St. Joseph, Mo. – April 13, 2012 – The 2011-2012 Missouri Western State University Theatre Season, “A Season of Classics,” will conclude with the rollicking production of the musical cult classic “Little Shop of Horrors” April 19-29 at the Potter Hall Theater. Performances will be held at 7:30 p.m. April 19, 20, 21 and 27, with 3 p.m. matinees on April 21, 22, 28 and 29. Tickets are $14 for adults, $10 for Missouri Western faculty and staff and those with military ID, and $8 for students. Advance purchase is recommended, through www.mwsutix.com, in person at the box office inside Potter Hall or by phone at 816-271-4452.
“This is a show people will talk about for years,” said Dallas Henry, assistant professor of theatre and cinema and director of the musical. “The cast is full of talented singers and actors, and there are some wild surprises the audience will really enjoy.”
“Little Shop of Horrors,” with books and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, based on the film by Roger Corman, tells the story of a down-and-out Skid Row floral assistant who becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant with a mysterious craving for fresh blood. Soon “Audrey II” grows into an ill-tempered, tough-talking, R&B singing carnivore who offers the florist fame and fortune in exchange for feeding its growing appetite. The production is suitable for ages 13 and up.
Cast members are: Jacob Mills as Seymour; Morgan Breckenridge as Audrey; Erik Burns-Sprung as Mr. Mushnik; Hayleigh Albers as Chiffon; Nerissa Lee as Ronnette; Rachel Cox as Crystal; Jeffrey Jones as the voice of Audrey II; Steve Catron as Audrey IIs puppeteer and as Wino #1; Shaun Agnew as Narrator and Radio Announcer; and Kyle Minx in several roles, most notably the dentist Orin Scrivello.
Agnew, adjunct instructor in the department of music, is the musical director for the show. Cameo Ibsen of Kansas City, Mo., is the choreographer.
“Little Shop of Horrors” audience members will also have a chance to buy discounted season tickets for the 2012-2013 theatre season, “A Year of the Tony.” Productions include “J.B.,” “Annie,” “Private Lives,” “God of Carnage” and “Sweeney Todd.” Season tickets are $50 through April 29. After the final performance of “Little Shop,” they will go up to $60.
Missouri Western State University is a comprehensive regional university providing a blend of traditional liberal arts and professional degree programs. The university offers student-centered, high quality instruction that focuses on experience-based learning, community service, and state-of-the-art technology. Western is located in St. Joseph, Mo., and is committed to the educational, economic, cultural and social development of the region it serves. Visit www.missouriwestern.edu.
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