The University of Toledo Department of Theatre and Film will present the musical “Little Shop of Horrors” Friday through Sunday, April 8 to 10, 15 to 17, and 22 to 24, in which a hapless florist rises to fame and fortune when he accommodates his plant’s hunger for blood and human flesh.
A live chamber orchestra comprised of UT music students will accompany each performance under the direction of Nathanael Leonard, Toledo Public Schools music teacher and UT Department of Music alumnus.
The book and lyrics for this cult classic were written by Howard Ashman with music by Alan Menken.
UT’s performances will be directed by Dr. Edmund Lingan, associate professor and chair of theatre and film. Choreography will be created by Jessica Bonenfant-Coogan, who has collaborated with Lingan over a 10-year period on productions in Toledo and New York City.
“With this production of ‘Little Shop of Horrors,’ I am returning to the film-noir look of the original 1960 movie that the musical is based on,” Lingan said. “I first saw the movie when I was a little kid, and it was the first time that I realized horror could be funny. I think that’s probably why it translated into a musical comedy so well. Of course, the plot and the songs of the musical are really wonderful.”
The cast is a mix of UT theatre and music students, some UT alumni, and two faculty members: Cornel Gabara, associate professor of theatre, and Denise Ritter-Bernardini, assistant professor of music and director of the UT Opera Ensemble.
“The acting, scenery, costumes and singing in this production are going to wow the audience,” Lingan said. “I think people are going to have a great time with this one.”
Performances will be held Fridays and Saturdays at 7:30 p.m. and Sundays at 2 p.m. in the Center for Performing Arts Center Theatre.
Tickets are $20 general admission; $15 for UT faculty, staff, alumni, seniors and members of the military; and $10 for students and children. Tickets are available in advance from the UT Center for Performing Arts Box Office, by calling 419.530.ARTS (2787), and online at utoledo.tix.com.
