MONROE, LA – The University of Louisiana Monroe School of Visual and Performing Arts (VAPA) presents the musical Little Shop of Horrors, March 27-30, at Brown Auditorium, 4001 Desiard St., on the ULM campus. Show times for Thursday, March 27, through Saturday, March 29, are 7:00 p.m. The show will close with a 2:00 p.m. matinee on Sunday, March 30. Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for ULM faculty and staff. ULM students get in free with ID. Tickets are available online at https://bit.ly/ulm_little_shop or at the door prior to each performance.
A campy, comedic tribute to 1950s and 1960s sci-fi films, Little Shop of Horrors follows the story of Seymour, a shy florist’s assistant who stumbles upon a peculiar plant with a hunger for human blood. As the mysterious plant, Audrey II, grows, so does Seymour’s struggle with newfound fame, fortune, and ethical dilemmas. Featuring an electrifying 1960s-inspired rock, doo-wop, and Motown soundtrack, this production brings to life the charm and nostalgia of vintage B-movies.
Alan Menken and Howard Ashman, the legendary duo behind The Little Mermaid, Beauty and the Beast, and Aladdin, bring their signature blend of comedy and heart to Little Shop of Horrors. The score features doo-wop, Motown, R&B, and classic musical theatre, with standout songs like "Little Shop of Horrors" and "Suddenly Seymour." There’s even a nod to "Part of Your World" in "Somewhere That's Green." Their genius lies in balancing humor with genuine emotion, making Seymour and Audrey’s love story all the more touching amidst the show’s over-the-top fun.
A dynamic cast features strong singers and actors who are beyond your typical music majors. The Little Shop cast showcases the talent of students across disciplines like music, psychology, accounting and more. From March 27-30, Kylie Daigle, Addalynn Day, Jacob Foy, Thomasyn Kamm, Char’Niyah Lars, Ben Matherne, Landon Morris, Alissa Smith, Da’Jah Taylor, Braden Tucker, Je’Chauna Wilhite, and James Wright III will shine on the stage of Brown Auditorium.
For the first time, ULM’s production team boasts over 60 years of combined performance and production experience. Directors Greg Baccarini and Sarah Siereveld, Music Director Justin Havard, and Technical Director Steven Burnside eagerly embraced this collaboration, driven by their shared passion for theatre as both an art form and an educational tool.
“We believe in mentoring the next generation of performers and love sharing our knowledge to help students grow in their craft,” Baccarini shared.
Previously, Greg and Sarah teamed up for The Wedding Singer at Strauss Theatre Center and Envision for ULM at The Clarke Williams Innovation Campus. With extensive experience as professional performers, directors, and choreographers, they have worked in community and regional theatre, as well as on multiple Broadway national tours.
Little Shop of Horrors is sponsored by Southern Roots Dental.