News
GRAND JUNCTION, Colo. — Grand Valley Community Theatre's new performing arts center in downtown Grand Junction opens next week with a production of the “Little Shop of Horrors.”
The musical comedy is based on the 1960 film that later became a Broadway hit.
“We wanted to pick an appealing show for all ages,” said Terri Schafer, artistic director for the theatre. “It's a cute, cute story.
“Alan Menken won a Tony (award) for the music for the Broadway show.”
The story is about a venus fly-trap plant from outer space that ends up in a flower shop on skid row. The plant won't grow until the shop worker pricks his finger on a thorn, a drop of blood falls onto the plant, and it opens up and begins to grow — and continues its appetite for human blood.
“It's very funny; a hysterical show how the plant takes over the shop,” Schafer said.
“There is great singing, music and stage movement.”
The show has been double cast, meaning there's one 24-member cast comprised of student actors, and another from members of the theater community. Double casting allows both older, sometimes more experienced actors, as well as student thespians opportunities to act, Schafer said. The two casts will perform at different times.
“Both are really good,” Schafer said.
Leading actors in the adult production include local chiropractor Shalona McFarland, nursing student Hannah Wilson, and two District 51 school teachers, Matthew Doty and Jeena Williams.
McFarland is one of the “muses” who narrates the show through song.
“It's a really, really fun show,” McFarland said.
“We all laugh hysterically at rehearsals (even though) we know what happens — it's still funny.”
In the student performance, leading roles are performed by Matt LaFrennierre, Rikki Reynolds and Lane Melott.
“Little Shop of Horrors” opens Thursday, April 7, with performances Friday and Saturday and the following two weekends. Tickets are $17 for adults; and $15 for seniors and students.
The musical comedy is based on the 1960 film that later became a Broadway hit.
“We wanted to pick an appealing show for all ages,” said Terri Schafer, artistic director for the theatre. “It's a cute, cute story.
“Alan Menken won a Tony (award) for the music for the Broadway show.”
The story is about a venus fly-trap plant from outer space that ends up in a flower shop on skid row. The plant won't grow until the shop worker pricks his finger on a thorn, a drop of blood falls onto the plant, and it opens up and begins to grow — and continues its appetite for human blood.
“It's very funny; a hysterical show how the plant takes over the shop,” Schafer said.
“There is great singing, music and stage movement.”
The show has been double cast, meaning there's one 24-member cast comprised of student actors, and another from members of the theater community. Double casting allows both older, sometimes more experienced actors, as well as student thespians opportunities to act, Schafer said. The two casts will perform at different times.
“Both are really good,” Schafer said.
Leading actors in the adult production include local chiropractor Shalona McFarland, nursing student Hannah Wilson, and two District 51 school teachers, Matthew Doty and Jeena Williams.
McFarland is one of the “muses” who narrates the show through song.
“It's a really, really fun show,” McFarland said.
“We all laugh hysterically at rehearsals (even though) we know what happens — it's still funny.”
In the student performance, leading roles are performed by Matt LaFrennierre, Rikki Reynolds and Lane Melott.
“Little Shop of Horrors” opens Thursday, April 7, with performances Friday and Saturday and the following two weekends. Tickets are $17 for adults; and $15 for seniors and students.
GO&DO
What: Grand Valley Community Theatre's “Little Shop of Horrors”
When: April 7-9, 14-16, and 21-23 Where: Performing Arts Center of the Grand Valley, 448 Main St. Cost: $17 adult; $15 student and senior Info: 361-0243; or showtimeproductionsinc.com |
