Metea Valley to present 'Little Shop of Horrors'
This weekend, Metea Valley High School presents "Little Shop of Horrors," a cult-classic dark comedy that includes upbeat and memorable songs from authors Alan Menken and Howard Ashman. who would go on to write "The Little Mermaid" and "Beauty and the Beast."
"Little Shop of Horrors" will be presented at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 2-4, in the auditorium at Metea Valley, 1801 N. Eola Road, Aurora.
In the story, Seymour Krelborn, a nerdy orphan working at Mushnik's Flower Shop on urban Skid Row, has a crush on co-worker Audrey. One day, during a total eclipse of the sun, Seymour discovers a very mysterious plant, which he names Audrey II.
The plant seems to have a craving for blood and is soon singing for its supper. Will Seymour survive his growing plant and its conquest for world domination?
The show has enjoyed a successful off-Broadway run and a long life in theaters worldwide. The musical also was adapted into a 1986 feature film starring Rick Moranis and Steve Martin.
For those who know the movie, the ending of the stage musical is very different, so be prepared for surprises, twists and turns.
"We are excited to extend the Halloween season this year with our production, featuring a cast of over 30 singers, actors and dancers, a crew of 30 talented student builders, the original rock band orchestrations, plus animatronics and puppetry," said Nathan Bramstedt, Metea choir teacher and theater director.
"Our production features a fantastic set, vibrant lighting and a huge plant with an even bigger personality."
The show is special, Bramstedt said, because of the challenges it sets for student actors.
"The biggest challenge of producing 'Little Shop of Horrors' is finding the balance within satire. One temptation when performing satire is to overact and rely on silliness. But 'Little Shop of Horrors,' inspired by comic books and classic horror films, is at its most poignant when performed with sincerity and sweetness," he said.
"The show explores the theme of greed; asking us to consider how far we're willing to go to feed our own desires."
Tickets are $13 for adults and $5 for students and those 65 and older. Tickets can be purchased online at meteamusic.org/theater or at the door beginning at 6 p.m. prior to each performance.
Metea also will raffle off a limited number of backstage passes during intermission for each "Little Shop" performance. The winner(s) and one friend will be escorted onstage after the show to see the plant up close and take pictures of the set, followed by a backstage tour with Bramstedt.
The cost is $2 per raffle entry. Proceeds support future Metea Theater programs.
For information, visit meteamusic.org/theater.
If you go
What: "Little Shop of Horrors"
When: 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday, Nov. 2-4
Where: Metea Valley High School auditorium, 1801 N. Eola Road, Aurora
Tickets: $13, $5 students and seniors 65 and older
Info: meteamusic.org/theater