North Central College seniors produce, direct “Little Shop of Horrors” Feb. 25-28

North Central College senior students will stage the sassy musical “Little Shop of Horrors,” a story about a flower shop assistant and a giant human flesh-eating plant.

Four performances will be presented at 7:30 p.m. Feb. 25-27 and at 2 p.m. Feb. 28 in the College’s Pfeiffer Hall, 310 E. Benton Ave. Tickets are $15/adults and $10/students and seniors; call 630-637-SHOW (7469) or visit northcentralcollege.edu/showtix. Adult supervision is suggested for mature thematic material.

“Little Shop of Horrors,” by composer Alan Menken and writer Howard Ashman, introduces the audience to Seymour, the lovable klutz who works with Mr. Mushnik and Seymour’s true love Audrey. Together they struggle to keep their unsuccessful flower shop open on urban skid row. Their bad luck changes when Seymour discovers a mysterious plant, which gives them the success they need and the romance Seymour’s been craving with Audrey. All he has to do is commit to feeding the plant—no matter the cost.

North Central College theatre majors produce all aspects of the show, which is directed by senior Samantha Hess. “‘Little Shop of Horrors’ does so many enjoyable things,” says Hess. “It pokes fun at the original 1960’s film ‘The Little Shop of Horrors’ and B-rated science fiction movies, as well as musical theatre as an art form. It satirizes things that are often taken more seriously, such as the classic Faustian bargain—‘sacrificing anything to satisfy a limitless desire for knowledge and power.’”

The musical takes a critical look at the nostalgia for America in the 1950s, an era of the “American Dream” that’s often looked upon with admiration. This production flips that dream on its head, pointing out how unrealistic some of its components may be.

“This piece showcases characters who fight to feed their desires, their dreams and their personal fulfillment—not to mention feed themselves, literally,” says Hess. “At the end of the day, that’s what we do as people … we are in constant pursuit of something.”

The crew is (role, name, town, year, major):

Director: Samantha Hess of Decatur, Mich., a senior majoring in musical theatre and theatre
Music director: Jack Ryan of Oswego, a senior majoring in mathematics and theatre
Production manager: Molly Durava of Naperville, a senior majoring in sociology
Stage manager: Brittney Collins of Sullivan, Ill., a junior majoring in theatre and theatrical design and technology
Assistant stage manager: Eyna Wenk of Naperville, a senior majoring in musical theatre and theatre
Assistant stage manager: Carrie Anderson of Bolingbrook, a junior majoring in theatre, German and theatrical design and technology
Choreographer: Sean Mohler of Machesney Park, a senior majoring in musical theatre, psychology and theatre
Costume designer: Bri Perry of Plainfield, a senior majoring in theatrical design and technology and musical theatre
Hair and makeup designer: Nicole McCallion of Naperville, a senior majoring in theatre
Props designer: Chris Corrigan of Naperville, a senior majoring in theatre
Props master: Kate Darby of Huntley, a senior majoring in theatrical design and technology
Scenic designer: Greg Johnson of Wheaton, a senior majoring in theatrical design and technology
Lighting designer: Brad Burkhalter of Aurora, a senior majoring in theatre
Sound designer: Kate Sanderson of St. Charles, a senior majoring in management and theatrical design and technology
Acting coach: Colleen DeRosa of Downers Grove, a senior majoring in theatre
Vocal coach: Ashlyn Seehafer of St. Charles, a senior majoring in musical theatre
Dramaturg: Becca Sheehan of Chicago, a senior majoring in musical theatre and theatre
Publicity: Mark Yacullo of Naperville, a senior majoring in theatre
Assistant technical director: Cassie Fenwick of Naperville, a senior majoring in theatre and psychology
Scenic charge artist: Caitlyn Woods of Naperville, a senior majoring in theatrical design and technology and theatre

The cast is (role, name, town, year, major):

Seymour: Bobby Taves of Oswego, a junior majoring in theatre
Audrey: Anne Lorentzen of Sequim, Wash., a junior majoring in musical theatre
Ronnette: Bridget Adams-King of Western Springs, a freshman majoring in musical theatre
Crystal: Jordan DePhillips of Plainfield, a sophomore majoring in marketing and musical theatre
Chiffon: Allyson Martens of Milan, Ill., a senior majoring in marketing
Audrey II: Rachel Rodewald of Burlington, Ill., a junior majoring in theatre
Orin Scrivello: Cody Talkie of Joliet, a junior majoring in musical theatre
Mushnik: Joshua Lahey of Orland Park, a junior majoring in organizational communication
Voice of God, Customer 1, Radio Announcer: Cameron Sherrill of St. Charles, a sophomore majoring in theatre
Wino 1, Customer 2, Patrick Martin: John Lindberg of St. Charles, a sophomore majoring in theatre and music
Wino 2, Bernstein, Skip Snip, Mrs. Luce: Alex Moerer of Waverly, Iowa, a junior majoring in broadcast communication and theatre

North Central College’s 2015-2016 Fine and Performing Arts Season is partially sponsored by BMO Harris Bank, Nicor Gas, Advanced Data Technologies, Savant Capital Management, USG Corporation, Monarch Landing, Naperville Special Events and Cultural Amenities Fund, Illinois Arts Council Agency, DuPage Foundation and Naperville Development Partnership.