FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 12, 2007
Contact: K.E. Schwab -- 724-738-2199
karl.schwab@sru.edu
'Little Shop of Horrors' opens SRU's 2007 theater
season
SLIPPERY ROCK, Pa. - The woeful pleading, "Feed me
Seymour, feed me," will echo through Miller Auditorium when the
award-winning musical "Little Shop of Horrors," opens Slippery Rock
University's 2007 theater season.
The popular rock musical, book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and
music by Alan Menken, runs Feb. 28 through March 4.
The play premiered off-Broadway in 1982, winning the New York
Drama Critics Circle Award for Best Musical. It was revived on
Broadway for 372 performances in 2003 before touring the U.S.,
London and Singapore.
The SRU production follows Seymour (Nicholas Kochanov of North
Huntingdon), a downtrodden, misfortunate flower shop employee whose
world is turned upside down when he discovers a strange and
interesting plant that dominates the story. Deanna Brookens of
Slippery Rock will play Audrey; Matthew McNear of Beaver will be
the voice of Audrey II; and the soulful, backup-singing narrators
will be Latreece Hilly of Farrell, Natasshia Brielle Lee of
Somerset, N.J., and Casey Bauman of Saxonburg.
Laura Smiley, assistant professor of theater, said she is
excited to direct this work not only because it is a "fun, high
energy show," but because of the "extremely talented cast that is
involved."
"Little Shop of Horrors" features memorable music by Ashman and
Menken, the same team that created the magic of "Beauty and the
Beast," "The Little Mermaid" and "Aladdin" for Disney. But, make no
mistake; "Little Shop of Horrors" is far from Disney fare.
Stephen Hawk, associate professor of music, is the musical
director. Hawk, who played lead trumpet when the show toured
Pittsburgh in 2005, described the show as "elevated a level from
traditional Do-Wop" and points to the "beautiful songwriting with a
lot of variety and spice." He said the production's big numbers
allow his musicians to "let loose, and really be able to kick
it."
Gordon R. Phetteplace, associate professor of theater, designed the
sets. Rebecca Morrice, assistant professor of theater, designed the
costumes. Thom Cobb, associate professor of dance, is
choreographer, and Andy Alison serves as vocal director.
Students handling the technical side, include Stephanie Brauner
of Palm, stage manager; Joel Magill of New Castle and Alan Wildy of
Hampton, assistant stage managers; Nicholas Quinn, of Pittsburgh,
lighting design; Kelly McBane of Pittsburgh, makeup; and Aaron
Thurston of Homer City, sound designer.
"Little Shop of Horrors" runs Feb. 28 - March 3, at 8 p.m.; and
March 4, at 2 p.m., in Miller Auditorium. Tickets are $5 general
admission, $3 students. Advanced reservations begin Feb. 14 by
calling 724-738-2645 between 12:15 and 1:45 p.m. Mondays through
Fridays.
Slippery Rock University is Pennsylvania's premier
public residential university. Slippery Rock University provides
students with a comprehensive learning experience that
intentionally combines academic instruction with enhanced
educational and learning opportunities that make a positive
difference in their lives.
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