Theatre--Performances

Little Shop of Horrors, the Broadway and movie hit, will be presented by the Iberia Performing Arts League opening Friday, February 29th and running Thursday, Fridays, Saturdays and Sundays thru March 16. The production is directed by Donald “Doc” Voorhies, and stars Evan Melancon (Seymour), Kim Monroe (Audrey), Michael Caffery, Sr. (Mushnik), Brett Leblanc (Orin) and Michael Parich, Sr. (Voice of Audrey II). Performances will be in the Essanee Theater, IPAL’s Art Deco home. Ticket or other information can be obtained by calling the theater at 364-6114 or by e-mailing littleshop@cox.net . All seats are reserved and are $10 in advance and $15 at the door. The show is not recommended for children 12 or under due to mild violence and language. Strobe and other special effects will be used.

Little Shop of Horrors concerns a down-and-out florist assistant, Seymour, who becomes an overnight sensation when he discovers an exotic plant. The plant, unfortunately has rather odd food requirements. In the course of the musical Seymour meets his love, Audrey, and contends with Orin the Dentist, Mushnik, his very “New York” boss, a Greek Chorus of girls vaguely reminiscent of the “Girl Groups” of the early 60’s, and the sordid and assorted customers and residents of “Skid Row.” Based on the low-budget cult film by Roger Corman, Little Shop of Horrors satirizes the 1950’s “B” Science Fiction movies (e.g., The Attack of the Killer Tomatoes) and as part of its performance tradition gives a jab at other Broadway musicals along the way.


The musical score is highly nostalgic in the style of the 1950’s. The musical score, composed by Menken in the style of 1960's rock and roll, doo-wop and early Motown, includes several traditional Broadway show-stoppers including "Skid Row (Downtown)," "Somewhere That's Green," and "Suddenly Seymour," as well as the title song. Performance is accompanied by a “Pit Band” of percussion, keyboards, and guitars rather than a traditional orchestra. IPAL’s production will use an expanded cast, a very unique set and authentic costuming.

According to director, Donald Voorhies, “This show has been fun from the very first staff meeting, to the tryouts, to rehearsals. We have a great cast and band and know that the audiences will enjoy the fun, memories, and humor of the production. The plot is outlandish, but the laughs and emotions are real! Everyone from grandma, who was teenager in the 50’s, to the teenagers will enjoy the show.”