Working Class Theatre, the company that brought you Wizard of Oz last December, is thrilled to be presenting everyone’s favorite comedy-horror-rock musical, Little Shop of Horrors.
Little Shop is that classic, heartwarming holiday tale of a hapless flower shop employee (Travis Webb) and a man-eating plant from outer space (voiced by David Garver, manned by Jim Pollard). You may remember the Frank Oz movie version starring Rick Moranis, Ellen Green, and Steve Martin, among others — and if you’re a fan of the film, you’ll see a lot that you recognize. That said, it’s not a straight adaptation — a fair amount (including the ending!) is different. So leave your expectations at the door, and come prepared to enjoy a tremendously fun theatrical experience.
The 14-member cast is supported by a 5-piece rock and roll band, playing eight-time Academy-Award winner Alan Menken’s fantastic rock/doo-wop/early Motown-inspired score. (Fun fact: Menken also composed the music for such classics as Aladdin, Pocahantas, Little Mermaid, and Newsies, among literally dozens of other award-winning scores.)
You’ll recognize many familiar Taos theatre faces and voices, including the always-spectacular Katy Palmier bringing the heat on some serious gospel vocals, as one-third of the Greek-chorus-style Doo Wop Girls; and the always-unpredictable Kristian Moore giggling his way through the iconic role of the Dentist. But there are plenty of great surprises here as well, from new actors to new musicians to new giant puppets, so make sure you pen the show dates into your holiday-season calendar right away.
The show opens this Thursday and runs December 5, 6, at 7 pm; December 7 at 2 pm and 7 pm; and December 8, 11,12 13 & 14 at 7 pm at the Taos Community Auditorium.
Tickets ($15, $13 TCA Members, $10 18 and under) are on sale at the TCA — call 575-758-2052.
This past Saturday night there was a teaser/preview show out at Taos Mesa Brewing, to raise money for Shared Table. LiveTaos staff photographer Cisco Velarde got some shots of the show. See more at the LiveTaos Facebook page!:
Some show details:
Presented by Working Class Theatre and the TCA; Directed by Ron Usherwood; Music Direction by Rita O’Connell and Max Moulton
The Cast: (in no particular order) Travis Webb, Rita O’Connell, Richard Greywolf, Kristian Moore, David Garver, Katy Palmier, Michelle Moore, Roe Ziccarello, Helen Rynaski, Gina Gargone, Martha Grossman, Ryan Maestas, Kate Martin, and Jim Pollard.
The Band: Max Moulton (drums), Jason Seck (piano), Ryan Beckwith (guitar, bells), Sarah Martinez Beckwith (bass), and Jeremy Jones (saxophone).
(Full disclosure: as you may have noticed, your humble author and LiveTaos editor is in this production. please come Out and support local theatre!)