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"Little Shop of Horrors" Great Show-Great Cast-Great Fun STC Mainstage

2012-05-04T04:43:14Z

Images by Kelly Christofferson New exclusive SacPress images by Barry Wisdom

The Sacramento Theatre Company is ending its 2011-2012 season of “Mystery, Music, and Mayhem" with the return of a huge hit for STC 20-some odd years ago, the highly successful Howard Ashman-Alan Menken collaboration, “Little Shop of Horrors." It won’t be a mystery if this new STC production turns out to be its own smash hit.

As for the music, Ashman’s lyrics and Menken’s music are equally infectious and the cast and band gave a wonderful performance. The two went on to do several successful and award-winning collaborations with Disney.

There is lots of mayhem, mostly of the human-eating plant variety. Ashman’s book is based on Charles B. Griffith’s screenplay for the 1960 Roger Corman B Grade movie of the same name. Barry Wisdom’s preview gives a good background on the show.

The current production is cast well, with several vets of highly successful STC productions and a new rising star.

Andrew J. Perez steals the show as the long suffering Seymour Krelboyne, and that is saying something given this scene-stealing cast. The Sacramento native and product of local youth theatrical training, now having returned from his education at Seattle University, really shows what he can do here. His Seymour is very funny and endearing. Perez sings his parts with a beautiful, clear voice. With this performance Perez’s stock on the Sacramento stages will definitely rise.

Seymour’s unrequited love interest and co-worker Audrey Fuquard is portrayed by Jessica Goldman, who returns to STC following her performance as June in the STC smash hit, “The Musical of Musicals the Musical” It is great to hear Goldman’s voice in Sacramento again. The sweet, simple Audrey is a great role and she shines in it. Her performance of “Somewhere it’s Green” and duet with Perez on “Suddenly Seymour" are simply wonderful.

Audrey’s other love interest, if you could call him that, is the highly abusive Orin Scrivello D.D.S., played by STC favorite William Elsman. Scrivello’s treatment of Audrey leads to him becoming plant food. Elsman opened this season in the title role of “Frankenstein.” He again proves himself fearless in what he will do on stage for a laugh. Besides the role of Orin, Elsman portrays several walk on characters, some in rapid succession. It reached a point where he would walk on the stage as another character and the audience would start laughing before he said a word.

Mr. Mushnik, the proprietor of Mushnik's Skid Row Florists where most of the action takes place, is played by STC acting company member and one of the most popular actors, Michael RJ Campbell, last seen in “Ruthless” as Sylvia St.Croix.

Speaking with Campbell after the show, he talked about how the role was different than most he portrays, but that this was part of the fun of this show. Never mind that the role may be different than he usually plays, he did a great job.

Campbell had previously worked with Goldman on “Musical of Musicals” and with Elsman on “Sherlock Holmes: The Final Adventure” as Dr. Watson to Elsman’s Sherlock Holmes, along with their drag roles in “Cinderella.”

The strolling backup girls that are like a 60s doo-wop Greek Chorus, Crystal, Ronnette and Chiffon, are played by Miranda Lawson, Ure Egbuho and Gabriella "Ella" Isaguirre, respectively add musical commentary and comedy to action.

Jeffrey Lloyd Heatherly voices Audrey II the killer plant with booming authority while Aaron Hitchcock brings the plant to life with the assistance of Tom Block, Javen Crosby, Dafydd Wynn and Garrick Sigl as assistant puppeteers.

Michael Laun, who has worked several times with several of these actors in the past, keeps pace with Menken’s score in his direction. He has also brought out really great fun, funny performances from his actors.

Jarred Bodensteiner’s set design manages to fit a large-scale production nicely on the STC Mainstage while Jessica Minnihan has a field day with costuming - from the nerdy Seymour to the beautifully, if inappropriately dressed, Audrey, to the many costume changes for William Elsman’s several characters.

“Little Shop of Horrors” is such a fun show to start with and the cast of this Sacramento Theatre Company do the composers proud. It is an all-ages show that had those of every age in near hysterical laughter throughout the show. The show’s approximate running time of just short of two hours with intermission goes so fast. After seeing “Little Shop of Horrors,” you may want to change the ominous lyrics of “Don’t Feed the Plant!” to please, please, feed the plant!

“Little Shop of Horrors” Sacramento Theatre Company Mainstage
April 25-May 20, 2012 Tickets and more information

Sacramento Theatre Company closes season with 'Little Shop of Horrors'

2012-04-27T08:25:52Z

photographs by Barry Wisdom /

Sacramento Theatre Company closes its 2011-12 season with a blast from the past, staging an all-new production of "Little Shop of Horrors," a huge hit during its 1986-87 season, that is set to play April 28 to May 20, 2012.

The show, which originated more than 50 years ago as a Roger Corman film about a milquetoast florist's assistant and his blood-craving spore from outer space, has enjoyed several incarnations, from film to stage, then back to film, before last landing on television as an animated children's series.

Undoubtedly influenced by the cinematic seeds planted in his subconcious by such sci-fi classics as "The Thing from Another World" (1951) and "Invasion of the Body Snatchers" (1956), director Roger Corman released his own movie about an extraterrestrial leaf form ("The Little Shop of Horrors") on an unsuspecting public in 1960.

Notable for its Ed Wood-style production values – as well as an early big-screen appearance by Jack Nicholson – "The Little Shop of Horrors" didn't break any box-office records or spawn any sequels, but after more than 20 years it did mutate into a successful stage musical following award-winning Off-Broadway, West End and Los Angeles runs as "Little Shop of Horrors."

With a book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, the stage musical was transferred back to the silver screen as the Frank Oz-directed "Little Shop of Horrors," garnering an Oscar nomination for the original song "Mean Green Mother from Outer Space" (added to the show's score for the film).

The Sacramento Theatre Company revival, which previews April 25-28, is directed by STC Producing Director Michael Laun, with musical direction by Dan Pool and choreography by Jerald Bolden.

The cast includes Andrew J. Perez (Seymour), Jessica Goldman (Audrey Goldman), Michael RJ Campbell (Mushnik), William Elsman (Orin, Bernstein, Snip, Luce and others), Miranda Lawson (Crystal), Ure Egbuho (Ronnette), Gabriella "Ella" Isaguirre (Chiffon), Jeffrey Lloyd Heatherly (voice of Audrey II), Aaron Hitchcock (Audrey II manipulator), and Tom Block, Javen Crosby, Dafydd Wynn and Garrick SIgl (additional puppeteers).

Sacramento Theatre Company has announced that it is rolling back ticket prices for the 2 p.m. April 28 preview to celebrate the show's return. These discounted tickets, priced at $15, are available through the STC box office as well as online.

For those interested in learning more about the history of "Little Shop of Horrors," the company is hosting prologue sessions 45 minutes prior to each performance.

JUST THE FACTS

What: The Sacramento Theatre Company production of the Howard Ashman-Alan Menken musical "Little Shop of Horrors"

When: previews April 25-April 28; opens 8 p.m. April 28 and plays through May 20 with performances at 6:30 p.m. Wednesdays, 12:30 and 6:30 p.m. Thursdays, 8 p.m. Fridays, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturdays, 2 p.m. Sundays

Where: Sacramento Theatre Company Main Stage, 1419 H St., Sacramento, Calif.

Who: Book/lyrics by Howard Ashman, music by Alan Menken; directed by Michael Laun; featuring Andrew J. Perez, Jessica Goldman, Michael RJ Campbell, William Elsman, Miranda Lawson, Ure Egbuho, Gabriella "Ella" Isaguirre, Jeffrey Lloyd Heatherly

How much: $15-$38 (discounts available for students, seniors and groups)

More info: www.sactheatre.org; (916) 443-6722 or (888) 478-2849

The Children of “A Christmas Carol” and STC's Young Professionals Conservatory

2010-12-08T23:21:08Z

All photos: Barry Wisdom

In my recent review of Sacramento Theatre Company’s “A Christmas Carol,” I mentioned Caleb Salmon, who plays the young Ebenezer, the tailor and the second suitor (at Fezziwig’s party.) I’d like to elaborate on the program that Salmon has gone through to get where he is now.

Salmon has gone through the Sacramento Theatre Company’s Young Professionals Conservatory. He is now attending college and is an Equity Membership Candidate.

Caleb Salmon as Ebenezer Scrooge and Ella Isaguirre as Belle

Actor’s Equity Association, commonly known as Equity, is the union of actors and associated theatre trades. Having an Equity card is the doorway to a professional acting career.

The Young Professionals Conservatory (YPC), part of STC’s School of Arts, is a rigorous, 10-month training program for students ages 12 –18 who are interested in pursuing professional theatre careers.

YPC includes weekly master classes with renowned theatre artists, a season of three shows and the opportunity to audition for age-appropriate roles in STC Mainstage productions.

The youngest performer in “A Christmas Carol” is six-year-old Dylan Margolis.

Michael R.J. Campbell as the Ghost of Christmas Present, Matt K. Miller as Ebenezer Scrooge, Dylan Margolis as Tiny Tim Cratchit, and Gillen Morrison as Bob Cratchit

While Margolis is too young to be in the YPC, all of the other kid and teen roles are cast to members of the Young Professionals Conservatory. Two actors rotate performing each role.

Here is some more information about the cast who play the children’s roles in “A Christmas Carol”:

Ebenezer the child and Edward Cratchit:

Hank Minnick (two years in YPC, “Thumbelina”) and Dafydd Wynne (“A Servant of Two Masters”)

Young Ebenezer Scrooge (Hank Minnick) and Fan (Elle Berti)

Fan (Scrooge's sister)

Elle Berti (6th grade, 10 musicals) and Caitlyn Shannon (HS Senior, "Into the Woods")

Ebenezer the apprentice:

Tom Block (8th grade, second year in YPC, “Servant of Two Masters”) and Liam Worrell-Olson (10th grade, second year in YPC, “Much Ado About Nothing")

Liam Worrell-Olson as Ebenezer Scrooge (the apprentice), Jerry Lee as Dick Wilkins, and Michael R.J. Campbell as Fezziwig

Martha Cratchit and Belle:

Ella Isaguirre (“Arranged Marriage,” and “Cinderella") and Clara Shader-Seave (HS junior, fourth year in YPC, “A Christmas Carol”)

Peter Cratchit and first suitor:

Will Block (fourth year in YPC, “Treasure Island”) and Jeremy Gray (appeared in national commercials, “Aida”)

Belinda Cratchit:

Sydney Christoffersen (7th grade, “Thumbelina”) and Emily Ann Miller (7th grade, first year in YPC, “School House Rock”)

Standing: Maggie Hollinbeck as Mrs. Cratchit, Dylan Margolis as Tiny Tim Cratchit and Gillen Morrison as Bob Cratchit | Seated: Hank Minnick as Edward Cratchit, Ella Isaguirre as Martha Cratchit, Emily Ann Miller as Belinda Cratchit, Will Block as Peter Cratchit

Fred’s wife’s sister and second Miss Fezziwig:

Leah Hassett (HS senior, third year in YPC, “Cinderella”) and Hannah Zimmerman (second year in YPC, “Arranged Marriage”)

The beggar child:

Lauren Metzinger (12 years old, “Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat”) and Courtney Shannon (7th grade, “Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat”)

Third Miss Fezziwig:

Emily Eagle (8th grade, “Annie”) and Alyssa Middleton (“ Treasure Island,” “Joseph and the Technicolor Dream Coat”)

Second suitor:

Javen Crosby (YPC, “Beauty and The Beast”) and Cooper Salmon (fourth year in YPC, “The Tale”)

Want:

Haley Finerman (“Arranged Marriage”) and Kemi Hoil (12 years old, “The Opera Brundibar”)

Kemi Hoil as Want, Carly Tse as Ignorance and Michael R.J. Campbell as the Ghost of Christmas Present

Ignorance:

Sophie Boskovich (7th grade, first year YPC, “Robin Hood”) and Carly Tse (8 years in theatre, “Hocus Pocus”)

Turkey Boy:

Justin Baker (8th grade, “The Nutcracker”) and Griffith Munn (YPC, “The Servant of Two Masters”)

Ensemble:

Maryann Michelle Good (HS Junior, 4th yr. YPC, "Arranged Marriage") and Joelle Jacoby ("Cinderella", "Whistle Down The Wind" [national tour])

These kids do an amazing job. While their ability to project their voices and enunciate varies, overall they are good singers, dancers and actors.

“A Christmas Carol” musical director Chris Schlagel spoke with me after the show, and talked about how much he worked with all these kids while they learn the music and how professional they are.

Schlagel is well known in Sacramento theatre and music circles. He has been the musical director for numerous YPC productions, Cosmopolitan Cabaret (“Forever Plaid,” “My Way, a Tribute to Frank Sinatra,” and the upcoming “A Grand Night For Singing”) and the Music Circus, among others.

STC producing director Michael Laun has done an excellent job of working with such a large and varied cast to pull everything together and create this wonderful production. Laun seconded Schlagel on how talented and hard working all these kids are. He has one of the YPC participants perform in each of the STC Cabaret shows.

Director of the Young Professionals Conservatory Michele Hillen-Noufer spoke about the process of being cast in “Carol.”

She said in the spring the kids audition to be accepted into the YPC. In August the kids accepted in the program begin auditioning again. Over the next weeks it is decided what roles they will be performing in the plays.

Even with all of the children’s roles in STC’s two alternating holiday classics, there are nowhere near enough spots to cast all 70 YPC participants. They can be cast in other main stage productions during the year or in the productions YPC does itself.

After they have been cast, they begin learning their roles, songs and dances in the YPC before joining the rest of the cast in rehearsals.

Many YPC grads like Caleb Salmon go on to study theatre arts in college. Some, according to Hillen-Noufer, end up in programs like the Julliard School.

There are several programs for younger children in the STC School of Art. More than 60 children will be performing in “Seussical Jr.” later this year.

Tuesday, 300 elementary school children attended an 11:30 a.m. matinee of “A Christmas Carol” with their classmates.

If your child – after watching kids perform in a STC production – says: “I would like to try this,” Hillen-Noufer would like to talk to you.

To contact Michele Hillen-Noufer: E-mail 916. 446.7501 x113

Who: Sacramento Theatre Company
What: A Christmas Carol
Where: STC’s Main Stage 1419 H Street, Sacramento
When: Now. Show closes December 26th
Wednesdays 7:00 p.m., Thursdays 12:30 and 7:00 p.m., Fridays 7:00 p.m., Saturdays 2:00 & 7:00 p.m., Sundays 2 p.m.
Special “added” matinee performance on Christmas Eve at 12:30 p.m.
Regular Ticket Prices: $40 (discounts for children (ages 4-12) students, seniors, and groups available) Rush Tickets: ½ price tickets 30 minutes prior to each performance, subject to availability.

Just in:

Give Smart for the Holidays Family Fun Pack: Purchase 2 Adult tickets of A Christmas Carol ($80) and receive 2 Children’s tickets free (a $40 value)! Promotional offer available through December 12th. You must call the box office (916 443-6722) to take advantage of this offer.