Theater Department presents 'Little Shop of Horrors'

A plant takes center stage for two November weekends at the Gorecki Family Theater, Benedicta Arts Center of the College of Saint Benedict.

Robert Plant? No, a plant that grows and enjoys eating ... ahem ... people.

"Little Shop of Horrors" will be presented for eight performances by the College of Saint Benedict/Saint John's University Theater Department. Show times are at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 8-10, 2 p.m. Nov. 11, 7:30 p.m. Nov. 15-17 and 10:30 p.m. Nov. 16.

The beloved musical is a mix of science fiction, comedy and horror. It was originally produced as a low-budget film, "The Little Shop of Horrors," by director Roger Corman in 1960. It was brought off-Broadway by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman in 1982 as "Little Shop of Horrors," and was eventually adapted into a film by director Frank Oz in 1986. The film stars Rick Moranis, Ellen Greene, Vincent Gardenia, Steve Martin and the voice of Levi Stubbs as Audrey II, the plant in question.

"The show is like a horror comic book come to life, so the set, lighting, costumes and prop designers are all making this show look like one giant illustration from a fantastic, creepy comic," said CSB/SJU professor of theater Kaarin Johnston, who is directing the show.

Seymour (played by SJU sophomore Alex Engelsgjerd) is a nerdy florist shop worker who finds and then raises a vicious, raunchy talking plant that feeds on human blood and flesh. Seymour is in love with co-worker Audrey (CSB sophomore Laura Ricci), but Laura is dating Orin, the sadist dentist (SJU senior Joey Hamburger). The plant (voiced by SJU senior Emmett Doyle) tells Seymour that he deserves Audrey and Orin deserves to die.

The production features some well-known musical numbers, including "Suddenly, Seymour," "Skid Row (Downtown)," "Grow for Me" and "Somewhere That's Green."

Tickets for "Little Shop of Horrors" are available at the BAC Box Office, by calling 320-363-5777 or online. Cost is $18 for adults and $10 for students, faculty and staff and seniors.

See a video about "Little Shop of Horrors"