Production celebrates 40th anniversary of classic
The University of Central Arkansas presents “Little Shop of Horrors” at the Bridges-Larson Theatre in Snow Fine Arts April 20-22, at 7:30 p.m., and April 23 at 2 p.m.
General admission tickets are $10. Tickets may be purchased online at uca.universitytickets.com, at the Reynolds Box Office Monday through Friday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m., or by calling UCA Ticket Central by phone at (501)-450-3265 or toll-free at (866)-810-0012.
The presentation of the horror-rock musical takes place on the production’s 40th anniversary. UCA theatre’s production is directed by Associate Professor Chris Fritzges, with a cast of students majoring in theatre and music.
“I would describe our production as a pulpy, science fiction B-movie with a noir feel,” said Fritzges. “Above all else, we have focused on giving heart to the characters and stories without it becoming camp.”
“Little Shop of Horrors,” a multigenerational fan favorite, is one of the longest-running off-Broadway shows. The stage musical, originally produced in 1982 with book and lyrics by Howard Ashman and music by Alan Menken, was inspired by the 1960 Roger Corman film of the same name, starring Jack Nicholson. The musical spawned the cult classic 1986 film starring Rick Moranis and Steve Martin.
Seymour Krelborn is a down-on-his-luck, poor floral assistant who is hopelessly in love with his beautiful co-worker, Audrey. When Seymour happens upon a mysterious plant and adoringly names the plant Audrey II, his life is suddenly transformed. Unfortunately, the plant has an unquenchable thirst for something more viscous than water.
UCA offers a bachelor’s degree in theatre, and the program is an accredited institutional member of the National Association of Schools of Theatre. This accreditation assures that the program meets professional standards in theatre education and training as set forth by the association.
This is the first time UCA theatre has produced the musical in the program’s 50-plus year history. UCA students, faculty and staff can receive two complimentary tickets to the show.
