Scottdale theater to perform Halloween musical Little Shop of Horrors
Kaelei Whitlatch
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From left to right: Monica Monie Reed Kramer of Monesson as Crystal, Rachael Szabo of Connellsville as Ronnette, Kellie Wilson of Hermanie as Chiffon, Will Dixon of Greensburg as Seymour, Leyna Wright as Audrey and Mike Hamilla as Orin. Photo: WPA Entertainment News.
After countless hours of rehearsals, the Geyer Performing Arts Center is taking on its next big production: Little Shop of Horrors.
This horror comedy rock musical is about a plant shop worker, Seymour, and his co-worker, Audrey, who discover a new species of plant that Seymour names Audrey II. This plant promises the duo fame, fortune, and more. Little do they know what this plant likes to eat.
“We’re using the actual plant that was used in the 2003 Broadway revival in New York City,” director John Cunnard said. “Little Shop of Horrors also features Broadway choreography.”
The show only calls for a mere eight roles, but after a total of 54 auditions, Cunnard decided to incorporate 34 ensemble roles.
Cunnard has been directing Halloween shows at the theater for the past six years, and he has been doing theatre for nearly 30 years. Past shows that he has directed include Clue: The Musical, Dracula: The Musical, Bone Chiller, and two time Tottie Award winning productions, Geyer’s version of the Tony awards, Hotel Frankenstein and A Family Reunion to Die For.
“I’ve proposed Rocky Horror Picture Show for years to be performed at the theater, but it is always turned down due to its nature, being that Scottdale is a conservative town,” Cunnard said. “Little Shop of Horrors is the next best show.”
Southmoreland freshman Galatea Zeglin is an ensemble member in the musical.
“I’ve always loved to sing and dance. Seeing my friends have fun at the theater made me want to try it,” she said. “So I decided to get voice lessons and audition for Little Shop of Horrors.”
Zeglin says she loves this experience since she has met new people and tried new things. This is her first show at the small town theater.
Theater board director Brad Geyer spoke very highly of the show.
“I think (it’s) a great show for our theater. It’s never been performed on our stage, so it’s new to our audience,” Geyer said. “Actors and Artists of Fayette County have invested in this show to make sure it’s a top-notch production. It’s pretty exciting that we have a new show to the theater with professional props.”
Will Dixon of Greensburg plays the role of Seymour, the male protagonist in the show. When he found out he was cast as this role, he was watching a movie with his friend Jessie Glover, who is also in the show.
“Our director called me and told me that he would like me to play Seymour,” Dixon said. “I told him I would be honored especially since the competition for the role was very strong. Jessie and I then downloaded the movie and watched it instead of what we had been watching.”
Monica Monie Reed Kramer, fresh off of her role as Grizabella in Cats, is one of the three street urchins alongside Rachael Szabo and Kellie Wilson. When Kramer found out about this iconic role, she was very excited.
“I never thought I would be cast in this show ever,” she said. “Just like when I found out about my role in Cats, I was floored.”
The cast of Little Shop of Horrors has a lot of faith in this musical.
“It promises thrills, chills, catchy tunes, and lots and lots of laughs. If you never came to the theatre to see a show, this is the show to come see,” Cunnard says. “It promises not to disappoint.”
Zeglin invites her peers from Southmoreland to come see the show.
“It’s perfect for my age group and ‘up’ since it has crude humor,” she said. “It’s a great way to get a good laugh. Plus, it’s a great way to get into the Halloween spirit.”
Dixon is very confident that audiences will enjoy Little Shop.
“Every principal character has probably 10 years of experience under their belts. The talent pool is tremendous. Furthermore, the ensemble kicks it up another notch,” he said. “It’s going to be a show you forget you’re sitting in a seat for and will think ended too soon because you’re so immersed in what’s going on. On top of all that, the special aspects of this show are eye-popping.
“Any time you get to do a well-known show it’s incredibly fun,” Dixon said. “I get to take a whole new spin on a very classic character that everyone knows. Little Shop of Horrors is now a modern American classic I would say, and it’s a role that lots of people have gotten to play. I get to join those people now and really try to make it my own version. There’s something very special about that.”
Little Shop of Horrors opens at 7:30 p.m. Oct. 20 and runs through Oct. 22 with a matinee show on Sunday, Oct. 23 at 2:30. Tickets are $15 and can be purchased online at geyerpac.com, calling 724-887-0887, or buying them at the door before the show.
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