymour delights in the attention his leafy friend attracts, but when Audrey II develops a craving for human flesh, The Situation spins out of control. Coy Middlebrook, a key member of the artistic team for "Shenandoah" and "Big River," makes his Ford's directorial debut with this zany American classic. Husband-and-wife team Christopher Kale Jones and Jenna Coker-Jones make their Ford's Theatre debut as Seymour and Audrey.

"When formulating the design concept for ‘Little Shop,' I was very much inspired by the Sci-Fi magazines of the 1960s," said director Coy Middlebrook. "I started to wonder how we could bring both the black comedy and beaming hope of Little Shop to life. There are parallels between our challenging economic times and daily struggles of the characters on Skid Row; in spite of the darkness in Little Shop, there is always a drive to better oneself. We've centered the hope within the story on Audrey's unfailing ability to find love in everyone."

Media partner WJLA/Newschannel 8 provides promotional support throughout the run.

"Little Shop of Horrors" also is sponsored in part by Raytheon Company, Southern Company, United Technologies Corporation and Qualcomm. Ford's Theatre's 2009-2010 season sponsors are The Home Depot and Chevron.

THE DIRECTOR
Coy Middlebrook makes his Ford's Theatre directorial debut with "Little Shop of Horrors." Middlebrook served as Associate Director for the acclaimed Ford's Theatre productions of "Shenandoah" and Deaf West's "Big River," and was part of the artistic team for "Big River" on Broadway (Tony Nomination for Best Revival, 2004 Tony Award for Excellence in Theatre). Other credits include "The Zoo Story" and "Pippin" for Deaf West, the New York premiere of "Spring Storm" and "Orphans" for the Lobo Theatre, "The Road that Leads Here" (Epic Repertory), "Wooden Nickels and Race Music" (The Actors Studio), "Into the Woods," "Wizard of Oz", "Jesus Christ Superstar" and "Hair" for the Children's Civic Light Opera and" It Came from Beyond" (LA Ovation Award Nomination for Best New Musical). Middlebrook also directed the world premiere of "Nobody's Perfect" for the Kennedy Center's Theatre for Young Audiences (2010 tour). He is a member of The Actors Studio and holds an MFA in Directing from the New School.

THE CAST
Jenna Coker-Jones makes her Ford's Theatre debut as Audrey. Her New York credits include Off-Broadway productions of "Evil Dead" and" Fame on 42nd Street." Additional credits include national tours of" Annie," "Jekyll and Hyde" and "Seussical." Coker-Jones most recently appeared in the Arkansas Repertory production of "Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat."

Christopher Kale Jones makes his Ford's Theatre debut as Seymour. Regional credits include "Miss Saigon," "Twelfth Night" and "All Shook Up." Jones performed the role of Frankie Valli in the national tour and Vegas casts of "Jersey Boys," a role that earned him a Garland Award for Best Performance in a Musical.

The "Little Shop" cast also features Christopher Bloch as Mr. Mushnik, Evan Casey as Orin, Felicia Curry as Ronnette, Elliot Dash as the voice of Audrey II, Eleasha Gamble as Chiffon and Kara-Tameika Watkins as Crystal. Puppet manipulation by Scott Hitz and Marc Petrosino.

THE CREATIVE TEAM
The "Little Shop" creative team includes Choreography by Karma Camp, Music Direction by Christopher Youstra, Scenic Design by Court Watson, Costume Design by Wade Laboissonniere, Lighting Design by Chris Lee and Sound Design by David Budries.

SPECIAL PERFORMANCES AND EVENTS
There will be audio-described performances of "Little Shop of Horrors" on Tuesday, March 23, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 3, at 2:30 p.m. Sign-interpreted performances are Thursday, March 25, at 7:30 p.m. and Saturday, April 10, at 2:30 p.m.

The Hard Rock Café (999 E Street NW) offers "Little Shop" patrons ages 35 and under a $25 Post-Performance Special on Mondays March 22 through May 17. Patrons should present their ticket stub to receive a non-alcoholic beverage, one appetizer and one entrée from a special Ford's Theatre menu (featuring Hard Rock's signature and most popular items) for $25. Offer is good for post-performance dining only.

Co-Co Sala (located at 929 F Street NW) offers all "Little Shop" ticket holders a special $40 four-course champagne dinner (a $55 value) or a 15% discount on all menu items through May 22. Offer good on day of performance only. Cannot be combined with other special offers. Visit www.cocosala.com for menu and additional information.

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