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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