‘Little Shop of Horrors’ at YSU Theatre

YOUNGSTOWN, Ohio – “Little Shop of Horrors,” the comic horror musical, will open Friday, Oct. 29, at Youngstown State University Theatre and run for two weekends in Ford Theater on the lower level of YSU’s Bliss Hall.

Performances will be at 7:30 p.m. Fridays and Saturdays, and 2 p.m. Sundays.

Tickets are $16, with special rates available for students, seniors, alumni and groups of eight or more (free for YSU students with valid ID). Call 330 941 3105 for reservations or go to YSU.tix.com.

The show is based on the film by Roger Corman and features lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken.

Directed by guest director Ian Silverman, “Little Shop” begins with meek flower shop assistant Seymour, who pines for co-worker Audrey. During a total eclipse, he discovers an unusual plant he names Audrey II, which feeds only on human flesh and blood.

The growing plant attracts a great deal of business for the previously struggling store. After Seymour feeds Audrey’s boyfriend, Orin, to the plant after Orin’s accidental death, he must come up with more bodies for the increasingly bloodthirsty plant.

“I have so enjoyed watching the students grow throughout this process,” Silverman said. “This show has been a tremendous undertaking for the department, especially coming back from the challenges of the past 18 months.”

A director of both musical theater and opera productions, Silverman has traveled the country working with some of the industry’s top directors and performers.

He has extensive experience with new works that engage with today’s social and political issues. Silverman also specializes in crossover work, blending the lines between musical theater and opera.

“Little Shop of Horrors” cast members include Lexi Cerny, Machiah Davis, Lacey Farina, Trinity Thomas, Tommy DeLuca, Elise Vargo, Samantha Gurd, Adam Dominick, Kyle Hudson, Nathanael Montgomery, Rue Deja, Minnie Dischert, Mallory Erhart and Meredith Pallo.

The production will include live music by the Musical Theatre Ensemble, conducted by Kent Engelhardt. Members include Alex Foose, Maria Mangine, Mason Tribelo, Noah Landry, Mike Miller, Devin Zerjav, Jo’El Harrison, and Owen Davis.

Pictured: Tommy DeLuca, Adam Dominick, Samantha Gurd and Nathanael Montgomery star in University Theatre’s “Little Shop of Horrors.”

Copyright 2024 The Business Journal, Youngstown, Ohio.