“Little Shop of Horrors” performance highlights romance and tragedy

Promotional photo for Hesston College production of Little Shop of Horrors - Rehearsal photo: Cast members Daniel Miller (seated), Caroline Miller, Hadassa Friesen and Meg Beyer rehearsing a scene on the set of Little Shop of Horrors.

Hesston College Theatre will demonstrate why you should be careful what you wish for with their spring musical production of “Little Shop of Horrors” from Feb. 28 through March 3. The show is suggested for ages 10 and up. Performances will be held in the Keim Center Black Box Theater at 7 p.m. Thursday through Saturday and 2 p.m. Sunday.

The show centers around a small flower shop on Skid Row that gets taken over by a bloodthirsty alien plant. This award-winning musical will discuss themes of greed and survival while showcasing fun choreography, wicked humor and beloved songs by Alan Menken. Director Celaine Worden is ecstatic to bring this off-broadway hit to the Hesston community.

“For over 30 years this delightful show has been making audiences laugh, scream and consider giving up gardening altogether,” says Worden. “We have a talented cast of students, faculty, staff and alumni excited to bring this story to life.”

The cast includes Hesston College students Caroline Miller, Meg Beyer, Hadassa Friesen, Desirae Rodriguez, Daniel Miller, Charlie Miller, Josh Fleming, Alyssa Coonce, Ashleigh Williams and Jamie Krehbiel; Hesston College employees Del Hershberger and Jose Gloria; and community member Mitchell Stutzman. The musical ensemble will consist of Fleming, Coonce, Williams, Krehbiel and Gloria as well as student Lily Corkill and faculty member Michele Hershberger. Faculty members Holly Swartzendruber and Ken Rodgers will assist with the production, as the music director and pit director respectively. Community member Scott Steinert will fill the technical director role for the show. As a special treat, the Bel Canto Singers will join the cast in the musical’s opening number.

Ticket prices are $5 for students and $12 for adults and seniors. Tickets can be purchased in advance through the Hesston College Bookstore or by phone at 620-327-8104.