'Little Shop of Horrors' musical to open Thursday at Putnam Playhouse
The musical "Little Shop of Horrors" will be staged Thursday, Friday and Saturday, Aug. 7-9 and again Aug. 13-16 as the 53rd season of Putnam County Playhouse continues.
All performances begin at 8 p.m. at the Hazel Day Longden Barn Theatre off Round Barn Road in Greencastle.
Tickets are $10 each and can be reserved by phoning the box office at 653-5880 5-7 p.m. Monday-Saturday.
"Little Shop of Horrors" was first a low-budget film directed by Roger Corman in 1960. The musical version was first performed Off-Broadway in 1982. It was created by Howard Ashman and Alan Menken, the team later responsible for Disney's "The Little Mermaid." A film version of the musical was released in 1986, and it was most recently revived on Broadway in 2003.
Sponsors for the Playhouse musical are Shuee and Sons and Eitel's Florist.
Director for the production is Bryan Schroeder. Musical director is Kathi Elliott. Technical director is Matt McClaine. Assistant director is TJ Tincher.
Joining Elliott in the pit are Marilyn Burdsall, pit conductor; Michael McClaine, percussion; and Drew Brattain playing bass guitar.
Leading the cast is Dustin Bond as Seymour Krelborn, an assistant in a Skid Row Flower Shop. He is in love with Audrey, played by Meghan Armitage.
Taking the role of the shop owner, Mr. Mushnik, is David Roberts.
When Seymour discovers a unique plant, his life changes forever. He has no idea that Audrey II wants to take over the world one city at a time, and it includes Seymour in its plan.
A trio of neighborhood urchins comment on the proceedings in songs reminiscent of those sung by '60s girl groups. The trio are Ashlee Anne Vitz (Ronnette), Hannah Brattain (Chiffon) and Mira Hoffman (Crystal).
Audrey's boyfriend, dentist Orin Scrivello, is played by Jacob Peterman. Featured in several roles is Cameron Callan.
The voice of Audrey II, the extraterrestrial plant, will be done by Dale Grove.
Deb Grammel is choreographer. Production stage manager and assistant choreographer is Sarah Bond.
Costumes are by Caroline Good. Running the sound/light board is Elise Merrell. The plant puppets are animated by Elijah Brattain. Jessica Masner is the assistant stage manager.
The stage crew includes James Champion, Samantha Flanelly, Madison King and Jim Elliot. Running the spotlights are Cameron and Brandon Wunderlich.