Harrisonblog > Events > Community Highlight: Little Shop of Horrors at the Schultz Theatre
Spotlight On: Harrisonburg's Escape Room
Harrisonburg Real Estate Market Report: AUGUST 2017 [INFOGRAPHIC]
Community Highlight: Little Shop of Horrors at the Schultz Theatre
Posted by Claire Wayman Date 09/15/2017 Category Events, Fun, Videos Leave a reply
A. Norman Hill
The Schultz Theatre in Broadway is presenting Little Shop of Horrors opening September 29th at the J. Frank Hillyard middle school. The director, JP Gulla, is working with the Schultz Theatre for the first time, but he is no stranger to the local theater scene having directed many productions, including some with the Valley Playhouse at Court Square Theater in Harrisonburg.
The Schultz Theatre and Performing Arts School recently relocated from New Market to Broadway last September. They offer acting classes and produce a number of musicals and plays throughout the year. For more information, check out their website.
For those of you unfamiliar with the story – here is a brief synopsis: Seymour Krelborn is a meek and dejected assistant at a floral shop who happens upon a strange plant, which he affectionately names "Audrey II" after his crush at the shop. Little does he know that this strange and unusual plant will develop a soulful R&B voice, a potty mouth, and an unquenchable thirst for HUMAN BLOOD. As Audrey II grows bigger and meaner, the carnivorous plant promises limitless fame and fortune to Seymour, as long as he continues providing a fresh supply of blood. Just when it's too late, Seymour discovers Audrey II's extra-terrestrial origins and his true drive for world-domination.
What do you enjoy most about directing this production?
JP: This is the third Little Shop Production I have directed. What I like most about directing this piece is that each cast brings a different feel to the story. This particular production we are truly playing with the setting of the production in a different era. The characters are being brought to life with a different look and feel. In fact the whole life of the play has a different heart beat then past productions that I have both directed and seen. I'm excited to share our collaboration with the community!
What makes this production of Little Shop of Horrors unique?
JP: So many differences to mention.
For one The Voice of Audrey II is being played by a very talented young lady named Caitlin Thompson. She is a local High School senior at Stonewall Jackson in Quicksburg. She brings a wonderful youthful sass to the character that will most certainly make everyone chuckle.
Our Audrey, Seymour and Orin (Caitie Devere, Andrew Hill, and Matt Hyden) are being played as non typical looks for their characters. In our production Audrey is not the bleach blonde, animal print wearing, daydreamer…Seymour is not the nerdy, glasses wearing book worm and Orin is not the typical womanizing biker as the roles usually are perceived as. Here we have completely different characteristics and looks and I completely love it.
There are many other differences then other productions but for that you will need to come see our production!
Book & Lyrics by Howard Ashman
Music by Alan Menken
Friday, September 29 and Saturday, September 30 at 7:00 PM and
Sunday, October 1 at 3:00 PM
Friday, October 6 and Saturday, October 7 at 7:00 PM and
​Tickets are $15 Adults and $13 for Students/Seniors​
J. Frank Hillyard Middle School
226 Hawks Hill Drive
Broadway, VA
Little Shop of Horrors is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI)
Check out a sneak peek of rehearsals!
About Claire Wayman
Claire manages details of real estate contracts, coordinates social media and the Wilson Downtown Gallery, and keeps the team organized on a day-to-day basis. In her free time, she enjoys playing flute in various area groups and participating in local community theater.
View all posts by Claire Wayman →