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, on the ULM campus. Show times for Thursday, March 27, through Saturday, March 29, are at 7 p.m. The show will close with a 2 p.m. matinee on Sunday, March 30.
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 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 show features standout songs like "Little Shop of Horrors" and "Suddenly Seymour."
Justin Havard, music director and music professor at ULM, says that he has assembled a dream team of singers, cast members, and directors for the musical. Harvard recruited directors Greg Baccarini and Sarah Siereveld who "both have extensive professional experience in the theater world, and both have been on national tours, Havard emphasizes. "The proof is in the pudding; the show is fantastic."
The dynamic cast features strong singers and actors who are beyond your typical music majors. The Little Shop of Horrors cast showcases the talent of students across disciplines like music, psychology, accounting and more.
Kylie Daigle, an MBA student at ULM, portrays the character Audrey in the musical. She claims that the audience is in store "for a fun and high energy show." "It's very kooky... it's really exciting to be a part of," Daigle declares.
The musical will also feature a wide variety of puppets, ranging from regular hand puppets to puppets the size of a car. These puppets, along with the different displays of light can potentially be frightening to young children, therefore parental guidance is strongly advised.
Tickets are $20 for general admission and $15 for ULM faculty and staff. ULM students get in free with their student ID. Tickets are available online at https://bit.ly/ulm_little_shop and can also be purchased at the door prior to each performance.
