Big talent for Little Shop of Horrors
The director of Horsham Arts Council’s latest production expects audience members to both laugh and cry when the cast takes to the stage next month.
The arts council will present horror-comedy rock musical Little Shop of Horrors in Horsham Town Hall from October 6 to 20.
Director Debbie Boutcher said preparations were progressing well ahead of opening night.
“It is a big production to put on in a short period of time but things are going really well,” she said.
“Initially we were going to do a different show, but we didn’t have the right people to fill the parts so we went back to the drawing board.
“We are really excited to be presenting Little Shop of Horrors.
“I’m hoping people will laugh as well as cry – either with laughter or at some of the more poignant moments.
“For people who don’t know the show, it might seem a little dark in places, but a lot of people will be familiar with the movie version.”
Little Shop of Horrors centres around a ‘meek and dejected florist shop assistant’ who raises a plant that feeds on human flesh and blood.
Horsham Arts Council shows are renowned for their talented casts and Boutcher said this one was no different.
“We have some wonderful experience among our leads, as well as our ensemble,” she said.
Chris Versteegen, who played Mark in the arts council’s award-winning production of RENT, will portray the lead male role of Seymour, with Belinda Elliott as Audrey, his love interest. Beau Ladlow plays a ‘sadistic dentist’, fresh from his title role in Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat, while Tim O’donnell plays Mushnik, owner of the florist shop.
Emily Mcdiarmid voices the plant, Audrey II, while Stacey Brennan, Jessica Durant and Erin Boutcher play a trio of 1960s street urchins.
“We also have great music, with a fabulous four-piece band,” Debbie Boutcher said.
“Our musical and vocal direction are by Maddi Ostapiw, who is a very talented young girl. We are very fortunate to have her on board.
“There is a lot of talk about the show already and hopefully a lot of people come along and see it.
“I think it’s a fabulous show. It doesn’t take itself too seriously.” Little Shop of Horrors will open on Saturday, October 6 at 8pm.
There will also be 8pm shows on October 11, 12, 13, 18, 19 and 20 and 2pm matinees on October 7 and 14.
Tickets cost from $25 to $60 and are available online at www. horshamtownhall.com.au or at the town hall box office.