NEW BRITAIN REP PRESENTS LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORS
New Britain - This weekend marks the last chance for theatre-goers to catch a glimpse of a giant man-eating plant when the Repertory Theatre of New Britain presents its final two performances of the off-Broadway classic comedy musical, "Little Shop of Horrors".
Taking place on the down-trodden section of New York City known as 'Skid Row' in the late 1950's, the musical follows the travails of loveable loser Seymour as he discovers a Venus flytrap-style plant during a weird solar eclipse and soon learns that the only way to keep the plant alive is by feeding it blood, human blood. As the plant grows, so does Seymour's fortunes, but at what cost?
The musical began its long run off-Broadway in 1982, eventually being revived on Broadway in 2003. It has since become a staple of the community theatre circuit, with multiple local and high school productions all over the state in the last decade.
This production, with its final two performances on Friday and Saturday evenings, stars Ryan Shook of Middletown as Seymour. Meghan Rickard of Southington plays his co-worker and love interest, Audrey. Their boss, Mr. Mushnik, is played by Naugatuck resident Tim Phillips. Playing the pain-loving dentist, Dr. Scrivello (and several other roles) is Sean Taylor of Berlin.
The voice of the plant (yes, it talks) is supplied by Mark Rees of Naugatuck, with Jared Boulet of Cromwell handling the puppeteering of the plant. Providing a sort-of Greek Chorus are the Ronnettes, Adriana Rolon (Meriden), Kelley Mountzoures (Plainville) and Roseanne Gowdy of Wethersfield. Also in the cast are Elizabeth Buckner and Richard Chernack of Bolton.
The artistic director is Phillips with musical direction by Michael Gowdy.
For tickets or more information, contact the Repertory Theater of New Britain online (www.nbrep.org) or by phone at 860-223-3147. The theatre is located at 23 Norden Street in New Britain.
