Book by Howard Ashman Music by Alan Menken
Lyrics by Howard Ashman
Based on the film by Roger Corman, screenplay by Charles Griffith
Originally produced by the WPA Theatre (Kyle Renick, Producing Director)Originally produced at the Orpheum Theatre, New York City by the WPA Theatre, David Geffen,
Cameron Mackintosh and the Shubert Organization
Brief History of Awards
Highlights
The film version of Little Shop of Horrors received Academy Award nominations for visual effects and original songs but did not win.
Brief History of Awards
1983 Drama Desk Award Outstanding Musical Outstanding Lyrics Howard Ashman Outer Critics Circle Award Best Off-Broadway musical Alan Menken & Best Score Howard Ashman NY Drama Critics Circle Best Musical
2020 Lucille Lortel Award Outstanding Featured Actor Christian Borle Drama Desk Award Outstanding Revival of a Musical Drama Desk Award Outstanding Featured Actor Christian Borle Drama League Award Outstanding Revival of a Musical Outer Critics Circle Award Outstanding Director Michael Mayer
LITTLE SHOP OF HORRORSwas originally
Directed by Howard Ashmanwith
Musical Staging by Edie Cowan
ORCHESTRATIONS:
Original Vocal Arrangementsby
Robert BilligNew Arrangements
byMichael Kosarin
Orchestrationsby
Danny Troob
Puppets Designed
ByMartin P. Robinson
THE VIDEOTAPING OF THIS PRODUCTION IS A VIOLATION OFUNITED STATES COPYRIGHT LAW AND ACTIONABLE FEDERAL
OFFENSE.
Little Shop of Horrors - Broadway Version
Is presented through special arrangement with Music Theatre International (MTI).
All authorized performance materials are also supplied by MTI.
Audrey II design by Martin P Robinson, New York CityConstructed by Character Translations, Inc. for Music Theatre International.
Any video recording made of this performance is authorized for personal, at-home, non-commercial use only. The sale or distribution of such
recordings is strictly prohibited under federal copyright law.
Director & Producer- Mr. Chris CumminsOrchestra Director- Mrs. Paula O’ConnorVocal Director- Mr. Paul BlackwellChoreographer- Mrs. Cara KoselnyDance Captains- Annika Spencer & Isabel LarsonCostume Director- Ms. Krisanne HaileyTechnical Director- Mr. Nick CampoliScenic Design and Stage Managers- Thomas Stabell- assisted by Chris Cummins & Nicholas CampoliStudent Treasurer- Greta ArmbrustStudent Stage Manager- George Reimers Assistant Student Stage Manager- Angelina Weaver
Directors and Production Director’s Notes
Rick Moranis, Ellen Green, John Candy, Bill Murray, and of course, Steve Martin. The iconic, rather dark movie of the mid 1980s has a cult following and mystique. It’s been performed on numerous stages and always grabs the audience by surprise with its outrageous characters, absurd plot, humorous situations and eerie undertones. Thus, the perfect musical for 2021! While certainly a show for mature audiences, Little Shop of Horrors offers us fun dancing, intriguing character arcs, beautiful and jazzy songs, quirky and cool acting, and a creepy, engaging story. Some have conjectured that it’s a commentary on capitalism and greed, while others feel it aligns with Sigmund Freud’s breakdown of the id, ego and superego. One thing is for sure, Little Shop… combines gore, drama, darkness and tragedy with comedy and heartfelt love in a way few musicals have over many years.
With its small cast and orchestra, not to mention shorter duration, we felt it was the perfect fit for our current Covid-19 situation. We were able to use various masks, keep costumes creative yet easy to use, and maintain distancing even as rules changed. When more students were on stage, we improvised using some technological tricks. Unfortunately, the pandemic has restricted audiences, but the show must go on. In fact, now more than ever--when we can entertain and remove ourselves from the stress and anxiety of current times-- musicals, movies, concerts and entertainment inspire and motivate us. Binging on Netflix never felt so satisfying. But nothing replaces live theatre, and a return to it will certainly be welcome. In the meantime, the courageous and creative students of our musical theatre arts program at East Aurora found a way to come as close as possible to a live show. Quite frankly, their ingenuity and desire to perform made rehearsals a joy and filled with laughter.
As in the past, we were able to keep kids involved at a high level. Students played major roles in costuming and set design, as well as working with directors to hone characters and design some dances. While publicity was limited, we advertised in school and even used our film academy to promote the show. Ultimately, everyone involved simply wanted to put on the best show possible.
Without the tireless effort of my fellow directors, this production would not have been possible. Our scheduling was “creative” to say the least, and we “had each others’ backs” as they say. To Paul, Nick, Paula, Tom, Cara and Krisanne a heartfelt thank you.
Much was new to us this year, especially creative blocking, mask wearing and vigilance. While we were unable to do some of the activities we’ve enjoyed in previous years, like our Roycroft event, striving to put on a musical was worth the effort.
Sincerely,Chris Cummins
Special ThanksMr. Russ, Mr. Roberts, Mr. Moore, the East Aurora Custodial Staff, the EAHS Music Department, Mrs. Cedfeldt, Ms. Moudgil and Julie Tirone. Mr. VanOstrand designed our program cover and posters. Mr. Rory Brake returned to help with sets, props and painting. Without these people, our publicity would not be as vibrant or engaging. Thank you to Mr. Wall and Mr. Cray for opening their classrooms to us for construction and helping with posters.
I offer so much gratitude for all the students have done during this tumultuous time. Annika Spencer and Isabel Larson choreographed some of our dances and led review rehearsals. The leads in the show were willing to meet online when unable to be in person and stayed late to review scenes, a testament to their love of theatre and commitment to the production. Everyone in the cast and crew did what they could to make this unique event come as close to live theatre as possible. I am grateful for the students’ enthusiasm, tolerance and adaptability in the face of all this year has thrown at them. We could do much to learn from their attitudes.
I hope I have not forgotten anyone, but if so, my sincerest apologies.
Brigadoon 1972 Camelot 1973 Music Man 1974 Guys and Dolls 1975 Oklahoma 1976 Carousel 1977 Bye Bye Birdie 1978 Hello Dolly 1979 How to Succeed in Business 1980 South Pacific 1981 Lil’ Abner 1982 Annie Get Your Gun 1983 My Fair Lady 1984 The Music Man 1985 Guys and Dolls 1986 The King and I 1987 Mame 1988 Hello Dolly 1989 Bye Bye Birdie 1990 Wizard of Oz 1991 Pajama Game 1992 Grease 1993 Lil’ Abner 1994 Meet Me in St. Louis 1995 Anything Goes 1996
Guys and Dolls 1997 Wizard of Oz 1998 Grease 1999 The Sound of Music 2000 Once Upon a Mattress 2001 Cinderella 2002 Peter Pan 2003 42nd Street 2004 Anything Goes 2005 Bye Bye Birdie 2006 The Music Man 2007 The Sound of Music 2008 Fiddler On the Roof 2009 Annie 2010Seussical the Musical 2011Thoroughly Modern Milly 2012Into The Woods 201342nd Street 2014Beauty and the Beast 2015Mary Poppins 2016Guys & Dolls 2017The Drowsy Chaperone 2018ByeBye Birdie 2019Wizard of Oz 2020Little Shop of Horrors 2021
History of East Aurora High School Musical Productions
Synopsis - Act II
Although Audrey’s boyfriend has gone missing, she’s kept quite busy as Mushnik’s Flower Shop makes money hand over fist, all thanks to Seymour and Audrey II. Seymour is bigger than ever on Skid Row and well-beyond, especially for Audrey in “Suddenly Seymour”. Interviews, magazine articles, lectures-- he can barely keep up with his new-found fame. But Mr. Mushnik, Seymour’s new father, realizes something is amiss: the missing dentist, bloody clothes in the garbage, and stains on the floor. After discovering Seymour’s murderous secret, he offers to help his son come clean, or at least explain himself. But Audrey II has other ideas. The plant convinces Seymour to dispense with “dear old dad” and enjoys his next meal in “Suppertime”. With two murders weighing on his mind, Seymour snaps. He fights with his conscience just as Audrey enters. Her love for him helps the young botanist sees clearly, thus Seymour readies to rid himself of Audrey II once and for all. But the plant strikes first. The lovely Audrey, ever concerned for her love, returns to check on Seymour, only to be lured into the plant’s clutches. Seymour enters as she is being attacked, but he’s too late. In “Somewhere that’s Green reprise”, Audrey accepts her fate and convinces Seymour to feed her to plant as well, for at least she’ll be a part of something that Seymour created and cares for. Without anyone to love, nor anyone to love him, Seymour ponders what to do. When he realizes Audrey II’s ulterior motives, taking over the world, the once-feeble, floral, flower shop assistant attacks! He shoots, poisons and hacks away at Audrey II. Yet the plant won long ago. Seymour becomes its next meal right before Chiffon, Crystal and Ronette return with Mr. Martin to clip and create seedlings of Audrey II to sell throughout the United States and world.
Synopsis of Songs - Act 2
• “Call Back in the Morning” – Seymour and Audrey• “Suddenly, Seymour” – Seymour, Audrey, Chiffon, Crystal, and Ronette• “Suppertime” – Audrey II (with Seymour and Mushnik speaking)• “The Meek Shall Inherit” – Company• “Sominex/Suppertime II” – Audrey and Audrey II• “Somewhere That’s Green” (reprise) – Audrey (with Seymour speaking)• Finale “Don’t Feed the Plants” – Ensemble
Synopsis - Act I
Little Shop of Horrors opens with a Greek chorus of Chiffon, Crystal, and Ronette, three girls who seem to have their fingers on the pulse of Skid Row, home to Mushnik’s Flower Shop, where Mr. Mushnik employs Seymour Krelborn and Audrey. After learning that Mushnik’s hasn’t sold a petal, much less a plant, we come to know why with “Skid Row”, a song lamenting life in this worn-out, dangerous part of the city. But there is hope. With help from Audrey and the girls, Seymour shares his secret about a strange and interesting plant he’s been growing-- the Audrey II -- in “Da-Doo”. Seymour eerily learns that his plant, which isn’t doing so well, needs human blood to thrive, so he makes a donation of his own. Audrey II starts to thrive, and so does Mushnik’s Flower Shop in “Ya Never Know”. Of course, Audrey is not thriving, especially with her current, abusive boyfriend. She dreams of “Somewhere that’s Green”, and even of a better relationship with someone like...Seymour. But Orin Scrivello, DDS, comes to pick her up, and introduces himself with the song “Dentist” to Chiffon, Ronette and Crystal, who despise him for his abuse of the sweet and tender floral assistant. Mr. Mushnik realizes that in order to keep the money coming in, he must keep Seymour, and what better way to that than adopt the orphan with the song, “Mushnik and Son”. With his new dad and botanical success, Seymour is missing only one thing from his life...Audrey. After witnessing a particularly hurtful row between Orin and Audrey, Seymour decides to act-- with a little help from a talking plant in “Git it”. A plan is set to entrap the cruel dentist, Orin Scrivello DDS, but the fool makes it even easier by asphyxiating himself in “It’s Just the Gas”. And in the darkest scene yet, Act I closes with Seymour giving the plant, Audrey II, exactly what it wants.
Synopsis of Songs - Act 1
• Prologue -”Little Shop of Horrors” – Chiffon, Crystal, and Ronette• “Skid Row” – Ensemble• “Da-Doo” – Chiffon, Crystal, and Ronette (with Seymour speaking)• “Grow for Me” – Seymour• “Ya Never Know” – Mushnik, Chiffon, Crystal, Ronette, and Seymour• “Somewhere That’s Green” – Audrey• “Closed for Renovation” – Seymour, Audrey, and Mushnik• “Dentist!” – Orin, Chiffon, Crystal, and Ronette• “Mushnik and Son” – Mushnik and Seymour• “Sudden Changes” – Seymour• “Git It” – Audrey II and Seymour• “It’s Just the Gas” – Orin and Seymour• Act I Finale – Chiffon, Crystal, Ronette, and Audrey II
Pit Orchestra Directed by: Mrs. Paula O’ConnorStudent Assistant: Josey Slater
Flute: Elspeth GreenAlto 1/Soprano Saxophone: Josephine SlaterAlto 2/Soprano Saxophone: Monty NichollTrumpet 1: Lucas HurneyTrumpet 2: Nathan StoddartGuitar: Joshua BoselaPiano: Jasper Green Percussion: Camden OverDrum Set: Jack Meyer
Vocal Director/ Piano Accompanist: Mr. Paul Blackwell
Stage CrewStage Manager: Tom StabellStudent Stage Manager: George Reimers
Renee CarlsonMarissa CrowElisabeth GunnerJessica ParkerMikah Patterson
Costume CrewCostume Director: Krisanne HaileyStudent Costume Director: Greta ArmbrustFiona FosterSpencer HarpAubrey Roden
George ReimersTalia SpencerAngelina WeaverEzra Webster
Seymour………………...Zachary HornAudrey………………….Adalyn TironeMr. Mushnik…………....Ethan FreyOrin the Dentist………...Charles ImprotaThe Plant- Audrey II……Neal Bachman, Ian Dibble Ezera Webster, Talia SpencerCrystal………………….Annika SaffordRonette………………..Jorielle ArriagaChiffon………………....Mary KalinskiCustomer………………Stephen KapalczynskiBernstein………………..Colin JonesMrs. Luce……………….Laya DavisSnip…………………….Emma DolanInterviewer……………..Malena MercurioThe Drunk……………...David SaffordPatrick Martin………….David SaffordAct 2 Customers……….Julia Bermingham Ian DibbleEnsemble... Stephen Kapalczynski, Laya Davis, Colin Jones, Malena Mercurio, Julia Bermingham, Ian Dibble, Emma Dolan, David SaffordFeatured Dancers… Annika Spencer*, Isabelle Larson*, Caitlin Bernys, Katherine Kalinski, Sara Larson, Madeline Wasner
Little Shop of Horrors Cast
Technical CrewMikah Patterson, Jessica Parker,Aubrey Roden
Malena Mercurio has been part of the musical since her freshman year. She was in The Drowsy Chaperone, Bye Bye Birdie, Wizard of Oz and Little Shop of Horrors. She is so grateful to Mr. Cummins, Mr. Blackwell, Miss Cara, and Mrs. O’Connor, as well as her family and her friends who have felt like family during her four years of musical. She will miss everyone so much and is so excited to come back and see all of the stars being created on the stage that she feels so lucky to have spent so many years on.
Addie Tirone is a senior this year and is beyond excited to be sharing the stage again with her friends. She has been apart of many EAHS musicals such as The Drowsy Chaperone, Queen City Strikers, and Bye Bye Birdie as a featured dancer along with being Dorothy in The Wizard of Oz. She plans to pursue other passions in college but says she will always remember musical as one of her best high school memories. She also wants to give a special shout out and thank you to all of the musical directors for going above and beyond to make this show possible.
Maddie Wasner has been dancing for 15 years and currently dances at Still Dancing. She has been a part of the musical for four years, and has been a featured dancer for the last three. She would like to thank her dance teachers, regular teachers, family, friends, and parents for always supporting her.
Marissa Crowe has been part of cast for the Drowsy Chaperone, Bye Bye Birdie, and Wizard of Oz and part of stage crew for Little Shop of Horrors. They wanted to express their gratitude and love for fellow cast and crew who became family and consistently pushed them to always do their best and persevere.
Zachary Horn, a senior this year, is elated to be returning to the East Aurora High School stage this year to make his final performance as Seymour. Past roles that Zach has played include the Tin Man in The Wizard of Oz and Feste the Jester in the Twelfth Night, among many others. He would like to thank his friends & family for continuously supporting him throughout his dramatic career and all of the directors, crews, cast members, and the pit for making this show possible.
Annika Safford has participated in the musical for five years. She played in the pit for three years, and this is her second year on stage. She would like to thank Mr. Blackwell for opening her potential and Mr. Cummins for challenging her to improve, Mrs. O’Connor for her endless energy and support, and the rest of the staff and students involved in the musical who put their passions together to create such an exciting experience.
Cast Bios
Ian Dibble has been in the musical all four years of high school. Ian would like to thank everyone for the support over the years, especially the people who have given Ian rides, the costume crew and stage crew, and of course the audience who have come to see the show year after year.
Ethan Frey, a senior, is thrilled to play Mr. Mushnik in his last performance at EAHS. Throughout his past four years, Ethan has been involved in The Drowsy Chaperone, Queen City Strikers, Bye Bye Birdie, Twelfth Night, The Wizard of Oz, and Pygmalion. He would like to thank all of his family, friends, and directors for their support, guidance, and humor.
Kasia Kalinski has been involved in the East Aurora musicals as a featured dancer in The Drowsy Chaperone, The Wizard of Oz, and Little Shop of Horrors, and she was a part of the orchestra pit for the show Bye Bye Birdie. She would like to thank all of the directors, featured dancers and fellow actors for so many memorable and joyful performances.
Isabelle Larson has been a part of four musicals at East Aurora High School. She was a featured dancer in The Drowsy Chaperone, Bye Bye Birdie, The Wizard of Oz, and a dance captain for Little Shop of Horrors. She would like to thank Miss. Cara and the featured dancers for the great memories. She would also like to thank all of the directors, crews, the cast, and her family for their ongoing support.
Laya Davis is a senior who performed as an ensemble member in The Drowsy Chaperone, Bye Bye Birdie, The Wizard of Oz, and Little Shop of Horrors. She danced as a poppy in The Wizard of Oz and acted as Mrs. Luce in Little Shop of Horrors. She would like to thank her family, especially her mom, as well as all the directors that supported her throughout the past 4 years. She plans to attend SUNY Geneseo next year majoring in Applied Mathematics.
Annika Spencer has been a featured dancer in the East Aurora High School musicals since Freshman year. She has participated in The Drowsy Chaperone, Bye Bye Birdie, The Wizard of Oz and is now a dance captain in Little Shop of Horrors. Annika would like to thank the featured dancers for the most fun memories, Miss Cara and Mr. Cummins for their dedication, and her family for their support.
Ezra Webster was recruited to stage crew partway through the production to puppeteer the large Audrey II puppet and enjoyed every sweaty second of it. He is planning to study environmental sciences at Le Moyne College. Ezra enjoys pizza, cheeseburgers, ice cream, and pierogis.
