By Lizabeth Jenkins-Dale
“Little Shop of Horrors” is a humorous musical that mixes science fiction, mystery, botany, romance, and doo-wop 50’s characters. With well-known music and be bop dancing, this Broadway and five-year off Broadway musical, which was written by the same people who wrote “The Little Mermaid,” has literally entertained thousands of audiences. Beginning July 10, “Little Shop of Horrors” will be performed at The Soo Theatre Project!
Just what is this comedy musical? It’s about an awkward florist shop employee who nurtures a unique plant that grows to enormous size and needs to be fed human blood and flesh!
When discussing “Little Shop of Horrors,” Karen Hughes Beacom, Show Director states, “The music is infectious. It’s a lot of 50’s rock n roll music. Jazzy! And, doo-wop girls!!”
Yes, certainly music is an important aspect of any musical! So without further delay… The “Little Shop of Horrors” orchestra members: John and Cathy Wilkinson play multiple instruments including tenor and baritone saxophones and clarinets. John is a conductor for The Sault Symphony, ON and has conducted many of STP’s musicals and operas, which he will do again for the upcoming opera, Carmen, this August.
Also in the orchestra is Larry Farnquist of Brimley who plays the trumpet and has been playing with The Soo Theatre Project every year since its beginning in 2003. Congrats, Larry!
Jay Dinsdale of Canada plays second trumpet. Alicia Kasper of Cedarville plays the tenor sax.
Joining the ranks of The Soo Theatre Project orchestra pit this year is drummer Ethan Twardy of Sault Sainte Marie, MI. Sarah Morrison of Pickford will play the flute. Sarah is proud to have played in every musical and opera since the inception of the theatre. Thank you, Sarah!
And, finally, the orchestra is complete with Karen Hughes Beacom playing the keyboard. From the collection of instruments, it is easy to decipher that upbeat music will definitely be part of STP’s “Little Shop of Horrors” performances this July 10, 11, 12, and 13.
“I am so unbelievably excited about this show,” Karen continues. “Not only do I get to do the creative work of blocking [managing the actors’ stage movements] the show, but I have the opportunity to work with amazing musicians in the [orchestra] pit. The cast is everything I dreamed it could be. These are experienced and talented actors and singers.”
These talented actors are: Adam Graber of Sault Ste. Marie plays Seymour, Lola Kennedy of Sault Ste. Marie plays Audrey, Rudyard Drama Director, Jim Taylor, plays Mr. Mushnik, Carl Morrison of Chicago and formerly of Pickford plays Orin Scrivello.
The singing actresses, or the “Ronnettes,” are Breanne Johnson of Cedarville, Lindsey McCullough of Sault Ste. Marie, and Ashley Baker of Sault Ste. Marie.
The hungry plant gets so big it’s a main character! Audrey II is played by Seth Witucki of Sault Ste. Marie while the voice of Audrey II is Newberry resident Jesse Brown.
Completing the cast of actors are: Eric Donarski, Sara Waucaush, Miigizheekwe Memegos, Ashley Kasper, Beth Yeack, Andrew Yeack, Lindsay Maynard, Levi Furr, Avery Benoit, Alison Innerebner, Laura Innerebner, Julie Innerebner, Hollyann Beck, Gabbie Pepin and Madilyn Schweikert.
Karen concludes, “I have always loved the uplifting and catchy music in ‘Little Shop.’ I always forget that there are people being fed to plants because it is so upbeat and loveable!”
Get your tickets now for the comedy musical “Little Shop of Horrors” on July 10, 11, 12, and 13. www.sootheatre.org.
