Lee brings ‘Little Shop of Horrors’ to the stage

LEE – This weekend, the Zukowski Performing Arts Center will be home to a deadly threat to the existence of the human race.

No, it’s not a science experiment gone wrong – it’s Audrey II, the featured creature in Little Shop of Horrors, the Lee Wildcat Drama spring musical.

“We wanted to do something a little more edgy than last year’s Cinderella,” said Erin M. White, one of the show’s directors and Lee Middle and High School’s drama advisor.

“The material’s a lot more mature,” said Erin McKeon, a junior cast member.

“The audience is going to be in for a surprise,” added Megan Martin, another junior cast member.

In the story, Audrey II, the ill-tempered, foul-mouthed, R&B-singing carnivore, promises down-and-out floral assistant Seymour (played by Jack Harding) fame and fortune in exchange for satisfying its particular hunger.

Due to the mature subject matter and some inappropriate language, the musical’s organizers are recommending the show only for people ages 13 and up. To determine whether the show is suitable for their children, parents are encouraged to screen the 1986 film version of Little Shop of Horrors, starring Rick Moranis as Seymour and Steve Martin as the dentist.

In addition to direction from Ms. White and Matthew W. Coviello, the choreography for the Lee Middle and High School production of Little Shop of Horrors was arranged by Karen Rutschmann.

Despite the dramatic change in content from Cinderella to this year’s musical, the organizers feel the student performers are ready to entertain audiences this weekend.

“They’ve definitely risen to the challenge,” Mr. Coviello said.

The performances will take place at 7 p.m. on Friday and Saturday (March 8-9), with a 2 p.m. matinee on Saturday as well. Tickets are $10 for adults and $8 for students and seniors; they can be purchased online at brownpapertickets.com/event/322885.

There will also be a free, open dress rehearsal at 7 p.m. tonight (March 7). Donations will be accepted at this performance.

The production, which began production in mid-December, is supported by a grant from the Lee Education Enrichment Fund (LEEF) of the Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation.

Posted by Catherine M. Krummey on March 7, 2013. Filed under Arts and Entertainment,Education News,News. You can follow any responses to this entry through the RSS 2.0. You can leave a response or trackback to this entry